Kia and Hyundai, two of the largest South Korean automakers, have agreed to settle a years-long lawsuit regarding engine fires in several of their models.
The settlement comes after years of legal battles and investigations into the cause of the fires, which affected over 4 million vehicles in the United States alone.
In this article, we will dive into the details of the settlement, what it means for affected car owners, and what steps they can take to protect themselves.
What Was the Lawsuit About?
The lawsuit was filed in 2018 after several reports of engine fires in Kia and Hyundai models.
The plaintiffs claimed that the fires were caused by a defect in the engine design, which led to oil leaks, and eventually, engine failure.
The lawsuit accused the automakers of knowingly selling defective cars and failing to address the issue adequately.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into the matter.
which revealed that the fires were caused by a variety of factors, including faulty manufacturing, poor maintenance, and inadequate repairs.
The investigation also found that the automakers had not properly informed car owners about the risks associated with the defect.
What Is the Settlement?
The settlement requires Kia and Hyundai to pay a combined $760 million to resolve the class-action lawsuit.
The money will be used to compensate car owners for repair costs, loss of value, and other expenses related to the engine fires.
The settlement also requires the automakers to implement new safety measures, such as engine inspections and software updates, to prevent future fires.
The settlement covers nearly 4 million vehicles sold by Kia and Hyundai between 2011 and 2019, including popular models like the Kia Optima and Sorento, and the Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe.
Car owners who experienced engine fires or other related issues are eligible for compensation under the settlement.
What Does This Mean for Affected Car Owners?
The settlement is good news for affected car owners, as it provides them with some compensation for the issues they faced.
However, it is important to note that the compensation may not cover all of the costs associated with the engine fires, such as lost wages, medical bills, or other damages.
Car owners should also be aware that the settlement does not provide a guarantee against future engine fires or other related issues.
The new safety measures implemented by Kia and Hyundai are intended to reduce the risk of fires, but there is still a possibility that the defect could cause problems in the future.
What Can Affected Car Owners Do?
Affected car owners should take several steps to protect themselves in the aftermath of the settlement.
First, they should contact Kia or Hyundai to schedule an engine inspection and any necessary repairs.
They should also keep detailed records of any expenses related to the engine fires, including repair costs, rental car fees, and other expenses.
Car owners who experienced significant damages, such as lost wages or medical bills, may also consider filing a separate lawsuit against Kia or Hyundai to seek additional compensation.
They should consult with an attorney who specializes in product liability cases to determine if they have a viable claim.
FAQs:
Q: What caused the engine defects?
Q: How many vehicles were affected?
Q: When will repairs and reimbursements be available?
Q: Is there any compensation for previous repairs?
Q: What should I do if I am experiencing engine problems in my Kia or Hyundai?
Conclusion
The settlement between Kia and Hyundai and the plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit over engine fires is a significant development for affected car owners.
While the settlement provides some compensation and new safety measures to reduce the risk of future fires, it is important for car owners to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves.
By contacting Kia or Hyundai, keeping detailed records, and seeking legal advice if necessary, affected car owners can ensure that they receive
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