In October, a California Elantra N owner was stopped by an officer who claimed the car was “backfiring.” However, it was just the stock exhaust’s burble tune. The situation escalated when the cop threatened a $7,000 fine for removing the “track” gear and mentioned possible registration suspension. Reports indicate that Hyundai North America is now intervening to help prove the car’s sound was legitimate.
The driver shared a dashcam clip of the incident on Reddit, highlighting the tense exchange. The officer questioned if the vehicle was in “track mode,” to which the driver responded affirmatively (known as “N” mode). Despite its factory setup, the cop claimed dealerships should inform customers that such modes are not road legal.
Afterward, the Elantra N failed a noise examination by hitting 102 decibels, surpassing the 95 dB legal threshold. Following the failed test, the owner visited a Hyundai dealership where they suggested a temporary muffler silencer to pass inspection. Although initially considering selling the vehicle with an offer from Carvana, the owner’s plans have since shifted.
The driver, known as OkCandidate103 on Reddit, mentioned that Hyundai retrieved the car about a month earlier, taking it to the HATCI (Hyundai American Technical Center Inc.) and providing a hybrid loaner in the meantime. The owner is still in possession of the hybrid loaner, continuing payments for the Elantra N. Hyundai offered a $500 compensation, though it falls short of covering monthly payments during this ordeal. Allegedly, Hyundai affirmed the car’s compliance weeks ago.
OkCandidate103 enlisted legal representation and has a court appointment set for February 23. Despite a possible resolution on the horizon, two additional payments are required to retain the Elantra N. The owner plans to update the Reddit community once the matter concludes.
We’ve contacted Hyundai for a statement and will provide an update when available.
Got advice? Share it at tips@thedrive.com