Category: Hyundai/Kia

In a recent legal development, there has been a class action lawsuit against Hyundai Motor America. The lawsuit revolves around a critical concern: certain Hyundai vehicles have been sold with defective oil pumps, leading to what is described as a “massive fire risk.”

What is the concern and how many vehicles are affected?

The lawsuit, which was filed in a California federal court, suggests that Hyundai Motor America has allegedly sold vehicles with malfunctioning oil pumps. A concern that prompted a recall by Hyundai and its subsidiary, Kia. This recall affected over 90,000 vehicles from both automakers.

The main issue is with the oil pumps in these vehicles. According to the lead plaintiff, these oil pumps contain a controller that is prone to short-circuiting and overheating. This can lead to the oil becoming excessively hot and potentially ignitable. The inherent design flaw in the oil pump system is a significant fire hazard as this class action explains.

The vehicles affected by this issue include the model year 2023-2024 Hyundai Palisade, 2023 Hyundai Tucson, 2023 Hyundai Sonata, 2023 Hyundai Elantra, and 2023 Hyundai Kona.

Hyundai’s Role in the Defect

There is a nationwide class and a South Carolina subclass consisting of consumers who have purchased or leased any of the affected vehicles. The lawsuit further declares that Hyundai knowingly concealed and failed to disclose this oil pump defect to its customers.

The lawsuit has laid out a series of legal charges against Hyundai, including negligence, unjust enrichment, fraud by omission, negligent design defect, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, breach of express warranty, and violations of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Franz has called for a jury trial and is requesting various forms of relief and damages for himself and other class members.

Find Yourself with a Car Defect? The Lemon Firm Is Here to Help

If you struggle with vehicle troubles and feel cornered against big vehicle brands, remember it is always better to have experts with you. With extensive experience and successful cases at hand, The Lemon Firm is your best bet. With the dedicated team members always at your disposal, the package becomes too good to be true. So, if your car is giving you a headache, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Call 833 Lemon Firm and speak with a case analyst today!

Over 2 million vehicle owners have been affected by oil consumption issues prompting a class-action lawsuit against the manufacturers. However, recently an agreement has been made that might relieve the consumers. It means you might be entitled to compensation if you own an affected vehicle. Let’s walk through the details and learn what this implies for you as a Hyundai or Kia owner.

Overview of the Settlement

In 2017, Hyundai and Kia got accused of engine defects in several models that led to fires, as well as engine failure. Subsequently this class action lawsuit was filed. The lawsuit was brought on behalf of over 4 million car owners and the companies agreed to a settlement of $760 million. 

The affected models include:

(Theta II 2.4-liter MPI engine)

• 2010/12 Hyundai Santa Fe
• 2010/13 Hyundai Tucson
• 2010/13 Kia Forte 
• 2010/13 Kia Forte Koup
• 2011/13 Kia Sorento
• 2011/13 Kia Sportage

(Theta II 2.4-liter MPI Hybrid engine)

• 2011/15 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
• 2011/16 Kia Optima Hybrid

(Nu 2.0 GDI engine)

• 2014/21 Hyundai Tucson 
• 2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe 
• 2014/16 Hyundai Elantra 
• 2014/20 Hyundai Elantra GT
• 2014/18 Kia Forte
• 2014/19 Kia Soul

(Nu 2.0 GDI Hybrid engine)

• 2016/19 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid/Plug-In 
• 2017/20 Kia Optima Hybrid/Plug-In 

(Gamma 1.6-liter GDI engine)

• 2012/16 Kia Soul
• 2012/17 Hyundai Veloster 

Key Advantages for the Owners

This settlement includes a 15-year/150,000 Miles extension by Hyundai from the vehicle’s retail date. The settlement benefits to affected car owners include compensation, extended warranty, free inspection and repair services, and a customer care program. The companies will also invest in safety measures and engine defect repairs, such as research and development, to improve safety features and quality control. These measures will ensure that companies are held accountable for future issues and prevent future engine defects.

The Settlement Terms

The settlement terms outline hefty compensation, extended warranty, and free repair services. The compensation amount depends on the extent of damage and the mileage when the vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the companies agreed to create a customer care program to address concerns and issues related to engine defects. 

