Kia and Hyundai are facing a lawsuit over allegations that their anti-lock braking systems can lead to system failure and danger to the lives of both drivers and passengers. The class action was brought forward to resolve widespread allegations made by some car owners who demanded compensation for the cost incurred on repairing the anti-lock braking system and also expenses on accidents or other damages.
Settlement website – KiaHECUSettlement.com
Objection deadline – 04/04/2023
Exclusion deadline – 04/04/2023
Claim Form – https://kiahecusettlement.com/Home/SubmitClaim
Deadline for submitting the claim – 07/07/2023
Final Hearing date – 04/21/2023
Settlement amount – Not disclosed
Proof of purchase – Documents of repair costs and other expenses.
Hyundai is the parent company of the South Korea-based automotive company Kia. Hyundai has agreed to resolve all claims that the Kia ABS (anti-lock brake systems) are defective and a potential cause of engine fires. ABS is a pivotal safety feature in all modern vehicles which helps control the vehicles in emergency conditions. When brakes are applied, a car’s ABS prevents the wheels from locking up. Plaintiffs have accused both Kia and Hyundai of selling vehicles with defective ABS systems leading to a loss of their braking ability. Since then both the auto giants have recalled the vehicles having ABS defects. Hyundai revealed that the ABS module’s circuit card hindrance occurred following exposure of the parts to humidity.
Nonetheless, customers expected complete safety on bringing home the vehicles and both companies failed to act upon their expectations. Over 130000 Hyundai and 58000 Kia vehicles have been recalled over the defect. The following class vehicles are eligible for opt-outs if the ABS defects were experienced under the original manufacturer’s warranty:
- 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
The settlement terms will benefit both current and former lessees or owners of class vehicles. You can also benefit from the settlement if the vehicle was bought when the owner was abroad on active U.S. military duty. Consumers can refer to this VIN lookup tool to check their eligibility for the settlement. The plaintiffs added that Hyundai equipped some Kia models with defective ABD control modules which can lead to loss of ABS functionality and engine compartment fires.
Hyundai has agreed to resolve these allegations by paying an undisclosed sum despite not admitting any wrongdoing. Various benefits will be offered to the class members under the terms of the settlement including inspections, warranty extensions, and repair reimbursements. The warranty extension for class members will cover qualifying repairs for 12 years starting from the date of first use or the original retail delivery. However, the warranty extension might be denied for “exceptional neglect” caused by a lack of care or maintenance by the lessee or owner. One-time inspections of class vehicles will also be provided to class members. But for availing of this, they will have to bring the vehicles to an authorized Kia dealership for an unrelated service for inspection of the ABS modules of their vehicles and ensuring that the components haven’t been affected by the alleged fault. Class members can claim compensation if ABS modules were previously repaired due to a related defect.
Reimbursement for related expenses like towing costs or car rentals can also be claimed by the class members. A goodwill payment of $140 for non-collision fires and compensation for losses that occurred to the vehicle due to engine compartment fires might also be included in the reimbursement figure. The class members need to submit a valid claim form to receive certain settlement benefits but no claim form is necessary for warranty extensions.