Hyundai and Kia Ordered to Provide Free Repairs to Millions of Owners

In a significant victory for consumers, the attorney general of Minnesota has announced a settlement requiring Hyundai and Kia to provide free repairs to millions of vehicles under recall. The agreement marks the end of a long-standing dispute between the state's government and the two automakers.

Background

The dispute began in 2018 when the Minnesota Attorney General's office launched an investigation into the practices of Hyundai and Kia, alleging that the companies had engaged in deceptive business tactics to sell vehicles with faulty engines. The investigation was part of a broader effort by dozens of states to scrutinize the automotive industry for potential wrongdoing.

The Settlement

On Tuesday, the Minnesota Attorney General's office announced that it had reached a settlement with Hyundai and Kia, requiring the companies to provide free repairs to affected vehicle owners. According to the terms of the agreement, Hyundai and Kia will be responsible for covering the cost of necessary repairs for millions of vehicles under recall.

The settlement specifically targets models produced by the two companies between 2009 and 2016, which were subject to recalls related to engine problems. The affected models include:

• 2011-2014 Hyundai Elantra
• 2012-2013 Kia Optima
• 2011-2015 Hyundai Sonata
• 2010-2014 Kia Sorento

The Impact

The settlement is expected to benefit millions of vehicle owners who have been affected by the recalls. Under the agreement, Hyundai and Kia will be responsible for covering the cost of necessary repairs, which could include replacing engines or other components.

For consumers, the settlement provides a significant sense of relief and vindication. "This settlement demonstrates that our office is committed to protecting the rights of Minnesota consumers," said the Minnesota Attorney General. "We believe this agreement will help ensure that Hyundai and Kia take responsibility for their actions and provide necessary repairs to affected owners."

What's Next

The settlement still requires approval from a federal court, which could take several months to complete. Once approved, Hyundai and Kia are expected to begin notifying affected vehicle owners and providing information on how to schedule free repairs.

In addition to the financial impact, the settlement also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the automotive industry. "This case shows that companies can be held accountable when they engage in deceptive practices," said a spokesperson for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). "We will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that affected owners receive the necessary repairs."

Conclusion

The settlement announced by the Minnesota Attorney General's office marks an important milestone in the ongoing effort to hold Hyundai and Kia accountable for their actions. As consumers, it is essential to remain vigilant and advocate for our rights when dealing with any business or organization.

In the coming weeks and months, we can expect to see affected vehicle owners receive notifications about free repairs. If you are a owner of an affected vehicle, be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure your safety on the road.

Key Takeaways

• Hyundai and Kia Ordered to Provide Free Repairs: A settlement has been reached requiring the two automakers to provide free repairs to millions of vehicles under recall.
• Affecting Millions of Vehicles: The settlement targets models produced by Hyundai and Kia between 2009 and 2016, which were subject to recalls related to engine problems.
• Free Repairs Available: Affected vehicle owners can expect to receive notifications about free repairs in the coming weeks and months.
• Importance of Transparency and Accountability: The settlement highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the automotive industry.

Next Steps

1. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates from Hyundai and Kia regarding the recall and repair process.
2. Schedule a Repair: If you are affected by the recall, schedule a free repair at one of the designated dealerships or service centers.
3. Advocate for Your Rights: Continue to advocate for consumer rights and hold companies accountable for their actions.

By working together, we can ensure that consumers receive fair treatment and justice when dealing with any business or organization.