They will also provide inspection and repair services to affected car owners, which include a software update and an engine inspection. Furthermore, the extended warranty covers the engine short block assembly, long block assembly, and the engine’s internal lubricated parts. 

Compensation for Affected Customers

If Your Car Was Repaired

The Hyundai and Kia settlement will cover expenses incurred at an authorized dealership or third-party repair shop, minus any previous reimbursement. Customers who had their car repaired at a third-party repair shop can claim a $150 goodwill payment. Furthermore, towing and rental car expenses will be reimbursed. You can claim transportation or towing expenses if your car’s engine caught fire or failed. 

If You Replaced Your Car

You can submit a claim for a rebate if your engine failed or caught fire or you sold your Hyundai or Kia and bought a new one from an authorized dealership. The rebate amount (ranging from $1,000 to $2,500) will be the difference between the maximum Black Book value and the amount you received for the sale.

If Your Car Is Not In Use

If you sold or traded your car, you can claim $150 and the amount (Vehicle’s wholesale used-to value minus the amount received in the sale). If you lost your vehicle due to an engine fire caused by the alleged defect, you receive the car’s maximum Black Book value at the time of the loss, minus any value received, and an additional $150 goodwill payment.

If Your Car Incurred Damage

The class action settlement does not cover claims related to injuries and damages, except for damages to the vehicles covered by the settlement. In an otherwise situation, you can still pursue legal action for those claims.

Will This Settlement Set a Precedent?

This settlement could set a precedent for forthcoming cases involving similar issues. If other automakers sell vehicles with defects, they could face similar lawsuits and settlements. Companies might also be more motivated to issue recalls or take corrective actions to address defects. Additionally, they might be more cautious when introducing new technologies or designs, as they could face legal repercussions if found defective.

Bottom Line

As the Hyundai and Kia engine failure settlement comes to a close, this is a significant step in the right direction for the affected owners. Ultimately, this serves as a reminder that safety and reliability must be manufacturers’ top priority.

Opting out of the Hyundai and Kia class action lawsuit before August 7, 2023, could lead to greater compensation, including full reimbursement and punitive damages, through filing an individual lawsuit. This ensures the chance to receive the reimbursement deserved and safeguards lemon law rights. Therefore, connect with our expert Lemon Firm Attorneys to take action before the December 7, 2023, deadline to file a claim. Additionally, opposing the class highlights Hyundai and Kia’s attempt to reduce their responsibility for selling faulty vehicles.

Call our Lemon Law experts at (833) Lemon-firm if you’ve experienced issues with your hybrid or EV. Our experienced attorneys have successfully recovered compensation for clients who were sold vehicles with manufacturer defects.

Hyundai and Kia are facing another lawsuit over allegations of an issue with their anti-lock braking systems can cause system failure while putting the lives of drivers and passengers at risk. In this regard, the current class action was brought forward in response to widespread allegations made by a group of car owners. As a result, they demand compensation for the cost associated with repairing the anti-lock braking system, as well as compensation for damages or accidents. 

ABS Defect Controversy

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a critical safety feature that is usually present in modern vehicles. Although the ABS seems complex, its function is quite simple. It aids in controlling the vehicles in case of emergency conditions. When the brakes are applied, the ABS prevents the wheels from skidding and locking up. However, making it possible to regulate, control, and restrict accidents. There are numerous components of ABS, including wheel speed sensors, the ABS pump, and the control module. However, an ABS defect occurs when there is damage to a vehicle’s ABS.

The ABS defect class action against both companies alleges that there is a failure in the anti-lock braking system of certain cars can cause a loss of braking ability. The plaintiffs accused Hyundai and Kia of selling vehicles equipped with defective ABS systems and failing to address the issue promptly. 

