A proposed settlement has been reached in three class action lawsuits known as Zakikhani, et al. v. Hyundai Motor Company, et al., No. 8:20-cv-01584 (C.D. Cal.), Evans, et al. v. Hyundai Motor Company, et al., No. 8:22-cv-00300 (C.D. Cal.), and Pluskowski, et al. v. Hyundai Motor America, et al., No. 8:22-cv-00824 (C.D. Cal.). These lawsuits allege that certain Kia vehicles were manufactured, marketed, sold, and leased with a defect in their Anti-Lock Brake System (“ABS”) control modules (also referred to as a Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit or “HECU”) that can result in engine compartment fires and the loss of ABS functionality. Neither Kia Corporation (“KC”), nor Kia America (“KA”) have been found liable for any of the claims alleged in these lawsuits.
The Parties have instead reached a voluntary settlement in order to avoid lengthy litigation. The individuals who owned or leased Class Vehicles are known as “Settlement Class Members.” Settlement Class Members may be entitled to compensation if they submit valid and timely Claims that are approved pursuant to the review process described in the Settlement Agreement and approved by the Court.
The Settlement provides the following benefits:
Reimbursement for Past Repairs
Cash reimbursements for any type of repair, replacement, diagnosis, or inspection, including a repair pursuant to a NHTSA Recall arising from the Qualifying Defect.
Reimbursement for Rental Cars, Towing, etc.
Cash reimbursements for qualifying past out-of-pocket repair costs and repair-related expenses, such as rental cars and towing.
Compensation for Vehicle Loss Due to Engine Compartment Fire
Guaranteed maximum value compensation, plus a $140 goodwill payment, for vehicles that are a Total Loss due to certain engine compartment fires caused by the ABS Module defect.
Free One-Time Inspection
A free one-time ABS Module inspection, subject to certain conditions.
Warranty Extension
Extension of the relevant warranty for ABS Modules that have been repaired or replaced pursuant to a NHTSA Recall for a period of five (5) to seven (7) years, depending on whether the current warranty is expired.