A number of times, automakers and their dealerships deliver cars that have manufacturing defects. Now, what used to happen earlier was that customers tried to ask dealerships for help. However, in many cases, the dealerships would blame the customers and avoid addressing the issues. However, things have changed; now, special consumer courts provide quick decisions in such cases. Recently, the Bengaluru Urban District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission directed a Hyundai dealership and Hyundai Motor India Limited to pay compensation of Rs. 2.25 lakh to a customer who bought an i20 hatchback with a faulty Apple CarPlay system.
According to reports, the Bengaluru Urban District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, in its statement, ruled that Blue Hyundai, a dealership in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and Hyundai India should pay their customer a hefty sum. Both of them were asked to pay Rs 2 lakh as compensation and Rs 25,000 as litigation charges to Swati Agarwal. Also Read: Hyundai i20 on wrong side hits Tata Nexon and topples it: All passengers safe [Video]
They were asked to comply because they delivered a Hyundai i20 with a defective Apple CarPlay system to Swati. As per the report, Swati first noticed the flaws in the wireless Apple CarPlay system within a month of purchasing her Hyundai i20 in March 2021.
The complainant stated that the Apple CarPlay system showed erratic behavior where it randomly disconnected and caused disruptions in navigation and phone calls. Swati, in her complaint, mentioned that despite multiple visits to the workshop, the issue remained unresolved. Following this, there were a number of false promises from the dealership, after which she decided to file a case against the Hyundai dealership and the company.
Court’s Verdict

Following the announcement of the payment that had to be made by the company and dealership to Swati, it was also directed that she takes her vehicle back from the workshop. The court added that Blue Hyundai and Hyundai Motor India Limited will have to replace the faulty Apple CarPlay system with the upgraded version. It was also mentioned that the upgraded system should be compatible with iOS-based phones, and it must be accompanied by the car in good working condition within 60 days from the date of the order.
Consequences
The Bengaluru Urban District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission added that failure to comply will result in the obligation to replace the entire car with a new one, featuring an Apple CarPlay system that seamlessly connects with iOS devices.
Why did the Commission rule in favor of Swati?

The commission’s ruling was in favor of Swati because only considering the running condition of the car alone as an indicator of its perfection is wrong. The court recognized that additional features, such as the Apple CarPlay system, play a crucial role in ensuring the convenience and overall quality of the driving experience. The court highlighted that the non-functioning CarPlay system adversely affects the vehicle’s functionality, and thus, the dealers and service providers cannot claim the car is in perfect condition solely based on its ability to move.
Additionally, the commission also expressed their discontentment with the dealer and manufacturer. The commission highlighted that their failure to provide proper guidance to Swati regarding the Apple CarPlay system’s manufacturer and rectify the defect promptly was very unprofessional. Also, the delay in addressing the issue, coupled with false promises made to consumers, was deemed as negligence on their part.