Number of Affected Vehicles

Both automakers have already recalled the vehicles with the ABS defect. In the recall, Hyundai claims to observe the ABS module’s circuit card hindrance where its parts are exposed to humidity. Although the customers expected that these vehicles would be safe to drive on the road, both companies failed to fulfill this expectation. In terms of the number of cars affected by the ABS defect class action, over 130,000 Hyundai vehicles and 58,000 Kia vehicles have been recalled. Following vehicle models are possible opt-outs if they had these issues under the original manufacturers’ warranty:

• 2018-2021 Kia Stinger
• 2019-2021 Hyundai Tucson
• 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson
• 2015-2016 Genesis
• 2017-2020 Genesis G80 

If you want to safeguard your lemon law rights and file an individual lawsuit, this is the time to take action. If you choose to exclude yourself, you must do so before April 3, 2023. We urge you to connect with our expert class-action lawyers to opt out of the class. An individual lawsuit may yield a buyback that could bring you full reimbursement and the possibility of punitive damages. Much larger compensation than the general class member’s extended warranties or minimal settlements can be rewarded. This is just another example of Hyundai and Kia attempting to reduce their responsibility for selling faulty vehicles in the United States and globally. Please get in touch with us today for more information.

Bottom Line

The ABS defect class action against Hyundai and Kia is a major legal battle that has far-reaching implications for the automotive industry and consumers. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of consumers who purchased vehicles with ABS systems that were found to be defective. Nevertheless, the users have been made aware of their rights and the legal options available to them in the event of faulty vehicles. 

Our experienced attorneys have helped several customers recover their compensation for purchasing faulty vehicles. If you also face this issue, call (833) Lemon firm to speak with our Lemon Law expert today.

Why Is Your Hitch Wiring Harness Going Bad? 

Despite how safely you drive, how you wear seatbelts, and how well-maintained your car is, if you don’t care about what’s going on inside the boot or the hitch wiring harness, you’ll never be able to fully-guaranteed about security. Moreover, the wiring harness is just as crucial as fuel pumps, engines, suspension systems, etc. Because they can be burned and broken, causing great damage to the car due to the defects in your system. 

But have you ever thought about the reasons your hitch-wiring harness getting faults? You probably are not! That’s why here are a few reasons to let you signify about the malfunction in the hitch wiring of your vehicle.  

Uneven Braking 

The hitch wire, which connects your car’s electrical system to the trailer, might be faulty for various reasons, including difficulty braking. Due to the length of the wire interconnecting each magnet connection, imbalance braking results in inconsistent braking performance at each wheel as it increases the resistance level. This resistance is frequent in automobiles and eventually becomes the cause of faulty hitch wiring because it causes the trailer to twirl when you apply brakes.

Poor Designs

There are five wires for which the trailer of the car is designed. But imagine! What would happen if the designs were poorly built? Of course, they will affect the hitch wiring harness of your vehicle to a greater extent since connecting the hitch to the trailer will become impossible. That’s why poor designs are also among the reasons for faulty hitch wiring.  

Sub-standard Materials

Not all automakers are that honest to use pure copper to do the wiring of your vehicle’s hitch. Because the copper alloy is mainly used for this purpose, it’s definitely a cheap alternative to high-quality copper, but it’s likely to get overheated and break soon. Thus, some automakers use sub-par materials (copper alloy) while manufacturing automobiles, which eventually becomes the reason for the malfunctioning in hitch wiring. 

The First Recall of Hyundai & KIA over the Malfunctioning Tow Wiring

Hyundai and Kia launched their first recalls, affecting almost two million Hyundai Palisades and thirty thousand Kia Tellurides. The problem is that all these vehicles have defective hitch wiring, which might pose a severe risk to automobile owners. As a result, the automaker stated that dirt and dampness could accumulate on a circuit board in the tow hitch wire, resulting in an electrical short and a burn. As a result, car owners have been urged to keep their vehicles outdoors and away from homes and other constructions until the automotive company has fixed them.

However, the auto firm announcing the recall does not imply that it should be mocked or demeaned because of the manufacturing issue. The recalls may be beneficial or harmful. If a firm recalls on its own, it should be commended. The same can be said for Hyundai and Kia, both big automotive industry brands with numerous indisputable global recognitions. 

Our Right Over Defects – How Can You File A Lawsuit Against The Carmakers?

Cars are among the most precious commodities, and one buys them with the expectation that they will last longer. But what if you discovered a flaw a few years ago, and your automobile now spends more time in the shop than on the route? First, seek recalls issued by the automobile manufacturer. It simply means that owners of recalled vehicles have the right to take their vehicles to dealerships and have the problematic parts fixed or replaced for free. Well! Most firms do not do it. Although Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, and others appear to publish recalls frequently.

