Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone embroiled in Hyundai vehicle complaint

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Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone are facing legal scrutiny after being named in a First Information Report (FIR) filed in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, over allegations of endorsing a defective Hyundai vehicle.

According to Times of India, the FIR also names Hyundai Motor India executives, including managing director Unsoo Kim, alongside whole-time director and COO Tarun Garg, as well as several showroom owners.

The case stems from a complaint filed by advocate Kirti Singh that he purchased the car in 2022, according to The Economic Times. Singh claimed he was influenced by celebrity endorsements and assurances from the dealership that the vehicle would be completely “trouble-free”. Within a few months, however, he reportedly said the car started showing multiple technical issues.

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According to Singh, the vehicle often failed to pick up speed while overtaking, the odometer regularly displayed malfunction warnings, and the car vibrated and made strange noises at high speeds, creating major safety risks. Singh also reportedly said the car’s issues had caused several near-miss accidents.

Singh said the dealership informed him the car had a manufacturing defect that could not be corrected. Feeling aggrieved, he filed the FIR not only against Hyundai but also against Khan and Padukone, alleging that their involvement in promotional material misled consumers into purchasing a faulty product.

The Economic Times reported that Singh cited the actors’ endorsements as a major factor in his decision to purchase the vehicle and argued that they should be held accountable under consumer protection laws.

In promotional action-packed videos, Khan and Padukone are seen advocating for the car, with words such as “undisputed” and “ultimate” appearing on screen.

"Setting the stage with its undeniable presence, the new Hyundai CRETA stands as the ultimate embodiment of excellence. From its meticulously crafted design to its commanding stance and signature sportiness, every detail is crafted to perfection," Hyundai India said in a YouTube caption.

Khan and Padukone have yet to comment publicly on the allegations or the FIR filed against them.

Hyundai has faced regulatory scrutiny before over misleading claims. In 2023, the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned campaigns by both Toyota and Hyundai for exaggerating the charging speed of their electric cars and misleading consumers about the availability of rapid-charging points. In Hyundai’s case, three ads for its IONIQ 5 electric vehicle were flagged.

A digital billboard in London’s Piccadilly Circus stated the car could charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes using a 350kW charger. A YouTube video featuring Chelsea FC footballers repeated the claim, while a marketing brochure on Hyundai’s website echoed the same message. The ASA ruled that the ads were misleading, citing limitations in achieving the advertised charging rates under real-world conditions.

Hyundai responded by highlighting its investment in electric vehicle development and promotion, acknowledging that charging barriers remained and that charge time was a key concern for consumers. The company said the ads were intended to inform consumers about the IONIQ 5’s performance capabilities and to address concerns about charge times on longer journeys.

Photo courtesy of Satchith Paulose, Youtube.

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