Kia Lemon Law
California
We help consumers who have purchased or leased a defective Kia model pursue fair compensation.
Kia Models with the Most Recalls
Kia – a subsidiary of Hyundai – has earned a reputation for combining dependability, practicality, and value for the money. While Kia’s catalog is not as large as other manufacturers, the brand has become a household name and offers some of the best vehicles on the market – but there are certainly some widespread issues plaguing these cars. Here are the Kia models with the most recalls.
Kia Sedona
The Sedona – now known as the Carnival – is a staple in Kia’s catalog. It’s been in production since 1998 and has seen a great deal of innovation, but the model is no stranger to mechanical defects. The Sedona has been subjected to 75 recalls since its release for issues including:
- Braking defects
- Seatbelt malfunctions
- Faulty electrical systems
- Airbag problems
Kia Sportage
The Sportage is a beloved hybrid SUV that’s been in production since the early 1990s. The model is known for combining spaciousness with affordability, but it has seen its fair share of recalls over the years. There have been 59 recalls for the Sportage for problems related to:
- Fuel pipe malfunctions
- Engine failures
- Defective electrical systems
- Brake light defects
Kia Sorento
The Sorento is a mid-size crossover SUV in production since 2002 – and spans over four generations. The 2021 Hybrid 2 model was even awarded Large SUV of the Year by What Car? Magazine. However, the model has amassed 55 recalls for issues including:
- Fuel system failures
- Service brake malfunctions
- ABS module defects
- Engine crankshaft issues
- Problems with the electrical system
Does Your Vehicle Qualify for Kia Lemon Law California?
Buying or leasing a defective Kia can be extremely frustrating – we get it. But it’s important to note that a single defect doesn’t necessarily mean the vehicle is a lemon. To earn benefits under Kia lemon law in the state of California, the vehicle must meet these qualifications.
- The Kia’s warranty was valid when the defect(s) was reported to the automaker; and
- The Kia vehicle has one or more substantial defect(s) that compromises the safety, functionality, or value of the vehicle; and
- Kia’s certified repair technicians have made a reasonable number of repair attempts (usually at least two) to repair the defect(s); or
- The Kia vehicle has been out of service for repairs for 30 or more cumulative days; and
- The defect was not due to driver neglect or abuse.
You’ll need to have organized documentation in place to prove your vehicle meets the criteria of Kia lemon law in California to file a claim. Without the appropriate repair orders, invoices, and records, you will not be eligible for the Kia buyback program or a replacement of your defective vehicle.
Kia Lemon Law FAQs
Which models are covered in Kia lemon law cases?
All Kia models with a valid dealer or manufacturer warranty in California are eligible for the Kia buyback program. The defect must have been reported to the dealer or manufacturer while the warranty was still valid.
What type of compensation can I pursue under Kia lemon law?
A Kia lemon law buyback encompasses all the financial losses you suffered from the defective vehicle. This amount will vary from case to case. If the vehicle meets the state’s lemon law qualifications, you may pursue the following:
- The total cost of the Kia (minus a mileage offset).
- Down payment
- Monthly payments made
- The remaining balance of the loan
- All official costs paid for the Kia
- Sales tax
- Registration
- All incidental costs stemming from the Kia vehicle
- Towing fees
- Uber/Lyft/Cab fares
- Hotel stays
- Meals
- Etc.
- All attorney fees and court costs
Can I still pursue benefits under Kia lemon law if the warranty is expired?
You may only seek a Kia lemon law buyback or replacement if the defect was first reported to the dealer or manufacturer while the warranty was valid. Even if the warranty expires while the car is in the shop, you will still be eligible for benefits.
Is there a time limit for Kia lemon law cases?
Yes, there is a four-year statute of limitations to seek a Kia lemon law buyback or replacement. We recommend filing your claim as soon as possible after your vehicle meets the California lemon law qualifications. The longer you wait, the weaker your case might become. For example, waiting three years to file for the Kia buyback program may imply the defect was not substantial enough to elicit a claim – and your path to earning fair compensation will be more difficult.
Moreover, driving a defective Kia puts both you and other drivers at risk. Get in touch with a lemon lawyer in California to start the process immediately.
Are used vehicles eligible for the Kia buyback program?
Yes! California extends lemon law benefits to defective used vehicles. Dealerships generally sell used vehicles with warranties that are good for 30 days after purchase or before 1,000 miles accrue on the odometer. If a used Kia meets the California lemon law qualifications within the terms of the dealer warranty, it can be processed like a new vehicle.
What if I bought my Kia “as is”?
The “as is” agreement means there is no warranty in place and the consumer takes full responsibility for the condition of the Kia once they drive it off the lot. Dealers are typically required to display a clear “as is” clause on the buyer’s guide of the vehicle. If you purchased your Kia “as is”, you have no protection under Kia lemon law.
What if there is no indication of a dealer warranty or “as is” agreement?
If there is no specification of a dealer warranty or “as is” clause, there will likely be an implied warranty of merchantability. This means there is an unspoken agreement that the vehicle is fit for its intended purpose. These implied warranties are good for at least 60 days or up to a year under California law.
How much does a Kia lemon law lawyer cost?
You shouldn’t have to pay ANYTHING when you hire a lemon lawyer to handle your Kia lemon law buyback. Terms of the Kia buyback program state that the manufacturer is required to cover all attorney and court costs for the consumer. With this in mind, your lemon lawyer in California should work on a contingency fee agreement. This means they take their fees as part of the settlement AFTER they win the case. In other words, you pay nothing to hire their services.
Should I Hire a Lawyer to Seek Benefits under Kia Lemon Law?
Yes. Hiring a skilled attorney is the best thing consumers can do in Kia lemon law cases. Even if you think your defective vehicle clearly meets the state’s lemon qualifications, automakers have no intention of compensating you fairly – and results are never guaranteed.
Kia is a company with a worldwide footprint – and extremely high-powered legal defense teams. Trying to win Kia lemon law cases without legal counsel will be nearly impossible, regardless of how strong your claim is. Lemon law lawyers know how to negotiate with these teams and earn fair compensation.
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