San Diego, California – Wirtz Law, a lemon law firm in California that has recovered over $45 million for consumers, underscores the importance of the looming deadline for Kia and Hyundai vehicle owners to opt out of the class action settlement related to engine defects in their vehicles. The final date to opt out is August 7, 2023, and failure to do so could mean surrendering their lemon law rights and foregoing the right to pursue compensation.

In February, a 143-page preliminary approval was granted to a settlement agreement concerning specific engines in Kia and Hyundai vehicles. This settlement is the result of numerous cases filed alleging that the Theta II 2.4-liter multipoint fuel injection (MPI), 1.6-liter Gamma GDI, and 2.0-liter Nu GDI engines contain defects possibly causing engine failures, seizures, and fires.

California owners of vehicles included in the settlement have been automatically added to the class action. However, Wirtz Law, a law firm with a 97% success rate in lemon law cases, wants to remind those owners who do not opt out by the August 7, 2023 deadline will be stuck with whatever amount was negotiated on their behalf rather than pursue additional damages they might be entitled to.

By choosing to opt out, Kia or Hyundai owners may qualify for a buyback and possibly even civil penalties. “This is a critical decision point for affected owners,” says lemon law attorney, Richard Wirtz of Wirtz Law. “By opting out, owners ensure they keep their rights to individually hold the manufacturer accountable.”

The settlement includes the following Kia and Hyundai models: Sonata (2011-2019), Santa Fe (2010-2012), Tucson (2010-2021), Elantra (2014-2020), Veloster (2012-2017), Optima (2011-2020), Sorento (2011-2013), Sportage (2011-2013), Forte (2010-2018), and Soul (2012-2019).

Wirtz Law is reminding Kia and Hyundai owners in California to carefully review their options and take necessary action before the August 7, 2023 deadline. The firm reminds all affected consumers that the decision they make now in this settlement could have significant implications for their financial futures and their rights under the law.

Owners of the affected vehicles can visit https://www.wirtzlaw.com/hyundaikiaoptout/ or call (858) 879-3557.

Case Information
This press release references a class settlement, Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II
United States District Court, Central District of California
No 8:18-cv-02223-JLS-JDE (C.D. Cal.)