However, automobile manufacturers do not always recall, and occasionally the problem persists even after treatment. These vehicles are referred to as “lemons” because they feature a flaw that significantly hinders the owner’s ability to drive a vehicle. You are eligible for a refund or a replacement vehicle if you find that your automobile is a lemon. 

Seeking For a Lawyer Regarding Defects, Repairs, and Lawsuits?

Defective car parts can be annoying and can cause major problems. Even you are not safe when you are driving. Auto Justice Attorneys can assist you in resolving such problems. You may have problems finding a professional attorney to file a case, but you no longer need to be concerned. We don’t want to downplay these concerns because we are a lemon law firm that sues automakers. Let’s discuss today if you’ve had any of these problems or others with your hybrid or EV. Because our skilled attorneys at our Lemon Company have successfully recovered compensation for our clients who were sold a car with manufacturing issues, we can do the same for you.

To talk with a Lemon Law specialist today, call (833) Lemon-Firm.

Hyundai knowingly sold vehicles containing a defect that can cause a vital seat belt part to explode, a new class action lawsuit alleges.

Hyundai had issued a safety recall in May for around 239k vehicles over faulty seat belts which are designed to retract and tighten a seat belt the moment a crash happens, could explode and scatter metal fragments throughout the vehicle.

According to the lawsuit, the cause of the seat belt pretensioner problem remains unknown. The class action lawsuit alleges Hyundai has known of the seat belt pretensioner defect since at least September 2021, when it was informed by NHTSA of a crash involving a 2021 Elantra. 

During the incident, the suit says, the driver-side seat belt pretensioner “deployed abnormally,” propelling metal fragments throughout the cabin and injuring a passenger’s leg.

“Defendants knew or should have known of the Seat Belt Defect much earlier due to pre-production testing, failure mode analysis, and reports to authorized dealers, repair centers, and complaints to the NHTSA,” the complaint charges. “Despite having knowledge of the exploding seat belt pretensioners, Hyundai concealed this information, delayed issuing a recall, and still to this day has not sent notification letters to owners of the defective vehicles.”

The Class Action Alleges “An inherent safety risk”

Hyundai promoted its vehicles as offering “untouched and elite” safety but the cars ultimately “have not lived up to their promise of being the best in safety.”

“Rather than ‘add[ing] ten years to [their] life,” the complaint says, “Plaintiffs and the Class are at an increased risk for crashes, severe injury, and death.” 

As per class action, the pretensioner is part of a vehicle’s seat belt system and is responsible for locking the belt during a collision to keep the occupant in position.

The lawsuit alleges, seat belt pretensioner explodes abnormally during a crash and sends metal fragments throughout the vehicle compartment.

Affected Hyundai vehicles in the lawsuit

The Hyundai vehicle models allegedly equipped with defective seat belt pretensioners include:

• 2019-2022 Hyundai Accent;

• 2021-2023 Hyundai Elantra; and

• 2021-2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid.

Owners of affected vehicles can go to a dealership, where the seat belt pretensioners will be fitted with a cap at no cost. Vehicles that are no longer covered under a Hyundai warranty are eligible for repair. The automaker also will reimburse owners for out-of-pocket expenses they incur to get the defect fixed. Hyundai is expected to notify owners by July 15, NHTSA said. 

Have Questions? Talk With Us Now

If you are an automobile owner and have manufacturing issues, you can contact us regarding your involvement in this or any potential class-action lawsuit. Serious vehicle problems require serious legal representation, especially when you are bringing a claim against a major automaker. 

At the Lemon Firm, our experienced Attorneys have been able to successfully recover compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle with manufacturer defects, and we can do the same for you. Call (833) Lemon-Firm to speak with a Lemon law expert today.

A Hyundai oil consumption lawsuit blames the automaker for not making buyers aware of excessive engine oil consumption issues in more than 20 of its models.

Owners say Hyundai should have recalled the vehicles because the engines allegedly use excessive amounts of oil, stall, and eventually fail because vehicles are equipped with defective Nu, Gamma, Theta, Lambda, and Kappa engines.

