Kia ABS defect class action settlement

Hyundai agreed to a class action lawsuit settlement to resolve claims that Kia anti-lock brake systems (ABS) are defective and can cause engine fires.

The settlement benefits current and former owners or lessees of class vehicles, including those purchased while the owner was abroad on active U.S. military duty.

Class vehicles are: 

• 2017-2019 Kia Cadenza 
• 2016-2018 Kia K900 
• 2013-2015 Kia Optima 
• 2006-2010 Kia Sedona 
• 2007-2009 Kia Sorento
• 2014-2015 Kia Sorento
• 2008-2009 Kia Sportage
• 2014-2021 Kia Sportage 
• 2018-2021 Kia Stinger

Consumers can check their eligibility on the settlement website using a VIN lookup tool.

According to plaintiffs in the Kia class action lawsuit, Hyundai equipped certain Kia vehicles with defective ABS control modules. These defective systems can allegedly cause engine compartment fires and loss of ABS functionality. 

Kia is an automotive company based in South Korea. Hyundai Motor Group is Kia’s parent company.

Hyundai hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to pay an undisclosed sum to resolve the allegations surrounding the Kia ABS accusations.

The settlement offers several benefits, including warranty extensions, inspections and repair reimbursements. 

All class members can receive a warranty extension that covers qualifying repairs for 12 years from the date of original retail delivery or the date of first use. The warranty extension may be denied for “exceptional neglect” resulting from a lack of maintenance or care by the owner or lessee. 

The settlement also provides free one-time inspections of class vehicles. When class members bring their vehicles to an authorized Kia dealership for an unrelated service, they may request one-time inspections of their vehicles’ ABS modules to ensure the components are not affected by the alleged defect.

Class members who had previous repairs done on their Kia ABS modules related to the defect can receive compensation for these repairs. Class members can also receive reimbursement for related expenses such as car rentals or towing costs. This reimbursement may also include a $140 goodwill payment for non-collision fires and compensation for vehicle losses due to engine compartment fires.

The deadline for exclusion and objection is April 4, 2023.

The final approval hearing in the Hyundai and Kia ABS class action lawsuit settlement is scheduled for April 21, 2023.

To receive certain settlement benefits, class members must submit a valid claim form by July 7, 2023. No claim form is required to receive warranty extensions.

Who’s Eligible

Current and former owners or lessees of Class vehicles, including those purchased while the owner was abroad on active U.S. military duty.

Class vehicles are: 

• 2017-2019 Kia Cadenza 
• 2016-2018 Kia K900 
• 2013-2015 Kia Optima 
• 2006-2010 Kia Sedona 
• 2007-2009 Kia Sorento
• 2014-2015 Kia Sorento
• 2008-2009 Kia Sportage
• 2014-2021 Kia Sportage 
• 2018-2021 Kia Stinger

Consumers can check their eligibility on the settlement website using a VIN lookup tool.

Potential Award

Varies

Proof of Purchase

Documentation of repair costs and other expenses.

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

07/07/2023

Case Name

Zakikhani, et al. v. Hyundai Motor Co., et al., Case No. 8:20-cv-01584; Evans, et al. v. Hyundai Motor Co., et al., No. 8:22-cv-00300; and Pluskowski, et al. v. Hyundai Motor America, et al., No. 8:22-cv-00824, all in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Final Hearing

04/21/2023

Settlement Website

KiaHECUSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Kia HECU Settlement
Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 3139
Portland, OR 97208-3139
info@KiaHECUSettlement.com
800-572-1168

Class Counsel

Elizabeth Fegan 
FEGAN SCOTT LLC 

Steve W Berman
HAGENS BERMAN SOBOL SHAPIRO LLP

Defense Counsel

Lance A Etcheverry
SKADDEN ARPS SLATE MEAGHER & FLOM LLP