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Questionable Auto Service Claim: 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 with Minor Mileage Requiring Expensive Alignment service; No Evident Tire Wear or Pulling, Raising Possible Scam Concerns.

Car owner wary of potentially unnecessary alignment suggestion by Hyundai Ioniq 5 dealer seeks trust assurance and guidance on assessing genuine need for alignment.

Is it questionable if a required $150 alignment for a 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 with only 10,500 miles,...
Is it questionable if a required $150 alignment for a 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 with only 10,500 miles, showing no signs of abnormal tire wear or pulling, might be a scam from the dealership?

Questionable Auto Service Claim: 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 with Minor Mileage Requiring Expensive Alignment service; No Evident Tire Wear or Pulling, Raising Possible Scam Concerns.

In a recent development, some Hyundai Ioniq 5 owners have reported similar experiences of dealerships recommending wheel alignments without clear reasons. One such owner, who brought their 2024 Ioniq 5 model to a Hyundai dealership with 10,500 miles on it, was met with a recommendation for a wheel alignment and a quoted price of $150.

However, the owner refused the service, as there was no evidence of abnormal tire wear, the vehicle did not pull to either side, and it was relatively new. The owner's car was inspected without a thorough examination before the alignment recommendation, leading to skepticism about the need for the service. Some experts advise against doing the alignment and switching service centers.

John Goreham, an expert vehicle tester and Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association, offers unfiltered opinions on vehicle topics. With a background in electric vehicles, high-tech, biopharma, and the automotive supply chain, Goreham has published thousands of articles and reviews at American news outlets. His work can be found on LinkedIn, his personal X channel, and Torque News.

Goreham, who is also a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), expressed his concerns about the possibility of this being a money-grabbing tactic. He emphasized that any authorized Hyundai service center can perform a 4-wheel alignment on a Hyundai Ioniq 5 regardless of mileage, including at 10,500 miles, as this is a standard maintenance procedure. Such service is common to ensure proper vehicle handling and tire wear.

It's important to note that the Hyundai warranty includes "Adjustments for 1 year/12,000 miles," which might have made the Ioniq 5 in question within the warranty period for alignment adjustments. However, the dealership's alignment recommendation might have been a tactic to generate more revenue, as many vehicle dealers install automatic alignment checkers for this purpose.

In conclusion, while routine wheel alignments are essential for maintaining the longevity and performance of a vehicle, it's crucial for owners to be vigilant and ensure that any recommended services are necessary and not just a revenue-generating tactic. It's always advisable to seek a second opinion if doubts arise.

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