Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
This settlement is closed!
Please see what other class action settlements you might qualify to claim cash from in our Open Settlements directory!
UPDATE:
- A judge granted final approval to the Kia engine failure settlement May 10, 2021.
- Let Top Class Actions know when you receive a check in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.
Hyundai has agreed to resolve Kia engine failure class action claims in a settlement deal, putting an end to allegations that certain Kia vehicles were equipped with defective engines.
Under the settlement, eligible Kia owners can collect a variety of benefits, including extended warranties, reimbursements, rebates and other compensation.
Owners and lessees of Class vehicles originally equipped with or fitted with a replacement genuine Theta II 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection engine are eligible for benefits from this settlement. Class vehicles include:
- 2011-2018 and certain 2019 model year Kia Optima vehicles;
- 2012-2018 and certain 2019 model year Kia Sorento vehicles; and
- 2011-2018 and certain 2019 model year Kia Sportage vehicles.
Plaintiffs in the Kia engine failure class action lawsuit claimed several Hyundai and Kia vehicles were equipped with a defective Theta engine.
The complaint alleged connecting rod bearings in the vehicles’ gasoline direct-injection (GDI) fuel system “undergo a prolonged failure.” When these rod bearings fracture, metal debris allegedly “accumulate in the engine oil,” contaminating it to a point the filter isn’t able to remove it all.
The contaminated oil is therefore circulated by the oil pump, damaging engine components and leading to an eventual “sudden and unexpected catastrophic engine failure,” the class action lawsuit said.
As a result, the vehicles were allegedly prone to engine failures or fires — putting consumers at risk for accidents and financial injury.
Several class action lawsuits were filed against the auto makers — leading the claims to be consolidated into a multidistrict litigation centered in California. Plaintiffs in these actions sought financial damages and other benefits for the injuries they allegedly sustained due to the defective engines.
Hyundai has not admitted to any wrongdoing, but has agreed to resolve the claims surrounding their Kia subsidiary in a settlement deal. Claims surrounding Hyundai engine failure were resolved in a similar deal. The settlements aim to avoid the costs and risks of a trial, but do not assign any wrongdoing to Hyundai.
The Kia engine failure class action settlement provides several forms of monetary and non-monetary benefits including warranty extensions, reimbursement for repairs and other costs, rebates, and other compensation. More information is available in the “Potential Award” section below.
In order to benefit from the Kia engine failure settlement, Class Members must file a valid claim form by Aug. 9, 2021.
For Class Members who experienced engine failure or fire after Aug. 28, 2020, they have until 90 days after the event to file a valid claim form. Claim forms should include documentation of engine failures, repairs, and other relevant information.
The deadline for exclusion and objection is Oct. 30, 2020. The final approval hearing for the Kia engine failure class action settlement is Nov. 13, 2020.
Who’s Eligible
Owners and lessees of a Class vehicle originally equipped with or replaced with a genuine Theta II 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter gasoline direct injection engine. Class vehicles include:
- 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and certain 2019 model year Kia Optima vehicles;
- 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and certain 2019 model year Kia Sorento vehicles; and
- 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and certain 2019 model year Kia Sportage vehicles.
Potential Award
Monetary and non-monetary benefits including the following:
- Warranty Extensions: Powertrain warranties on Class vehicles will be extended to a lifetime warranty.
- Reimbursement for Repairs: Repairs will be reimbursed in full along with a $140 goodwill payment in certain circumstances. Costs of rental cars, towing, and other Kia engine failure related expenses will also be reimbursed.
- Rebates: Rebates are available if consumers lost faith in their vehicles due to an engine failure or fire and purchased a replacement Kia. Rebates will be $2,000 for model year 2011-2012 Class Vehicles; $1,500 for model year 2013 and 2014 Class Vehicles; $1,000 for model year 2015 and 2016 Class Vehicles; and $500 for model year 2017, 2018, and 2019 Class Vehicles.
- Other Compensation: Payments for traded-in vehicles and vehicles involved in an engine fire are available to affected Class Members.
Proof of Purchase
Documentation of engine failures, repairs, and other relevant information.
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
08/09/2021 UPDATED
While most types of claims have a deadline of Aug. 9, 2021, different types of claims have different deadline requirements. See the claims page on the settlement site for more details.
Case Name
In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation, Case No. 8:17-cv-00838, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
Final Hearing
11/13/2020
Settlement Website
Claims Administrator
Kia Claims Administrator
c/o Epiq
P.O. Box 3145
Portland, OR 97208-3145
info@KiaEngineSettlement.com
1-855-951-0807
Class Counsel
Matthew D. Schelkopf
SAUDER SCHELKOPF
Adam Gonnelli
THE SULTZER LAW GROUP
Bonner Walsh
WALSH PLLC
Steve Berman
Christopher Pitoun
HAGENS BERMAN SOBOL SHAPIRO LLP
Daniel C. Levin
Adam B. Cohen
LEVIN SADRAN AND BERMAN LLP
Jason S. Rathod
Nicholas Migliaccio
Esfand Nafisi
MIGLIACCIO & RATHOD LLP
Robert Hilliard
HILLIARD MUÑOZ GONZALES LLP
Defense Counsel
Shon Morgan
QUINN EMANUEL URQUHART & SULLIVAN LLP
Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:
224 thoughts onKia Engine Failure Class Action Settlement
Last my motor was knocking real bad and left me and my son stranded I fid a claim on it sent 8n paper yo get reimbursed, but they claim they couldn’t do it I spent 3113 to get another and the labor 2014 kia optima I sent all paper work they asked and showed I paid in cash still no reimbursement.
