Vehicle manufacturer Kia is in damage control mode, and you could be in line for money if you drive a specific model. Hyundai and Kia recently rolled out an anti-theft software patch for about 8 million models.
However, the possible compensation has nothing to do with car thefts. Instead, Kia has agreed to a class-action lawsuit settlement related to anti-lock brake systems (ABS).
Read on to determine if you are eligible for compensation and how to get it.
Kia settles ABS class-action lawsuit
Earlier this month, Kia recalled over 480,000 vehicles that use a potentially faulty Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) for ABS. When the HECU malfunctions, it could cause an electrical short circuit, potentially resulting in a fire engulfing the vehicle. It can even occur when the car isn’t in operation.
As a result, you are advised to take your vehicle to a dealer to install new fuses. While the company has not admitted any wrongdoing, it has agreed to a class-action lawsuit settlement and you might be eligible for compensation.
According to the suit’s documentation, the undisclosed settlement “offers several benefits including warranty extensions, inspections and repair reimbursements.” For example, you could receive a warranty extension covering qualifying repairs or compensation for previous repairs.
How to file a claim on Kia’s class-action settlement
To be included in the class-action lawsuit, there are several criteria you must meet. The deadline to file is July 7, 2023. Anybody who is a current or former owner of the vehicles below could be eligible:
- 2017-2019 Kia Cadenza.
- 2016-2018 Kia K900.
- 2013-2015 Kia Optima.
- 2006-2010 Kia Sedona.
- 2007-2009 Kia Sorento.
- 2014-2015 Kia Sorento.
- 2008-2009 Kia Sportage.
- 2014-2021 Kia Sportage.
- 2018-2021 Kia Stinger.
If you are unsure if you’re eligible, check by entering your vehicle’s VIN into the Kia settlement lookup tool. According to current information, the only way to receive certain benefits in this settlement is to file a claim. This can be done online, by email or by snail mail.
If you have questions regarding this recall or the status of your vehicle, you can contact the Settlement Administrator by calling 1-800-572-1168 (Toll-Free) or sending an email to the information email address.
For reference, the NHTSA’s number for this recall is 22V051, while Kia assigned its own number as SC227.
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