Hyundai Drops 3-Year Free Maintenance For New Cars Because It’s Too Costly
Buyers who want the free maintenance plan would be wise to get a 2025 MY Hyundai while they still can
https://www.carscoops.com/author/bradcarscoops-com/
by Brad Anderson
Hyundai’s free maintenance program ends with 2025 models, transitioning to pre-paid plans.
The complimentary service covered oil changes, filters, tire rotations, and inspections.
Two pre-paid maintenance tiers will be available, called Basic and Scheduled Maintenance.
For anyone still clinging to the dream of automakers tossing in a few freebies with your new car, here’s another nail in that slowly sealing coffin. Hyundai is ending the complimentary three-year maintenance program it’s been offering with new vehicles in the United States.
Originally introduced for the 2020 model year, the program will not continue with 2026 models, as the company pivots toward paid maintenance plans instead.
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The current free program covers three years or 36,000 miles, offering oil changes, oil filters, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections at no extra cost. It’s been a useful tool for easing buyers into ownership without the early maintenance worries, but that benefit is on the chopping block. According to a bulletin recently sent to dealers, Hyundai claims “the cost of the program grew to unsupportable levels” and that it will be discontinued.
Carscoops reached out to Hyundai, seeking additional information. According to the bulletin, “Hyundai has determined a new approach is necessary and will not be offering the HCM Program for model year 2026 and beyond.”
Importantly, the free maintenance program still applies to current 2025MY vehicles, so anyone eager to enjoy free maintenance would be wise to shop for a 2025 model before it’s too late. Hyundai will continue to support all existing models purchased with the free plan until the three years are up.
What’s Replacing It?
According to CarsDirect, Hyundai plans to launch a new Pre-Paid Maintenance Program in place of the current offer. It will come in two tiers: Pre-Paid Basic Maintenance and Pre-Paid Scheduled Maintenance. The former includes oil changes and tire rotations, while the latter expands to cover all service items listed in the owner’s manual.
Read: A Sedan Was Hyundai’s Second Best Seller In Q1
Hyundai will offer customers a discount if they buy one of the plans, but pricing details for each will be announced at a later date. For the brand, the program will guarantee dealerships and service centers consistent work and keep owners loyal rather than having vehicles serviced at third-party facilities.
