Kia has long been a popular choice among automobile owners looking for vehicles with high-quality designs and specifications at reasonable pricing. However, a recent class action Kia Class Action Lawsuit has raised concerns about the safety and security of several Kia models.
This article provides comprehensive information about the settlement, including how to file a claim for compensation and the eligibility criteria for receiving a payout.
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Kia Class Action Lawsuit
Kia, a leading global car manufacturer, achieved record-breaking sales in the US in 2021, surpassing 700,000 vehicles. However, despite this remarkable success, Kia America is facing a Kia Class Action Lawsuit: Know Amount, Claim Process & Eligibility Criteria. The lawsuit alleges that Kia vehicles contain significant security vulnerabilities, making them prone to theft. This issue garnered significant attention thanks to national media coverage and viral social media challenges, particularly on Tik Tok, which showcased how easily these cars could be stolen.
The lawsuit centers on the absence of an engine immobilizer in numerous Kia models—a crucial security feature designed to prevent a vehicle from starting without the correct key. This omission has resulted in a significant increase in car thefts, leading to legal action against Kia.
Settlement Recipients
The settlement payment is available to individuals who bought a Kia vehicle from the 2021/22 model year, as well as other specific models covered by the lawsuit during the designated period. Kia will not be held responsible for any thefts that occur outside the specified timeframe. Although the exact payment dates have not been announced yet, we will provide updates as soon as official information becomes available.
Payment Details
The Kia settlement, valued between $80 million and $145 million, is designed to compensate affected customers. Initially filed in Iowa, the lawsuit has since broadened to include other states, with legal representatives pushing for a nationwide class action.
| Date | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1 July 2024 | Lincoln, NE | Police investigate Kia and Hyundai theft attempts. |
| 1 June 2024 | California & other states | Seek a recall of Hyundai and Kia vehicles due to theft concerns. |
| 1 April 2024 | National | Automotive safety experts call for increased federal regulations to address Kia theft issues. |
| 1 March 2024 | Newark, NJ | Joins lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia over vehicle anti-theft technology. |
| 1 February 2024 | Los Angeles, CA | LAPD reports a significant rise in Kia thefts linked to a TikTok challenge. |
| 1 January 2024 | Seattle, WA | City Council considers resolution for recalls due to thefts, reports show a 363% increase in Kia thefts and a 50% increase in Hyundai thefts from 2021 to 2022. |
| 1 December 2023 | Louisville, KY | Hyundai and Kia thefts surge. |
| 1 November 2023 | Chicago, IL | Sees a record number of Kia and Hyundai thefts. |
| 1 October 2023 | National | Hyundai and Kia recall nearly 3.4 million vehicles in America due to fire risks, including models like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento from 2010 to 2019. |
Additional Information
- 2015: Fuccillo Automotive Group agreed to a $1.6 million settlement to resolve allegations of selling illegal theft protection packages in New York.
- May 2021: A lawsuit was filed regarding a seat design flaw in recent Kia Soul models, which affects access to the seatbelt.
- 2021 Class Action: A class action lawsuit targeted Kia’s defective “Theta” engines found in models such as the Kia Sorento, Sportage, and Optima from 2011 to 2018.
- Ongoing Lawsuits: There are ongoing legal actions alleging oil consumption issues in various Kia models equipped with different engines, including Theta, Gamma, Lambda, Nu, and Kappa.
FAQS
1. Will I need to provide evidence of the defect or repair?
Yes, you may need to provide evidence such as repair records, invoices, or photos showing the defect. This helps substantiate your claim and verify that your vehicle experienced the issues described in the lawsuit.
2. Can I join the lawsuit if I have already paid for repairs or replacements?
Yes, if you have already paid for repairs or replacements related to the defect, you may still be eligible for compensation. Ensure you provide all relevant documentation to support your claim.
