Werner Hyundai — Local services in Tallahassee

This is my 1st time ever writing a bad review and unfortunately our experience with their Service Department was actually that bad and they have been awful to work with. DO NOT RECOMMEND!!! Keep in mind, I am 9 months pregnant and could be going into labor any day. We were under the impression this would be a one day fix. My husband took our car in for a diagnostics check to see why some of our dashboard lights were on- we had an appt at 9:30am and it took 3 hours just to run the diagnostic test. Then we were told all of the issues- which we approved to have fixed and were told they had all the parts to fix it that day. So my husband spent his entire day waiting around only to be told at 4pm that they actually did not have the part to fix it that day. We live in Monticello and they apparently didn't have a loaner to provide and instead sent him home in a Lyft, saying that one would come get him the next day when the car was ready. Didn't get a phone call until 4pm the next day that the car was ready, only for a Lyft to be unavailable to drive all the way to the east side of Monticello to pick him up. I talked to two different service people to let them know we needed a shuttle or someone to come pick him up because Lyft kept denying their request for someone to pick us up. I had to spend over an hour on the phone/waiting on hold/leaving voicemails that never get returned until a service member, Trey, finally sent someone to come pick my husband up at 6:30pm. I expressed to him our frustration with this process and he apologized and said they would fill up our gas tank as a courtesy...which never happened. My husband picks up the car and the check engine light and another dashboard light is still on? Service is already closed for the day so now my husband has to take it back up there the next day to see what is unresolved. We had not paid our bill yet because there are still engine lights on so we are not satisfied that the car has been serviced appropriately and also no one was there in Service to talk with when my husband picked up the car. Instead of Hyundai calling us the next day to check in and either remind us to pay the bill or see why we hadn't paid it yet- they send threatening text messages saying if we don't pay the bill they are going to repossess our car....we own the car outright and didn't even buy it from this dealership so they can't repossess it. To summarize the ending, my husband has to drive back to Tallahassee TWO other times, finally gets a service manager to agree to look at it and then when my husband has to drive back again today there's apparently two other issues that are going to cost +$1500 to fix. WHY wasn't this caught on the original diagnostics??? and there's no telling how many more days it would take for them to fix it at this point so we are out. No offer to discount the bill for the massive inconvenience this has become, no follow through on the offer to fill up our tank, and not a single returned voicemail. We have paid our bill and will NEVER be back. *someone should let the sales team know that service has cost them a sale (and likely not for the first time)....we are in the market for a bigger car with our growing family and will never buy a Hyundai again as this is the service center we would have...

PART FOUR REVIEW This is a Google Review of Werner Hyundai’s Tafari Redd and the beyond helpful consideration we received for servicing our 2023 Hyundai Palisades Calligraphy, Monday afternoon. I was notified by telephone the previous week by Service Writer, Tafari Redd that our Palisades was due for a basic oil change and service, including tire rotation. He asked when it would be convenient to bring the vehicle in and promised to work around our schedule to accomplish the above. To me it illustrates a commitment to loyal customer service and keeps us further loyal to the Hyundai brand and Werner. Tafari continues to demonstrate excellence in customer service and people skills, that warrants us to return again and again, for exceptional treatment.

PART THREE - JAY ETIENNE The Mather’s gave to our grandson a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz and realized that was a silly move, as we really did need a second car! So off to our favorite dealership at Werner Hyundai we traveled. Immediately after stepping out of our vehicle we were met by an incredible bundle of energy in one, Jernir “Jay” Etienne! Not only is he exceptionally personable, he’s smart and truly caring. Traits that "car guys,” work a lifetime to tirelessly achieve. Jay initally found us a serviceable used ‘21 Hyundai Tucson with low miles, at a price that agreed with my wallet. Additionally, Jay than put a thought into my head, that maybe a leasing option might be more affordable, without the potential problems of “maybe” inheriting someone else’s whoops! I listened to my newest “car consultant,” and decided to leased a 2025 Hyundai Tucson, that my wife and dog initally love. Jay made the process very simple, demonstrated incredible patience in answering questions and was always available on his phone for each and every issue. Jay introduced me to Werner’s finance manager, in Watts Waddington and the rest is history. Harry the dog and Mrs. Mather are now out exploring the countryside in their new Tucson, all thanks to Jay Etienne!

Very pleased to submit a FIFTH review regarding Werner Hyundai and our favorite service writer, Tafari Redd! Today's adventure was a non starter! It was time to do basic maintenance, oil change, tire rotation and filters. I called Tafari who, as usual, was most accommodating in arranging an appointment for service. He met me in the parking area, inspected my vehicle for discernible flaws (which there were none) and off to services it went. In a most personable way he asked about the our Palisades and its drive-ability and how happy we are with it. We are most happy with its looks, performance and features. We have a small issue with the remote door opening on the drivers side and a new handle Tafari immediately ordered for us. One hour later, I was getting into a very clean car, completely serviced and out the door. Tafari thanked me for my business and promised to call within the week to schedule my door handle replacement. Exceptionally happy with Werner Hyundai and...

Update: 11 September 2025

Completed the purchase of a new vehicle from Werner today. Jay and Major were a pleasure to work with.

I have put back the missing fifth star after this purchase experience. The fact I am buying again should be a definitive indication of my opinion of the dealership and the brand.

This is the fifth Hyundai/Kia vehicle I've owned over the last 25 years. Kia Sephia, Sedona, and Amanti. Then Hyundai Santa Fe and Sonata. Quality vehicles, outstanding warranty, and great people at their Tallahassee operations (over two dealerships and at least two owners of each). I think this speaks well to the oversight the parent corporation maintains over its franchises.

Again, my thanks to Jay Etienne and Major Lowe. Werner and their team in Tallahassee has my highest endorsement.

In a bizarre sequence of events, yesterday my invitation to review was received about 30 minutes before the email that told me my vehicle repair was complete. I have restored my rating to four stars, pending my review of the work. Six months is excessive by any standard, but one failure to deliver the expected level of service must be taken in the context of six years of quality service. Updates will follow.

--- Yesterday's Comments ---

I received an invitation from Werner Hyundai to offer a review. Sadly, at this time (subject to revision) I must drastically revise my opinion.

More than six months ago, my Hyundai Santa Fe had an engine failure. For six months I have received no updates except when I would inquire (i.e., they never reached out to me with information or updates). Then I received conflicting information explaining the delay. And I still don't have my car.

Hyundai has provided a rental vehicle during this time. But that has meant that I have had to do all the driving as rentals cannot be driven by those under 25, as both my children are. And the utility of a Chevy Malibu (the vehicle provided without alternative) is hardly that of a full-sized Santa Fe.

I still have no idea as to when my vehicle will be repaired. I understand that Covid restrictions may result in some delays, but more than six months? To say I am disappointed is an understatement.

--- Previous Review Follows --- --- was five (5) stars

Top notch product. Outstanding staff. And a great facility. My contacts with their service department have all been handled with courtesy and professionalism. When I wear out my Santa Fe, I will purchase my next...