FeganScott, a national class action law firm, has initiated legal action against Hyundai and Kia, accusing the automakers of a defect in specific hybrid-electric vehicles that may lead to stalling and potential fires. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, targets the engine clutch actuator (ECA) in models including the 2017-2022 Kia Niro Hybrid, 2018-2022 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid, and 2017-2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid.
The complaint alleges that the defect permits fluid leakage into the ECA, risking vehicle stalling and, in some cases, fires. Despite Kia's July 2023 safety recall for certain Niro Hybrid vehicles addressing the ECA defect, the lawsuit claims the recall does not rectify the underlying issue or eliminate the stalling hazard. Notably, Hyundai has not issued a recall for its Ioniq Hybrid vehicles, which reportedly contain the same defective component.
Jonathan Lindenfeld, an attorney at FeganScott, criticized Hyundai and Kia for their historical delays in addressing known vehicle defects. 'Consumers investing heavily in their vehicles rightfully expect safety and reliability,' Lindenfeld stated. The firm, known for securing $1 billion in recoveries for victims nationwide, emphasizes its dedication to ensuring corporate accountability.
This legal challenge underscores the critical importance of vehicle safety and the automotive industry's responsibility to promptly address and rectify defects. For affected vehicle owners seeking more information on their rights, further details can be found by contacting the provided email. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for consumer protection standards and the automotive sector's approach to safety recalls.
