Kia and Hyundai class action lawsuit overview:
- Who: Hyundai and Kia are facing a new class action lawsuit.
- Why: The automakers are accused of selling vehicles with defective fuel systems.
- Where: The Hyundai and Kia class action lawsuit was filed in a California federal court.
A new class action lawsuit alleges Hyundai and Kia sold vehicles with defective fuel systems that can cause engine problems.
Plaintiffs Timothy Masters and Michelle Frank-Crowder filed the class action complaint against Hyundai Motor Co., Hyundai Motor America Inc., Kia Motors Corp. and Kia Motors America Inc. on Jan. 9 in California federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws.
The plaintiffs claim the automakers sold vehicles with defective fuel systems that can cause engine problems and pose a safety risk to drivers and passengers.
The plaintiffs allege that the fuel systems in the affected vehicles, including the evaporative emissions control system and the Engine Control Module, were designed and manufactured in a way that prevents gas vapors and air from being properly directed towards the intake manifold.
Instead, the vapors build up in the fuel tank and other areas of the fuel system, leading to issues like poor engine performance, misfires, rough idling, lack of motive power, a fuel cap that is hard to remove, a noticeable fuel odor in the interior compartment, difficulty filling the gas tank, expansion or distortion of the fuel tank, and increased emissions, the Kia and Hyundai class action claims.
Plaintiffs: Hyundai, Kia fuel system defect can cause serious problems
The plaintiffs claim that the distortion of the fuel tank can be so severe that it causes loud popping noises and damages other parts of the vehicle, including dislodging the backseat and bending the vehicle’s frame.
The plaintiffs argue that the fuel system defect presents a significant safety hazard, as drivers may be unable to properly fuel their vehicles, lose power while driving, be distracted while driving and inhale excess emissions while in the vehicle.
The defect also increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly when the vehicle loses power and suddenly slows while in motion, the lawsuit claims.
The plaintiffs allege that Hyundai and Kia were aware of the defect but failed to disclose it to consumers. They claim that the automakers sold the affected vehicles with warranties that purported to cover the fuel system, but owners and lessees often had to pay for repairs or alternative transportation even when the vehicle was still under warranty.
They are looking to represent anyone in the United States who purchased or leased a Hyundai or Kia vehicle equipped with a T-GDI 1.6L Gamma II engine, including 2020-2024 Hyundai Sonata and 2021-2024 Kia K5 vehicles.
The plaintiffs are suing for breach of warranty, unjust enrichment, fraud, and violations of California and Illinois consumer protection laws and are seeking certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.
In November, Hyundai recalled more than 145,000 electric vehicles over concerns that the batteries might not charge properly, leading to a loss of drive power.
What do you think of the allegations in this Kia and Hyundai class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments.
The plaintiffs are represented by Cody R. Padgett, Majdi Hijazin and Nate N. Kiyam of Capstone Law APC; Russell D. Paul and Amey J. Park of Berger Montague PC; Greg Coleman, Will Ladnier and Adam Edwards of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman; and Scott R. Jeeves and Roger L. Mandel of Jeeves Mandel Law Group PC.
The Kia and Hyundai class action lawsuit is Timothy Masters et al. v. Hyundai Motor America Inc. et al., Case No. 2:25-at-00047, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.
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169 thoughts onHyundai, Kia class action claims vehicles have defective fuel systems
KIA HAS ISSUED MY 2021 K5 A TOTAL LOSS 63 DAYS AGO DUE TO TANK EXPANSION BLOW UP/ CAR SHUTTING OFF AND SEAT CLIPS POPPED OUT FROM THE TANK EXPANDING. I HAVE NO CAR AND THEY HAVE BEEN UNRESPONSIVE WITH ASSISTING IN A PAYOFF. I PAID MY CAR CASH! PLEASE HELP.
my gas tank exploded / expanded and completely shut off on me while on the highway one day. I was unaware of the recall, and paid mechanics to fix the replace the gas tank expansion / blow up issue but didnt realize it expanded so much and popped out my back seat clips. 2021 k5 has now been recalled and still being held by kia due to exhibiting signs of recall for over 6- days now. No update, no communication besides my car is a total loss. Kia has been terrible at responding and/or issuing a payout for new vehicle.