In recent years, Kia has developed a reputation for manufacturing and selling reliable and desirable vehicles at reasonable prices. However, like all other auto manufacturers, some of the cars that come off Kia’s assembly line qualify as “lemons” – a vehicle with a significant warranty-covered issue that the manufacturer and its authorized dealer network cannot remedy despite multiple repair attempts. If you’ve bought or leased a Kia under the manufacturer’s original warranty and have had to bring it into the authorized dealer’s service center multiple times for the same issue, you may qualify for protection under the California Lemon Law.
Contact The Barry Law Firm for a fast and free case evaluation with a Kia Lemon Law attorney to discuss the problems with your car and determine whether you may have a Lemon Law claim against Kia. You may be able to pursue a financial recovery for the losses you’ve incurred due to your lemon. Our firm has helped thousands of frustrated vehicle owners pursue the accountability and compensation they deserve from big automakers like Kia. And because the Lemon Law makes manufacturers responsible for your attorney’s fees and legal costs in a successful Lemon Law claim, you will never receive a bill for our services – regardless of the outcome of your case.
California Lemon Law for Kia Vehicles
California’s Lemon Law offers legal protections for people who buy or lease vehicles when they experience persistent, substantial problems covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty that the manufacturer cannot fix after a reasonable number of repair attempts. The law applies to faulty vehicles purchased or leased in California – although there are exceptions for military members.
The main remedy available for a defective vehicle is a Lemon Law buyback, which is when the manufacturer repurchases the lemon. The Lemon Law gives owners or lessees the right to demand a refund of the purchase or lease price minus a usage fee for the miles driven up to the first repair attempt. They may also seek compensation for other expenses incurred due to the car’s problems, such as:
- Towing costs
- Repair expenses
- Rental car fees
- Finance charges
- Sales or use taxes
- License and registration fees
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs
Is Your Kia a Lemon?
Your Kia may qualify as a lemon under California’s Lemon Law if it experiences a warranty-covered substantial defect that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. An issue with a car may be a substantial defect if it affects the vehicle’s safety, reliability, or value. For example:
- Safety – A problem that causes a sudden loss of power may constitute a safety hazard when operating the vehicle.
- Reliability – Alternator issues could affect the vehicle’s reliability if the car does not start when activating the ignition.
- Value – Excessive paint problems that lead to significant fading or chipping can reduce the vehicle’s trade-in or resale value.
However, the manufacturer, typically through one of its authorized dealers, must be allowed a reasonable number of attempts to repair the issue. A reasonable number of repairs can vary from case to case. If the defect poses a significant danger, two or more attempts to fix it are typically considered reasonable. Manufacturers may be entitled to more than two attempts to fix less severe problems. In certain circumstances, a vehicle may automatically qualify as a lemon if it is out of service for an inordinate amount of time.
The issue must also be covered by the manufacturer’s original warranty that came with the vehicle. Even if the warranty has since expired, you may be covered under the Lemon Law if you tried to get the problem repaired while the warranty was still valid.
