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Over 2 million vehicle owners have been affected by oil consumption issues prompting a class-action lawsuit against the manufacturers. However, recently an agreement has been made that might relieve the consumers. It means you might be entitled to compensation if you own an affected vehicle. Let’s walk through the details and learn what this implies for you as a Hyundai or Kia owner.
Overview of the Settlement
In 2017, Hyundai and Kia got accused of engine defects in several models that led to fires, as well as engine failure. Subsequently this class action lawsuit was filed. The lawsuit was brought on behalf of over 4 million car owners and the companies agreed to a settlement of $760 million.
The affected models include:
(Theta II 2.4-liter MPI engine)
- 2010/12 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2010/13 Hyundai Tucson
- 2010/13 Kia Forte
- 2010/13 Kia Forte Koup
- 2011/13 Kia Sorento
- 2011/13 Kia Sportage
(Theta II 2.4-liter MPI Hybrid engine)
- 2011/15 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- 2011/16 Kia Optima Hybrid
(Nu 2.0 GDI engine)
- 2014/21 Hyundai Tucson
- 2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe
- 2014/16 Hyundai Elantra
- 2014/20 Hyundai Elantra GT
- 2014/18 Kia Forte
- 2014/19 Kia Soul
(Nu 2.0 GDI Hybrid engine)
- 2016/19 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid/Plug-In
- 2017/20 Kia Optima Hybrid/Plug-In
(Gamma 1.6-liter GDI engine)
- 2012/16 Kia Soul
- 2012/17 Hyundai Veloster
Key Advantages for the Owners
This settlement includes a 15-year/150,000 Miles extension by Hyundai from the vehicle’s retail date. The settlement benefits to affected car owners include compensation, extended warranty, free inspection and repair services, and a customer care program. The companies will also invest in safety measures and engine defect repairs, such as research and development, to improve safety features and quality control. These measures will ensure that companies are held accountable for future issues and prevent future engine defects.
The Settlement Terms
The settlement terms outline hefty compensation, extended warranty, and free repair services. The compensation amount depends on the extent of damage and the mileage when the vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the companies agreed to create a customer care program to address concerns and issues related to engine defects.
They will also provide inspection and repair services to affected car owners, which include a software update and an engine inspection. Furthermore, the extended warranty covers the engine short block assembly, long block assembly, and the engine’s internal lubricated parts.
Compensation for Affected Customers
If Your Car Was Repaired
The Hyundai and Kia settlement will cover expenses incurred at an authorized dealership or third-party repair shop, minus any previous reimbursement. Customers who had their car repaired at a third-party repair shop can claim a $150 goodwill payment. Furthermore, towing and rental car expenses will be reimbursed. You can claim transportation or towing expenses if your car’s engine caught fire or failed.
If You Replaced Your Car
You can submit a claim for a rebate if your engine failed or caught fire or you sold your Hyundai or Kia and bought a new one from an authorized dealership. The rebate amount (ranging from $1,000 to $2,500) will be the difference between the maximum Black Book value and the amount you received for the sale.
If Your Car Is Not In Use
If you sold or traded your car, you can claim $150 and the amount (Vehicle’s wholesale used-to value minus the amount received in the sale). If you lost your vehicle due to an engine fire caused by the alleged defect, you receive the car’s maximum Black Book value at the time of the loss, minus any value received, and an additional $150 goodwill payment.
If Your Car Incurred Damage
The class action settlement does not cover claims related to injuries and damages, except for damages to the vehicles covered by the settlement. In an otherwise situation, you can still pursue legal action for those claims.
Will This Settlement Set a Precedent?
This settlement could set a precedent for forthcoming cases involving similar issues. If other automakers sell vehicles with defects, they could face similar lawsuits and settlements. Companies might also be more motivated to issue recalls or take corrective actions to address defects. Additionally, they might be more cautious when introducing new technologies or designs, as they could face legal repercussions if found defective.
Bottom Line
As the Hyundai and Kia engine failure settlement comes to a close, this is a significant step in the right direction for the affected owners. Ultimately, this serves as a reminder that safety and reliability must be manufacturers’ top priority.
Opting out of the Hyundai and Kia class action lawsuit before August 7, 2023, could lead to greater compensation, including full reimbursement and punitive damages, through filing an individual lawsuit. This ensures the chance to receive the reimbursement deserved and safeguards lemon law rights. Therefore, connect with our expert Lemon Firm Attorneys to take action before the December 7, 2023, deadline to file a claim. Additionally, opposing the class highlights Hyundai and Kia’s attempt to reduce their responsibility for selling faulty vehicles.
Call our Lemon Law experts at (833) Lemon-firm if you’ve experienced issues with your hybrid or EV. Our experienced attorneys have successfully recovered compensation for clients who were sold vehicles with manufacturer defects.