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-   -   Review: Hyundai Creta (1st-gen) (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-drives-initial-ownership-reports/167370-review-hyundai-creta-1st-gen-175.html)

So couple weeks ago, my friend was out with family in his 3-year old Creta in Trivandrum, when the engine shuts off just like that. He calls me, sends a snap of the dashboard, but nothing off in it. It was a Sunday and takes quite a wait before Hyundai support comes to the rescue.

They say that it happened because the a/c mode was changed (his kid did play with the mode) - but the mode exists to be changed, one would think. Anyway they have it towed to the HASS and the conclusion is that the a/c compressor and condenser have gone bad and need to be changed. Estimate is around 35-40K. :Shockked:

The car is just 3-years old and I am as shocked as he was to know that these could fail in such a new car. Anyway, I ask him to get an opinion from a car a/c shop, who also confirm the HASS diagnosis. So its back to the HASS, who change the parts (took few days to get it after ordering) & repair it.

Interestingly, as a goodwill gesture, Hyundai waived off the 20K cost of the compressor. Interesting, because he didn't really pressure them to do so. So, is this something of a known issue ? I googled around and chanced upon a Hyundai forum where a few guys have had similar failures.

I would suggest you take this up with Hyundai Corporate - it is not done for a car just out of warranty to have a compressor failure. I couldn't digest my Baleno's compressor and condenser fan failing at 14 years (1lakh kms) - so I would be mighty pissed if such failure happens in 2-3 years.

Yes, that's the approx price for the Creta compressor.

How long does the stock battery last?
Mine is a petrol AT, more than 2.5 years old, done around 23k.
When I start it, the PRND backlight dims a decent amount. Is this normal? I never noticed it before.

Don't ask why, but the car has been started with music and ac on alot.

In the petrol, it should last longer, say around 4 years min. My battery lasted 2.5 years (diesel). Did you notice any delay in starting up the car? That's the first sign showing the battery is giving up. I had noticed around 2 secs delay during the final stage.

Do check the life of the battery since it just dies suddenly. Happened to me in a busy mall.

With my diesel Creta, the battery lasted 2.5 years and similar to Naveen, there was a delay in starting the car towards the final stage.

Suddenly my 1.5 years old Creta AC is not functioning properly. Earlier it would cool the car at 22 but now even at Lo mode, it sends out warm air. When the car stops at a signal or is restarted, it chills for a bit and then its just warm air (in both Auto as well as Manual mode). Has anyone faced a similar issue? I will be sending the car to the authorized service station for diagnosis.. Hope nothing major comes up (though the car is in warranty).

Symptoms of low refrigerant. Should not be a major thing unless there is a leak in the system.

I guess that the Creta has a separate condenser fan (apart from the radiator fan). If so, did you check if the fan is running well ? Could check this by having the car parked, engine running and a/c on. If the fan has any issues, this could affect the cooling.

I had this issue with my Baleno's condenser fan. If the fan isn't working, apart from not cooling properly, this puts additional strain on the compressor, leading to premature compressor failure.

The issue did not arise when the service center person drove for around 10 kms. After reaching the service center, the issue did not arise. Also, the refrigerant turned out to be normal. They are now checking the electrical and condenser for issues.

While I don't own a creta, I had faced a similar issue with my elite i20. Turns out it was a common issue with the car and the following can be the reasons

1. AC Thermistor Replacement
2. AC valve replacement
3. Gas Re-fill

In my car this issue came up only on long drives when tbe AC was continuously running for around 2 to 3 hours. So a short test may not be enough to replicate it. Please take your car on a properly long spin after it comes back to check if the issue is resolved or not.

The car is back - there is no leak or problem with the fans. The issue did not come when the car was at the service centre. As a precaution they refilled the gas. SA has informed that if the issue persists, they will check the coil / condenser and if required, they will replace it under warranty. Thankfully there were no pick up, drop or checking charges.

This exact problem has occurred exactly 5 number of times in the last 5 years with my elite i20 diesel.

Next time you feel that your AC is acting weird; park the car on the side - keep engine running - open bonnet - Check AC Pipes - You'll find ICE (yep!) formation there. Click Pictures!!! n then talk to Hyundai directly via mail before going to the dealership. Just wondering, for out of warranty cars, I dont know what support Hyundai will provide (Mine will be one soon)...

Since your car is only few months away from getting out of warranty, do keep a close look on reappearance of the issue and bring it to their notice as soon as observed. These parts are costly and if done out of warranty, can leave a big dent in your pocket.

Looks like common problem for Hyundai cars though never faced similar issue in Verna which I used for over 3 years. Ice formation!!! Never thought of opening the bonnet. Next time the issue comes up again, will definitely open the bonnet.


I have always had good experience with Hyundai when it comes to warranty. If you have raised this issue even once when the car was in warranty, I think they will honor it.




Two years will get completed in the last week of May. I do have the extended warranty and hopefully this is covered under it. In any case I have raised an issue before expiration of warranty and knowing Hyundai, they wont make a fuss about it. Thanks for cautioning.

I recently faced the same issue in my 3.5 year old Creta. Unfortunately by the time this happened my car was out of warranty.

So i took it to a FnG and found out that the compressor, condenser and cooling coil needed to be replaced.

Never understood why the AC components fail prematurely in Hyundai’s cars. The exact same thing happened with my Grand i10 also when it was about 3 years old.

Just so that you are aware and can do better with this issue when it next time arises, I have come to realise with my past experiences (with help of Hyundai Service Advisors), the culprit in this whole system is the 'Expansion Valve' which needs to be replaced.