If you aren’t sure whether your vehicle qualifies for a Kia Lemon Law buyback, an experienced Lemon Law attorney at The Barry Law Firm can help. There is a limited time to file a Lemon Law claim against Kia, though, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Defects in Kia Vehicles That May Warrant a Lemon Law Claim
Examples of recurring defects or issues in Kia vehicles that may lead to a Lemon Law claim include:
- Engine failure or stalling, which can cause sudden power loss or lead to catastrophic engine damage like a cracked cylinder
- Engine overheating, which increases the risk of fire
- Transmission issues, which can lead to power loss, loss of control of the vehicle, or a parked rollaway
- Battery failure or rapid discharge of the battery
- Timing chain defects
- Oil leaks
- Alternator malfunctions
- Electrical failures
- Brake failures
- Unintended airbag deployment
- Fuel system failures
- Infotainment system failures
- Door, window, or moonroof seal issues
- Headlight problems
- AC or heating issues
Kia Models That Could Be Lemons
Any Kia could potentially be a lemon. Kia makes a variety of SUVs, sedans, hybrids, and electric vehicles. Some recent Kia models that may qualify for a Lemon Law claim include:
SUVs:
- Kia Soul
- Kia Seltos
- Kia Sportage
- Kia Sorento
- Kia Telluride
- Kia Carnival MPV
- Hybrids/Electrics:
- Kia Niro
- Kia Sportage Hybrid
- Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid
- Kia Sorento Hybrid
- Kia Niro EV
- Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid
- Kia Carnival MPV Hybrid
- Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid
- Kia EV9
Sedans:
- Kia K4
- Kia K5
What to Do If Your Kia Is a Lemon
If you believe your Kia has a defect that qualifies it as a lemon, steps you should take to put yourself in an ideal position to pursue a Kia Lemon Law case include:
- Keep copies of all documentation related to the repairs for the defect with your vehicle, including diagnostic or inspection reports, repair summaries, and receipts for repair costs.
- If your Kia has a visible defect, take photos of it before and after repair attempts.
- Gather copies of receipts for other expenses you had to incur due to issues with your vehicle, such as towing costs.
- Find your purchase or lease paperwork and keep records of your car loan or lease payments.
- Document all communication between you and the manufacturer or their authorized dealer.
You should also contact a Kia Lemon Law attorney from The Barry Law Firm as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights to seek financial compensation for your defective vehicle under the Lemon Law.
How The Barry Law Firm Can Help
If you have a potential Kia Lemon Law claim, The Barry Law Firm can help you pursue your legal rights by:
- Thoroughly reviewing the facts of your case to determine whether you have a valid Lemon Law claim
- Helping you assemble the necessary documentation to build a compelling case
- Documenting your expenses and financial losses caused by your Kia’s defects to ensure you pursue a fair financial recovery
- Handling the claims process by dealing with Kia on your behalf, helping take the stress of pursuing a Lemon Law claim off your shoulders
- Vigorously pursuing maximum compensation available to you under the Lemon Law
Kia likely won’t want to just buy back your defective vehicle without a fight. But you shouldn’t let a large manufacturer like Kia take advantage of you, and you don’t have to handle this process on your own. Let an experienced Lemon Law attorney at The Barry Law Firm manage your case from start to finish and demand that Kia pay you what you are owed. Reach out today to find out how we can do all of this for you – and at no charge to you.
Contact a Kia Lemon Law Attorney Today
When Kia or your Kia authorized dealer has failed to correct a persistent and substantial warranty-covered issue with your vehicle after several attempts, you may have a claim under the California Lemon Law. The Barry Law Firm can help you demand your money back if you have been sold a defective vehicle – and you will never see a bill from us.
Our firm has represented consumers in Lemon Law claims exclusively since 2010, giving us extensive experience and insight into California’s Lemon Law. Our dedication has earned us the trust and respect of our clients. As one client wrote about working with our firm:
“I highly recommend using The Barry Law Firm for anyone that has lemon law concerns! When I first started asking around about the lemon law process, many of my friends said they just did it themselves, which means they spent hours and hours dealing with customer service, lawyers, phone calls, and emails. Working and having a 1 year old did not allow me the time necessary, in addition to the fact that sounded like complete torture! There is literally nothing to lose with calling The Barry Law Firm! There is no cost to you whether you win or loose, and they do the entire process for you! There was always someone there to update me as far as the status of my claim, and were quick to respond to emails. I was so frustrated when I started having issues with my car that was only three months old, and the dealership was a nightmare to deal with; but David and his team were our saving grace and I would still be driving my broken car if not for them! Thanks so much for everything!!” – Amanda M.
Contact The Barry Law Firm today for a FAST & FREE consultation with an experienced Kia Lemon Law lawyer to discuss your legal options and learn more about how to file a Lemon Law claim against Kia.
