Hyundai and Kia engine defect class actions launched in Australia

Class actions were filed on Wednesday (15th February) in the Federal Court of Australia relating to defective engines in various Hyundai and Kia vehicles sold in Australia from 2011 to date.

The actions allege that the numerous vehicles sold by Hyundai and Kia in Australia were offered for sale with engines that were manufactured or designed defectively and, as result, have the propensity to exhibit faults, including sudden loss of power (including while driving), increased oil and fuel consumption, emission of smoke, and in some cases, fire.

In addition, it is claimed that Hyundai and Kia knew of the engine issues since at least 2015 but continued to sell affected vehicles in Australia regardless.

The actions are being funded by Woodsford and the applicants are represented by law firm Johnson Winter Slattery.

Woodsford’s Chief Investment Officer, Charlie Morris commented: “The myriad of defects with these cars is bad enough.  But the fact that Hyundai and Kia knew about the defects these cars had, but continued to sell them regardless is unacceptable. We are determined to hold them to account and ensure that Australian consumers receive the compensation they are due.”

Owners of affected Hyundai and Kia cars can register for the class actions by providing their details at www.hyundaiengineclassaction.com.au (for Hyundai vehicles) or www.kiaengineclassaction.com.au (for Kia vehicles).  Further details about the actions, including full lists of the affected models (and model years), will be available on those websites in the near future.

You can read read the full press release here.