Hyundai and Kia are facing a class action lawsuit representing owners and lessees of certain vehicle models claiming the automakers misled customers about vehicle safety and did not adequately compensate for recall repairs. The lawsuit covers various engine, fire, and theft-related defects.
Background of the Hyundai Kia Class Action
The class action was originally filed in 2021 alleging Hyundai and Kia concealed safety issues from consumers. It has since been amended to consolidate numerous complaints regarding millions of vehicles sold or leased since 2011.
The plaintiffs argue Hyundai and Kia were aware of but did not disclose defects causing engine failures, electrical fires, and easy theft due to design flaws leaving vehicles vulnerable to break-ins. The lawsuit demands compensation for recall delays and losses.
Details of the Claims Against Hyundai and Kia
The allegations against Hyundai and Kia include:
- Hiding known engine defect that can lead to stalling, fires, and engine damage
- Misleading marketing about engine safety, performance, and lifespan
- Not implementing recalls in a timely manner
- Providing inadequate repair solutions that fail to completely rectify defects
- Refusing to provide adequate warranty coverage or compensation for out-of-pocket losses to owners and lessees
- Failing to install anti-theft immobilizers in many models leading to rampant theft
- High vehicle recall rates relative to other automakers indicating systemic issues
The lawsuit aims to hold the automakers accountable for their actions and achieve maximum compensation for class members impacted by the alleged defects and delays.
How to Join Kia Theft Class Action Lawsuit
To join the lawsuits related to the rise in Kia and Hyundai vehicle thefts, class members must have purchased or leased an affected 2011-2021 model that lacks an immobilizer anti-theft system.
Eligible models include:
- Kia Sportage 2011-2021
- Kia Optima 2012-2021
- Hyundai Sonata 2015-2021
Check the list of VINs to confirm eligibility. Consult the law firms leading the litigation and provide your vehicle information via their online portal to enroll in the action.
How to Join Class Action Lawsuit Against Kia
For the claims related to excessive oil consumption in certain Kia models with Theta II engines, eligible class vehicles include:
- Kia Sportage 2011-2014
- Kia Sorento 2011-2014
- Kia Optima 2011-2014
To join, enter your VIN in the checker tool on the lawsuit website. If confirmed as eligible, submit your contact and ownership details to sign up for the lawsuit.
Kia Oil Consumption Class Action Lawsuit
This part of the litigation covers 2011-2014 Kia models with 2.4L and 2.0L Theta II gasoline direct injection engines that are alleged to have an oil consumption defect leading to premature engine damage or failure.
The complaint claims Kia was aware of the design flaw causing excessive oil use but did not implement adequate fixes while denying valid warranty claims. Plaintiffs seek compensation for out-of-pocket repair costs.
Kia Lawsuit Settlement
Litigation is ongoing against Kia and Hyundai, so there is no settlement or resolution yet. The lawsuits seek maximum compensation for millions of class members. Based on the scope, consumer losses, and will to fight shown, potential settlement values could be substantial.
Settlements would provide cash payments, refunds for repairs, rebates, warranty extensions, and reimbursements for related losses – similar to benefits achieved in the TikTok Class Action Lawsuit settlement. Any class member who registers on time would be eligible for relief.
Kia Class Action Lawsuit Update
The Hyundai and Kia class litigation consolidated hundreds of lawsuits from 2021 and 2022 into a mega-complaint filed with the New Jersey federal court overseeing the multidistrict litigation.
As of late 2022, the automakers have filed motions to dismiss arguing there are no grounds for class certification and federal jurisdiction. The judge recently denied most of their dismissal requests allowing the bulk of claims to proceed.
Plaintiffs are currently preparing an amended consolidated complaint containing updated allegations and class definitions. Further case updates will be provided on the lawsuit website as they become available.
Kia Class Action Lawsuit 2023
In 2023, pending court approval, the Kia and Hyundai class action is expected to move into the discovery phase where evidence gathering and depositions will occur.
This will include investigations into records related to the automakers’ knowledge of defects, recall responses, warranty claim handling, vehicle marketing, and internal communications.
Consumers who may be eligible for the class action can continue registering in 2023 while the case progresses. Any proposed settlements or resolutions would come earliest by late 2023 based on typical timelines.
How to Join Kia Class Action Lawsuit 2022
To sign up for the lawsuits in 2022, owners or lessees of affected Kia and Hyundai vehicles can consult the main consumer protection law firms appointed as lead counsel and provide their VIN, contact info, and ownership details through their website.
No documentation is required to initially register as a potential class member in the lawsuits. Formal claims would be submitted later if a settlement is reached.
There is no cost or obligation to joining the Kia Hyundai consumer class action – attorneys take cases on contingency.
FAQs
Q: What compensation is available in the lawsuit?
A: The lawsuits seek monetary damages, refunds for repairs, rebates, and other relief. Settlement values could be substantial based on the scope.
Q: Does the lawsuit cover used Kia or Hyundai cars?
A: Yes, the proposed class definitions cover both new and used owners/lessees of eligible models.
Q: Can I still join if I sold my car?
A: Yes, former owners are covered for losses incurred while they owned or leased an affected vehicle.
Q: I have a defective Kia. Is it too late to join?
A: No, the litigation is still ongoing so you can still sign up as a class member.
Q: Who are the law firms representing consumers?
A: Large consumer protection firms like Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy LLP and Zimmerman Reed LLP.
Q: Will the automakers go bankrupt because of the lawsuit?
A: Unlikely – the goal is fair compensation, not to bankrupt the companies.
Q: How long will the lawsuit take?
A: Major class actions often take 2-3+ years from filing to resolution.
Q: What are the claims in the Kia Hyundai lawsuit?
A: Mainly defects, recalls, concealment of issues, misleading marketing, warranty denial.
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