On Apr. 12, 8 owners filed a class action lawsuit against Hyundai in a California federal court for violating federal warranty laws.

Hyundai and Kia Models With Excessive Oil Consumption Issues

According to the Hyundai and Kia class action lawsuit, the below Hyundai and Kia models have excessive oil consumption problems.

• 2012-2020 Hyundai Elantra
• 2009-2018 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
• 2019-2021 Hyundai Kona
• 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade
• 2010-2012 and 2015-2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
• 2009-2010 and 2015-2021 Hyundai Sonata
• 2011–2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
• 2010-2013 and 2015-2021 Hyundai Tucson
• 2011-2021 Hyundai Veloster
• 2020-2021 Hyundai Venue
• 2010-2021 Kia Forte
• 2017-2020 Kia Niro
• 2011-2020 Kia Optima and Optima Hybrid
• 2012-2021 Kia Rio
• 2011-2020 Kia Sorento
• 2012-2021 Kia Soul
• 2011-2020 Kia Sportage
• 2018-2021 Kia Stinger
• 2022 Kia K5

The Hyundai and Kia oil consumption lawsuit alleges owners constantly use excessive amounts of oil, costing their owners huge sums of money. The plaintiffs also say adding too much oil isn’t the solution because by adding oil above the maximum fill line the crankshaft will be partially or fully submerged and too much oil will strain and damage the gaskets and seals protecting the engine which leads to oil leaks.

According to the suit, other than oil consumption, defective engines migrate oils to places it shouldn’t be, and it causes damage to the combustion and exhaust systems and keeps them from operating properly.

The lawsuit alleges owners must constantly check the oil levels more than normal, and oil must allegedly be added to the engines more frequently than even the owner’s manuals recommend.

This allegedly causes “abnormal wear of engine parts, oversaturation of carbon and deposits of oil sludge, ultimately requiring a costly engine rebuild or replacement.”

Hyundai Should Honor Warranty Claims Outside of Terms

According to the Hyundai class action suit, Hyundai should honor warranty claims even when the warranties have expired.

The plaintiffs allege that Hyundai should have recalled the vehicles but hasn’t. According to the lawsuit, Hyundai, and Kia can’t adequately repair the oil consumption problems but the automakers deny coverage if owners cannot provide maintenance records.

The Hyundai oil consumption lawsuit was filed by these plaintiffs:

• Davy Cho / California / 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
• Bryan Rothmaler / Illinois / 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport
• Beth Makie / Massachusetts / 2016 Kia Sorento
• Anna Chmura / Wisconsin / 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
• Anthony Banderas / Nevada / 2020 Hyundai Kona
• Michelle Smith / Florida / 2016 Hyundai Sonata
• Catherine Little / Texas / 2017 Hyundai Sonata
• Luticia and Thomas Thompson / Kentucky / 2016 Kia Sorento

The automakers allegedly don’t warn customers about excessive oil consumption issues even when the symptoms match, then owners must put their vehicles through oil consumption tests. And those tests require driving thousands of miles to determine if excessive amounts of oil is consumed and costing money out of the owner’s pocket.

And the suit also says owners must suffer through long wait times for replacement parts,  “and in most cases do not receive required engine replacements.”

Meanwhile, Hyundai has expanded its recall for exploding seat belt part issue which has caused multiple injuries including 6,240 of its 2021-2022 Elantra and 2020 Accent vehicles.

Have Questions? Talk With Us Now

If you are an automobile owner and have manufacturing issues, you can contact us regarding your involvement in this or any potential class-action lawsuit. Serious vehicle problems require serious legal representation, especially when you are bringing a claim against a major automaker. 

At the Lemon Firm, our experienced Attorneys have been able to successfully recover compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle with manufacturer defects, and we can do the same for you. Call (833) Lemon-Firm to speak with a Lemon law expert today.

There may be the potential for a class action lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia due to a suspected defect that can cause the vehicles to spontaneously catch fire even when not running. Almost 500,000 cars and SUVs are being recalled to fix for the issue.

Attorneys working on the case believe that legal action may be necessary to provide drivers with the compensation they deserve.

