A 2018 lawsuit accused Kia of equipping certain vehicles with defective engines prone to excessive oil consumption, leading to financial losses for owners. In June 2023, Kia settled for $760 million, offering compensation for affected vehicles.
Complete Date: June 2023 (Settlement)
Case: Hyon Soo Oh et al. v. Kia Motors America, Inc., No. 3:18-cv-00116-JAW-DJS (C.D. Cal.)
Citation: Not yet published in official reporter
Court: United States District Court for the Central District of California
Affected Vehicles:
- 2011-2019 Kia Optima
- 2012-2019 Kia Sorento
- 2011-2019 Kia Sportage (equipped with 2.0L or 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection engines)
Allegations:
- Kia knowingly installed defective engines in affected vehicles, causing them to burn oil at an abnormally high rate.
- Kia failed to adequately warn consumers about the defect or take corrective action.
- Owners incurred financial damages due to frequent oil changes, repairs, and diminished vehicle value.
Settlement:
- Kia agreed to a $760 million settlement to compensate affected vehicle owners.
- Compensation includes reimbursement for excess oil, repairs, and diminished value.
Eligibility for Compensation:
- Must have purchased or leased an affected vehicle new.
- Owned or leased the vehicle for at least one year.
- Not previously compensated for the oil consumption defect.
Claim Process:
- Claims could be filed online through the Kia Oil Consumption Settlement website until August 7, 2023. (The deadline has passed)
- Claimants can now inquire about the status of their claims through the settlement website or by contacting the settlement administrator.
Legal Implications:
- The settlement represents a significant victory for consumer protection, holding Kia accountable for its actions.
- It highlights the importance of reporting potential vehicle defects and seeking compensation when affected.
Key Takeaways:
- Consumers should be aware of potential defects in their vehicles and report them promptly.
- Participating in class action lawsuits can offer significant compensation for product defects.
- Consumer protection laws play a vital role in holding manufacturers accountable for their actions.
Additional Information:
- The deadline to file claims for compensation has passed. However, you can still visit the Kia Oil Consumption Settlement website for information about the settlement and its status.
- You may also want to consult with an attorney specializing in consumer law to discuss your individual rights and options.
| Complete Date | Case | Citation | Court | Short Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 2023 | In re: Kia Motors America, Inc., Engine Oil Consumption Litigation | Not yet available (final settlement agreement) | United States District Court for the District of South Carolina | $760 million settlement reached for owners of Kia Optima, Sorento, and Sportage (2011-2019) with defective engines causing excessive oil burning. |
| 2018 | Class action lawsuit filed | N/A | N/A | Allegations: Kia knowingly installed defective engines, failed to warn consumers, and caused financial damages (excess oil, repairs, diminished value). |
