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Kia Motors America Inc. has been hit with a class action lawsuit alleging the Korean automaker defrauded consumers by overstating the fuel efficiency of five of its top models.
Lead plaintiff Richard Woodruff alleges in the Kia class action lawsuit that the Kia Optima HEV, Rio, Sorento, Soul and Sportage experienced a surge in sales for their 2011 to 2013 models based on an “extensive and misleading” marketing campaign that promoted them as achieving class-leading gas mileage.
However, on November 2 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that Kia and its affiliate Hyundai Motor America had exaggerated car fuel economy estimates, and that most models actually received 1 to 2 miles per gallon less than advertised. The biggest discrepancy was with the Kia Soul, which actually received 6 mpg less than advertised. The debacle has been dubbed “MPG Gate” by the media.
“[Kia] inflated the results of mileage testing the company reported to the EPA and advertised that the affected vehicles achieved better fuel efficiency than actually achieved,” the Kia mpg class action lawsuit states. “This message was false and defendant failed to comply with EPA regulations which would have given consumers accurate information about the vehicles’ fuel efficiency.”
Hyundai has already been hit with a class action lawsuit over the fuel economy discrepancies, and a joint class action lawsuit was filed against Hyundai and Kia in November. Both companies have established a reimbursement program for current and former vehicle owners to cover the additional fuel costs that were incurred based on miles driven, plus an additional 15 percent of the reimbursement amount.
Hyundai and Kia customers with questions about the mileage reimbursement program can find answers at www.hyundaimpginfo.com and www.kiampginfo.com.
The Kia fuel economy class action lawsuit is brought on behalf of a proposed nationwide class of consumers that purchased a 2011-2012 Optima HEV, 2012-2013 Rio, 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2013 Soul (including the Eco) and the 2012-2013 Sportage. It is seeking restitution, disgorgement of profits, and damages for violation of California’s business code and false advertising law, fraud, negligent misrepresentation and deceit.
The Kia Fuel Economy Class Action Lawsuit case is Woodruff v. Kia Motors America Inc., Case No. 12-cv-06155, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The plaintiff is represented by Deborah R. Rosenthal of Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd LLC.
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88 thoughts onKia Fuel Economy Class Action Lawsuit
I’m getting about 18 to 20 in town and only about 22 or 23 on the highway. I traded my Nissan Murano to save gas. Should have kept the Murano. I now have a 2011 Kia Sorento
I have a 2012 Soul eco and it is only getting 24-27mpg. I called Kia and they told me it was the way I was driving it and go to a website to see how to save fuel mileage. I checked Kelly blue book and it has already depreciated $5000 in 6 months. The only reason I bought this ugly car was for the fuel mileage. How do I get in on the lawsuit?
We have a 2009 KIA Sorento we get 15 to 16 MPG. The dealer stated it would get 23 to 28 MPG and when we called them a week later they told us we were adding it up wrong. We hate it and tell everyone it was the biggest mistake of our life!!!!
my 2013 rio is terrible! is all people who bought the kias in on the class action suit or do we need to do separate
Is the mileage reimbursement transferrable to the next owner? I have a 2012 Soul which we bought new predicated on the mileage statement. It gets at least 6 MPG less. This would drastically reduce resale value.
What about HP and torque claims? This is disturbing.
Bought Kia Sorento and is averaging 20mi a gal on a 4 cyl
Purchased 2012 Kia Sorento and called directly to Kia motors and they said it was the way we drove the car .5 different people drove this and we all got under 20mpg on a 4 cylinder.
I live in Ohio and bought 2013 Rio and only averaging 19mpg in city. Does all buyers of the kias qualify for this lawsuit or do we need to seek counsel in ohio
i would like to get in on suite I never would have bought a kia if not for the gas milage
I want in. 2012 KIA Sorento bought in Massachusetts last year. Traded in my Dodge Ram for freakin gas milage cuz I moved. They suck. I want in.
Please sign me up for the KIA Lawsuit……
417-861-4185
Thx for info. I called Ki & they sID-THEY DO NOT KNOW ABOUT LAWSUIT. tHEY SHOULD LETTER TO OWNERS.