Kia has been involved in numerous legal fights for its vehicles’ engine faults and theft vulnerabilities. However, the Kia class action lawsuit focuses on two major issues: broken engines in multiple models and a lack of theft prevention measures.
These flaws made many vehicles easy targets for burglars. So, this resulted in an increase in stolen vehicles and costly repairs for many owners, triggering many lawsuits.
Kia owners are affected by their financial situation because they must pay expensive repair costs as well as pay for car destruction and theft due to these security weaknesses. However, final court approval is likely in mid-2024, with payments starting later that year for approved candidates.
What is the Kia Class Action Lawsuit About?
The lawsuits focus on two main problems:
- Engine Defects: Kia vehicles have experienced significant engine issues, including failure and even fires. These problems affect certain models with Theta II, Nu, and Gamma engines. Owners reported engines stalling or catching fire while driving, which led to a massive recall and class action.
- Theft Vulnerabilities: Many Kia automobiles, particularly those produced between 2011 and 2022, were built without engine immobilizers. This simple security measure may have prevented robberies, but its absence made these automobiles an easy target for criminals. The “Kia Challenge” arose when viral videos proved how easily Kias could be stolen.
Read More: Kia Theft Settlement: Overview and Compensation Details
How Much Will I Get from the Kia Settlement?
The cost varies based on your situation.
- Engine Defect Settlement: In addition to a 15-year or 150,000-mile extended warranty to address future issues, owners may be eligible for full reimbursement for previous repairs. You might be qualified for a reimbursement if you paid for tow or rental automobiles because of engine issues.
- Theft Vulnerability Settlement: In addition to taxes and registration fees, you may get up to 60% of the car’s Black Book value if your Kia was stolen. You may be eligible to receive up to $3,375, or 33% of the Black Book value, if the attempted theft caused damage to your vehicle.
Documents you need to file a claim
You will require different documents to submit a claim in the Kia class action settlements based on whether you are looking for reimbursement for theft, engine repairs, or any other related costs. Here’s a list of the key documents typically required:
Proof of Vehicle Ownership:
- Documentation showing that you own or own the affected Kia vehicle. This could be:
- Vehicle registration
- Title
- Lease agreement (for leased vehicles)
Proof of Repairs:
In order to get compensated for engine failure or theft-related damage, you will require:
- invoices or receipts for repairs from a dealership or repair facility that is authorized.
- evidence that the repairs were paid for (such as credit card statements or receipts).
- Insurance records, if any, outlining the costs you incurred out of pocket and the amounts covered by the policy.
Proof of Theft or Damage:
If your vehicle was stolen or damaged, you’ll need:
- Police reports documenting the theft or attempted theft.
- Insurance claims documents showing the settlement or repair costs.
- Photos of damage if available (optional but helpful).
Expense Receipts:
- Receipts for towing costs incurred when your vehicle was disabled due to engine failure or theft.
- Receipts for rental cars, ride-sharing services, or other transportation expenses if you had to arrange alternative transportation during repairs. Reimbursement can be up to $80 per day.
Goodwill Payments:
If you are claiming additional compensation for repair delays or lost value from a sale due to engine failure, you might need:
- Documentation of sale or trade-in if you sold the vehicle after experiencing engine failure.
- Proof of the time your vehicle spent at the repair shop if seeking a goodwill payment for delays.
VIN Information:
Your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) will be required to verify eligibility and track your vehicle in the settlement.
Once you have gathered these documents, you can submit them online via the official settlement website once the claims period begins. Be sure to keep copies of everything you submit for your own records.
What should you do after filing a claim?
Here are the next steps you should take if you are part of the Kia class action settlement:
Wait for Notification
Kia owners who are part of the settlement will receive notifications by March 2024. This notice will come either through mail or email. The notice will provide important details like eligibility, deadlines, and instructions on how to file a claim.
Check Your Eligibility
Once you receive your notification, verify if your vehicle is part of the settlement. You can do this using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the official settlement website (which will be provided in your notice).
Prepare Required Documents
Collect all necessary documents, such as proof of ownership, repair receipts, proof of theft, police reports, towing or rental receipts, and VIN information. Make sure everything is well-documented and ready for submission.
File Your Claim
Visit the official settlement website once it goes live and follow the steps to file your claim online. Fill out the claim form, upload your documents, and ensure you submit everything before the deadline (which will be stated in your notice).
