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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
Please let me know how to join the lawsuit. I purchased a 2013 Soul with the understanding of the great gas mileage. I put over $50.00 a week in to get back and forth on a 30 mile round trip per day. My 2008 Chevy Colbalt gets twice the mileage than my new Soul. I should have purchased a American made car, and I will from now on…..
does any one know when the date and month that this is for i purchased a kia soul 2013 in aug. of 2013 my stickers have the old mpg in stead of the new the kia dealer tells me that mine is up to date im not understanding why the up date is 25,30,mpg and my sticker says 27,35
I just got a new kia soul Nov.30, 2013. My boyfriend and I took a trip to my mom,s house, and it was 120miles, and the gas suck,s, we used half of tank of gas going their. I want in on the lawsuit also. I TRADED 2004 pontiac Vibe which had better gas milage.
Wife bought a 2011 Sorento and like all others the mileage doesn’t compare with the sticker mileage gpm.Is the 2011 Sorento to be included in this suit?
I have one better yet. I have a 2013 optima and it is reading 15 miles per gallon. This has happened within the last two weeks. I drive only 6 miles per day at an average speed of 30 mph. What’s going on? I’m driving a 4 banger not a V12.
please keep me informed as to progress of reimbursement and details of what i should do
I traded in my ford mustang that was paid off, for a 2012 Kia Forte. The saleswoman assured me that the savings in mpg alone would offset taking on another car payment each month. This was a blatant lie since I have kept up with all premium oil changes and maintenance work, yet get 29mpg highway and 22mpg city. Nowhere near the 34/25 advertised! How is it possible that this model was excluded from the class action when then mpg issue is the same as the included models? Was this model not tested and can anything be done about it?
I have a Kia 2013 count me in as well it’s not fare and I want
My money back A.S.-A.P
Why wasn’t the 2011 Kia Soul not included in this suit? Almost all my mileage is highway and the best I’ve ever gotten out of it was 29 mpg.
Can I get some information about this lawsuit. I have a 2013 Kia