Kia Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Defective Sliding Doors in Carnival Minivans

Background of the Lawsuit

Kia Motors is currently facing a class action lawsuit in the United States concerning the sliding doors of its 2022 and 2023 Carnival minivans. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, alleges that the automatic sliding doors are equipped with defective pinch sensors that fail to detect obstacles, posing a significant risk of injury to passengers. This legal action follows multiple reports of injuries, including cases where individuals suffered broken arms and fractured thumbs due to the doors closing unexpectedly. 

Which Models Are Affected?

The lawsuit specifically targets the 2022 and 2023 Kia Carnival models. Owners have reported that the pinch sensors on these vehicles’ sliding doors do not consistently detect obstacles, leading to situations where the doors close on passengers. Despite a recall issued by Kia in April 2023, which involved a software update to slow the door’s closing speed and add warning chimes, plaintiffs argue that these measures were insufficient and did not address the core issue of the pinch sensor’s sensitivity. 

What Kia Owners Should Know

Owners of the affected Kia Carnival models should be aware of the potential safety risks associated with the sliding doors. The class action lawsuit contends that Kia breached both express and implied warranties by failing to adequately address the defect. Plaintiffs are seeking damages, interest, and coverage of legal fees, arguing that many customers would not have purchased the Carnival had they been aware of the defect or would have paid less for the vehicle. 

Conclusion

The allegations against Kia regarding the defective sliding doors in the 2022 and 2023 Carnival minivans highlight significant safety concerns. Owners of these models should stay informed about the lawsuit’s progress and consider their options, including potential participation in the class action or pursuing individual legal action to address any injuries or damages incurred.

How Kia Owners Can Take Back Control

While this class action lawsuit has been initiated, thousands of Kia owners are likely affected by the same alleged door defect, with many expressing dissatisfaction over Kia’s inadequate solutions. These types of issues often lead to escalated legal action, highlighting the importance of protecting consumer rights.

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About the Author
Sepehr Daghighian is a partner with CCA that is well-versed in all aspects of lemon-law litigation. A 2005 graduate of Loyola Law School, Mr. Daghighian has been practicing litigation throughout the state of California for over 13-years. In this time, Mr. Daghighian has advocated on behalf of California consumers in hundreds of lemon law cases throughout our great state. Mr. Daghighian has also successfully tried numerous such cases to verdict in both Federal and State Court.