What Hyundai and Kia Models Are Catching Fire?
The February 2022 recall over a potential fire risk affects the following models:

2014-2016 Kia Sportage SUVs
2016-2018 K900 sedans
2016-2018 Santa Fe SUVs
2017-2018 Santa Fe Sports
2019 Santa Fe XLs
2014-2015 Tucson SUVs

Due to “foreign contaminants,” the anti-lock brake computer control module can short circuit and possibly start a fire in the engine compartment. Hyundai is recalling around 357,830 vehicles while Kia is recalling 126,747 vehicles. Automakers will inspect and replace defective parts with new ones. Dealers will also replace a fuse that controls the electric current to the anti-lock braking control unit free of cost. The new fuse will control the amount of power going into the module.

In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Kia confirmed about three vehicles that have caught fire and asked owners to park vehicles away from any buildings or structures.

Beyond the Recall: How a Class Action Lawsuit Could Help Drivers
Hyundai and Kia both agreed to provide free fuse replacement to fix the issue but this may not be enough for those forced to deal with the inconvenience of waiting for a fix and owning a car that’s a potential fire risk. This is where a class action lawsuit could come in.

The automaker may offer reimbursement for repairs, lifetime warranties, inconvenience payments, payments for loss of value, money for loss of vehicle by fire, and free diagnostic inspections but every case is different. It’s possible that those affected by the most recent recall could be owed money for additional damages, such as rental car costs and loss of vehicle value.

How Do I Check To See If My Hyundai or Kia Has a Recall?
To check if your Hyundai or Kia vehicle is affected by this or any other recall, visit the website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and enter your vehicle’s VIN number. This number can be found on your registration, insurance card, or on the lower left of your car’s windshield.

Why Are Hyundai and Kia Vehicles Catching Fire?
As previously stated, the problem stems from the vehicles’ anti-lock brake system (ABS), which could malfunction and cause an electrical short. As of February 8, 2022, at least 11 fires have been reported in connection with the ABS issue.

Automakers urged drivers to park vehicles “outside and away from structures” and instructed them to look out for smoke from the engine, a burning smell, or an ABS warning light.

Final Thoughts
If you are an automobile owner and have manufacturing issues, you can contact us regarding your involvement in this or any potential class-action lawsuit. Serious vehicle problems require serious legal representation, especially when you are bringing a claim against a major automaker.

At the Lemon Firm, our experienced Attorneys have been able to successfully recover compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle with manufacturer defects, and we can do the same for you. Call (833) Lemon-Firm to speak with a Lemon law expert today.

The Hyundai Kona Electric was a promising electronic vehicle with high demand but it might not be the case anymore. The battery problems in Hyundai Kona EV and Hyundai Ioniq EV models have caused a class-action lawsuit that alleges the automaker falsely advertised the range and safety of the electric vehicles.

15 Cases of fire have been reported so far, including 2 in Canada. After this, Hyundai has recalled over 76,000 units globally, 4,375 of which are in Canada. The plaintiff alleges the lithium-ion batteries and management systems are defective which causes the batteries to catch fire.

In 2019, California plaintiff Sebastien Friche purchased a new 2019 Hyundai Kona EV and when he learned about a battery recall, his wife took the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership. After repair, the dealer reduced the battery range by 20% to decrease the risk of a battery fire. June 2021, Hyundai issued a remote software download to decrease the battery range to 205 miles, another 10% drop in range capacity.

On July 20, 2021, the plaintiff’s wife took the Kona EV to the dealer to fix a tire, but the dealer asked her to impound the vehicle for a battery issue. The service advisor allegedly said the vehicle could possibly be held six months or longer because of the fire risk.

“The service representative made various representations to Plaintiff’s wife while seizing the vehicle, including asserting that ‘if anything happens, your insurance will not cover anything.’ Hyundai also refused to provide her with a loaner automobile, though it finally helped her procure a rental.” — Hyundai battery class action lawsuit

“Since Hyundai seized the Vehicle, Plaintiff has continued to contact Hyundai to determine when it will be released. Hyundai has not told Plaintiff when it plans to replace the battery, how it plans to replace the battery, or when it will ever release the Vehicle. Hyundai has told Plaintiff that even after it replaces the battery, the battery will be covered by a different warranty with a term that lasts only ten years.” — Hyundai battery lawsuit

The plaintiff claims Hyundai now refuses to talk to him.