Track Your Claim
After submitting your claim, you’ll receive a confirmation and can track the status online. Make sure to stay updated on any additional requests or steps from the settlement administrator.
Wait for Payouts
Payouts will be processed after the final court approval, which is expected after July 15, 2024. If there are no appeals or delays, payments will start to go out later in 2024.
By staying proactive and organized, you can ensure that you get the compensation you are entitled to as part of the Kia settlement. Keep an eye on all official communications and act promptly when the claims process opens.
When Will Payouts Start?
Payouts will begin after final court approval, which is expected sometime after July 15, 2024. The process could take a while, especially if there are appeals. Notifications to class members are expected to start in March 2024, giving you time to prepare and file your claims, according to Business Wire and Hagens Berman.
How can you track your payouts?
To track your payout from the Kia class action settlement, you’ll need to follow these steps once the settlement processes begin:
Visit the Official Settlement Website:
- The settlement administrator will normally create an official website where class members can monitor the progress of their claims after final permission is given. What you can do is:
- Verify Your Eligibility To see if your car qualifies, enter its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- File and Track Claims: You can log in to monitor the status of your claim and to see when payments are scheduled to be processed and issued after submitting it.
Check notifications:
You will likely receive email or mail notifications regarding important updates about the settlement, such as the final approval date, claim processing, and payout schedules. Be sure to keep all correspondence from the settlement administrator, as this will guide you through tracking your payout.
Contact the Settlement Administrator:
If you have specific questions about your claim or payout status, the settlement administrator will provide contact information (usually a hotline or email) that you can use to inquire directly. Settlement administrators often provide case tracking or updates via phone and email.
Track via Settlement Portal:
Once your claim is submitted, the official portal (provided by the settlement administrator) will typically allow you to log in using your claim ID or personal details to monitor the progress of your payout. There will often be a timeline or updates reflecting the processing stage, approval, and payment issuance.
Stay Updated on Court Proceedings:
As final court approval is necessary for payouts, monitoring updates related to the court’s decisions and any potential appeals is important. Class action law firms or news updates on sites like Hagens Berman or Business Wire will offer information on when the court officially greenlights the payouts.
Read also: Overview of the Linda Dupree Lawsuit
How to File a Claim for the Kia Settlement?
You will be notified via mail or email as soon as the settlement is final. Moreover, this will provide you all the information required to submit a claim. Then, you’ll:
- Go to the official settlement website (the notice will contain the URL).
- Provide your vehicle identifying number (VIN) and other necessary data when completing the claim form.
- Provide supporting documents, such as invoices for repairs, theft, or other expenses.
Once your claim is submitted, you may follow its progress online, and you’ll receive updates as things proceed.
Can I file an objection?
Yes, you can file an objection or appeal regarding the Kia class action settlement, but there are specific rules and timelines to follow.
Filing an Objection:
If you are a class member and disagree with the terms of the settlement, you have the opportunity to object before the court gives final approval. To object:
- Submit a written objection by the time specified in the settlement notice (typically weeks before the final approval hearing).
- Give your reasons for opposing and explain why you believe the settlement is unjust or inadequate.
- Please provide any information or material that supports your objection.
The court will review all objections during the final hearing. This hearing is scheduled for July 15, 2024, if the Kia theft lawsuit is vulnerable.
Read also: Cask Technologies LLC Lawsuit: The Full Story
Filing an Appeal:
If the court approves the settlement despite your objections at the final approval hearing, you can challenge the judgment. However, your appeals must be based on legal grounds, such as claiming an error in the court’s approval of a settlement.
- You can file the appeal within a particular time frame (usually 30 days after the final judgment).
- You must seek legal guidance before filing an appeal because the process can cause delays in compensation for the whole class.
Considerations:
The settlement is expected to move forward unless the court determines that the objections have significant validity. On the other hand, submitting an appeal or objection can take time. If you plan to submit an appeal, you must consider the results, including costs and delays.
If you feel strongly about the terms of the settlement, here is a suggestion for you. You must contact an attorney experienced in class action to guide you through the objection or appeal process.
Conclusion
The Kia class action lawsuits address severe issues such as engine flaws and vehicle theft risks. However, if your car is affected, you may be eligible for compensation, extended warranties, or reimbursement. So, here is the trick: stay aware, file a claim when the procedure opens in 2024, and monitor your compensation via the official settlement portal.
These settlements are a step toward helping Kia owners who have been negatively impacted. It is adviced to be sure to follow the notifications carefully to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.