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.
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.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING
Top Class Actions is a Proud Member of the American Bar Association
LEGAL INFORMATION IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
©2008 – 2024 Top Class Actions® LLC
Various Trademarks held by their respective owners
This website is not intended for viewing or usage by European Union citizens.
88 thoughts onKia Fuel Economy Class Action Lawsuit
Why didn’t I receive a letter? can you please e-mail me so information.
2012 Sorento for gas mileage since I retired and needed to save money
I have a 2012 Kia Soul. I purchased this not, so great looking vehicle because of “advertised” gas mileage. I received a fuel reimbursement check last year when I first learned about this. I knew something was wrong when I was not getting the advertised mpg. I wish I could return the vehicle but guess I am stuck with it now. I want to be included in on any suits so I can be somehow compensated.
Have 2012 Sorento getting 20 mpg if lucky want Power Kia of Salem Or to buy back the car don’t think that $67.00 a year covers the lose
I purchased the 2013 Optima for the sole purpose of the fuel economy. I had a 34 mile commute each way and never got better than 24.8 according to the gauge. When I drive around town, it gets 18 which is the same as my 2001 V6 Toyota 4Runner. While I love the features in my car, I hate that I didn’t save any money on my fuel expense each month. The company should be held accountable for these lies. Many Kia’s were sold specifically because of the gas mileage. Shame on Kia. I wish they would buy my car back. I don’t want it!
I have a 2012 Kia Optima rated at 35 mpg highway and get 30.4 mpg driving 32 miles to work. I have a 2008 Toyota Avalon rated at 28 mpg highway that gets 33.2 mpg driving to work. The Toyota has a 3.5 v6 engine and beats Kia in mpg. Kia’s mpg rating is absurd. I was told that the warranty does not cover troubleshooting mpg problems.
Bought a 2013 optima, actual gas millage compare to sticker a joke. The millage was the most important reason that I bought the car. Feel like I was lied to, I WAS. Salesman said he owned the exact same car and got 41 mpg on highway the best I ever got was 25.8.highway. Just as bad for the city numbers.Supose to be 24/28/34 and I get 22/24/25. Where do I sigh up? or would gladly have them buy back the car for what I paid and taxes. Have 750 miles on it as of today.
Bought a 2013 optima, actual gas millage compare to sticker a joke. The millage was the most important reason that I bought the car. Feel like I was lied to, I WAS. Salesman said he owned the exact same car and got 41 mpg on highway the best I ever got was 25.8.highway. Just as bad for the city numbers.Supose to be 24/28/34 and I get 22/24/25. Where do I sigh up? or would gladly have them buy back the car for what I paid and taxes. Have 750 miles on it as of today.
Bought a 2013 optima, actual gas millage compare to sticker a joke. The millage was the most important reason that I bought the car. Feel like I was lied to, I WAS. Salesman said he owned the exact same car and got 41 mpg on highway the best I ever got was 25.8.highway. Just as bad for the city numbers.Supose to be 24/28/34 and I get 22/24/25. Where do I sigh up? or would gladly have them buy back the car for what I paid and taxes. Have 750 miles on it as of today.
I agree with post as to why the 2011 Kia SOUL is not included as well? I am lucky if I get 25mpg – should’ve kept my Volvo Wagon that averaged slightly less & got rid of b/c I wanted a much MORE FUEL EFFICIENT CAR, WHICH THIS ABSOLUTELY IS NOT!!! Where’s the 30++mpg the 2011 Soul was reportedly supposed to get? … sickening what these companies get away with