The Korean automaker finally agreed to replace the high-voltage battery on all affected units 2018-2020 model years, and this decision will cost over $1 billion. But according to Reuters and several media outlets, Many owners are complaining that there are delays and a lack of transparency in the process. 

The automaker has also stopped production of the Kona Electric for the local market of South Korea permanently. The Kona Electric continues to ship overseas but some minor interior and exterior revisions which are planned for 2022.

The Hyundai battery problem class-action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California: Sebastien Friche, v. Hyundai Motor Co., et al.

If you or a loved one, a friend or co-worker drive a Hyundai Ioniq or Kona and are experiencing any of these issues, please call (833) LEMON-FIRM for a free consultation or fill out this link http://thelemonfirm.com/contact/ and a case analyst will contact you within 24 hours.

By: Sepehr Daghighian, Esq.

Kia Motors Corporation is a 75-year-old Korean multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Seoul. The Kia Sorento is a popular midsize SUV sold by Kia.  In spite of its popularity, the Sorento has recently fallen prey to several complaints of severe engine issues. Meanwhile, the Kia Optima is a sedan that features new technology and impressive amenities. However, in spite of possessing a reliable reputation in the market, the Optima has faced numerous complaints regarding engine failure issues. 

If you have faced any engine issues with your Kia Optima or Sorento, CCA is here to help! We invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What Are Some Common Engine Issues in Kia Optima and Sorento? 

The majority of the owners’ complaints for Kia Optima and Sorento vehicles are engine defects that buzzing sounds, engine failure, knocking sounds and more.

In both Optima and Sorento, Engine defects are persistent problems that don’t have easy solutions. Causes of Engine failure are vast; typically, they are categorized into four groups: Overheating, Miss-assembly, Lubrication, and Detonation issues. Unfortunately, many Optima and Sorento owners find that Kia’s dealerships are unable to timely fix their vehicles and their engines prematurely fail. 

Kia owners commonly complain of vehicle stalls and strange noises, before their engines completely fall apart.  For instance, one owner of a 2017 Kia Sorento described the issue as follows: “I leased a 2017 KIA Sorento EX V6 AWD on Feb. 23, 2017. Within two weeks, and less than 500 miles, there was a buzzing sound on start up that lasted for 5 minutes or so. The dealer I took it to took two days to diagnose the problem. The oil pump failed and the engine was full of metal pieces. The fix, replace the engine. This is the fourth KIA I have owned and it may be the last. I have contacted KIA customer support and they were not much help.”

Besides the issues discusses above, the Kia Optima has faced some serious engine reliability issues. Several of the complaints against the Optima mention excessive oil consumption, strange smoke from the tailpipe, and sudden stops. A user of the Optima 2016 model stated, “I was driving my car 2016 Kia Optima from Alpharetta to Decatur to attend church. I pulled into the parking lot of the church and parked. A few seconds after I parked, I began seeing lots of smoke coming from the right passenger side of the car. The police men who were in the parking lot directing traffic asked me to get out of the car quickly and began attempting to quench the fire with a fire extinguisher.” Another complaint against the same 2016 model was placed by another user, “My daughters 2016 Kia Optima is shutting off while driving. Sometimes it restarts after shutting down. Sometimes she has to hurry and put in neutral and restart as cars behind me don’t know the car has shut off. She feels very unsafe and is afraid someone is going to run into her. Took it to Kia dealer and they ran codes but nothing came up”. These issues can be extremely dangerous if not looked into at the right time.  

What Can I Do if My Kia Optima or Sorento is Subject Engine Failure?

Have you been noticing any severe or unrepaired engine issues with either your Kia Optima or Sorento, such as sudden stalls, excessive smoke, loud noises, or other problems? CCA’s team of experienced lawyers are here to guide you and help resolve your lemon law issues expeditiously and for a substantial settlement. Please feel free to reach out to us for a free hassle-free consultation regarding your vehicle. 

Contact our experts for a free consultation at (833) LEMON-FIRM.