I have a 2011 Kia Forte Ex hatchback and once it reached 100,000, an engine light came on, only thing that ever had trouble with prior to reaching that mileage was buttons for the hatchback, it was over $817 repair. I finally fixed it at 142,000 miles, it would hesitate and still does after the repair when cranking. It was the intake manifold runner motor.
I had a kia shortage 1999 engine went out had to replace it. I didn’t have it long before the engine went out I know its not the year they’re asking but back then it sound like the same problem.
I agree It should Include other years. I had a 2005 Kia Sorento, with about 68.??? miles & it kept doing that, & it was Towed 3 times. So I sold it & it blew up on the New Owner a Week later. I felt so bad for him. But he said the Car was so clean & nice he put another Motor in it.
Has anyone else had turbo damage or failure caused by this class action issue with rod bearing and oil contamination and or oil pressure loss. I expect the issue to be covered as turbos fail because of oil contamination and or oil pressure loss
Should include the 3.3 engine.
I agree with you ?%. They know it has problems to with the head bolts and then do nothing about it! Not a good way to build custom loyalty for a brand!
I also wondered why the 3 3L engine was not included in the original lawsuit. Was Kia hoping no one would notice??? There are thousands of us kia owners with the 3 3L engine that went bad..
My motor went out in my 2017 Kia Optima, how do I find out if I am eligible for settlement?
Any update I added myself due to Kia sorrento engine failed as driving on highway in NJ caused accident
Hi, I have a 2013 Kia Sportage, which just started the engine noise, no warning lights what so ever, and Kia Menlyn, states the engine needs to be replaced, and they have no knowledge of this issue..my vehicle is out of warranty only doing 70000km, it has been serviced with Kia and is due for 75000km,
What is my recourse an legalities in regards to the consumer protection act. I am in South Africa.
My 2012 Kia Optima completely shut down on highway. Car was towed to a Kia dealership and it took them 3 weeks before they even looked at it. They stated before they could evaluate the vehicle there was a 788.95 fee that would be charged to me. Once car was evaluated they stated it would need a new engine because valve #4 was bent from hitting the piston. The car has been well maintained with a new timing belt and etc… They also stated they had no idea how this happened, and the vehicle was not covered under the law suite/warranty. 5601.30 for a used engine replacement. I WILL NEVER BUY A KIA AGAIN DO TO THEM NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. (METAL SHAVINGS IN MOTOR)
Same exact thing happened to my daughter in her 2013 Kia Optima. She and her 3 yr old daughter were on the highway when the car completely shut down and never started again. She had sit on the side of the highway with a toddler to wait for AAA and had it towed to a local garage because she was unaware of any current recalls. The shop owner said the engine seized due to a valve being bent. She still owed 2k on her loan which we had to pay off so she can get another car but now she’s having trouble getting another loan and has spent 2000 on car rentals!
She submitted a claim to Kia claim center and we were sent sent a response via email stating the car qualified for recall but Kia can’t advise us on the matter any further! WTH does that mean??
Needless to say, We had to do some research and came upon this site. So now who do we contact about getting reimbursed for the loss of the car and the rentals? I am furious my daughter and granddaughter could have been killed!
Same thing happen to me. I was driving and all of sudden my engine light started blinking. Drove very slowly to my mechanic. He told me that my rods are messed up/they found shards piece when they changed my oil/ and my engine would blow any minute. Said I would need a engine replacement. I found this page and exactly what my mechanic said is what happen. I have an appointment with the dealership on Wednesday. I pray they honor the recall.
I too owned a 2015 Kia Sorento. I purchased it with 20,000 miles on it the engine blew in May of this year with 51,000 miles. Kia would not cover it under warranty because I did not have the knock sensor replacement I explained that I did not receive a recall on this matter however it was tough luck for me and I still owe money on this vehicle. what a horrible horrible company to do this to so many American people. What are people who have a financed Kia vehicle with a blown engine to do?
Don’t ever purchase a Kia they give you the run around and hope that you go away
I need to be added to this just because I own 2012 Kia Optima and in May I started having my oil light come on an it is worrying me that the mechanic is saying it s fine but I don’t trust them more do I have the money to take it some where else! I need the money from this one because I just paid my vehicle off and title is in the mail. Have to get it fixed! And because you don’t give the option of getting it fixed on the suit I can’t file.