Kia Window Regulator Defect Class Action Settlement

Consumers who owned or leased a 2016-2017 Kia Optima or a 2017 Kia Sportage in the United States may be eligible to submit a claim for reimbursement of up to $400 per repair from a class action settlement.

Kia America Inc. agreed to settle a lawsuit alleging it equipped certain vehicles with defective window regulators that could fail, causing the power window system to malfunction. The plaintiffs claimed the defect causes the automatic windows to malfunction, function intermittently or not function at all.

Who can file a claim for a Kia settlement payout?

Class members must meet the following criteria:

• They currently own or lease, or previously owned or leased, a 2016-2017 Kia Optima or a 2017 Kia Sportage in the United States.
• The vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number identifies it as a qualifying class vehicle.

Class members can submit a VIN lookup online to determine if their vehicle qualifies for the settlement.

Who is excluded from the class?

The following individuals and entities are not eligible to participate in the settlement:

• Consumers or businesses that purchased class vehicles deemed a total loss (salvage)
• Fleet purchasers (such as rentals or company vehicles)
• Dealerships that owned the vehicles during the time they needed a window regulator repair

How much are settlement payments?

Class members have the following benefit options:

• Reimbursement for out-of-pocket repair costs: Class members can submit a claim to receive reimbursement for up to four qualifying window regulator repairs per VIN. The settlement administrator will determine the reimbursement amount by the mileage of the qualifying vehicle at the time of repair:
• Under 35,000 miles: 100% of the amount paid up to $400 per repair
• 35,001-55,000 miles: 80% of the amount paid up to $320 per repair
• 55,001-75,000 miles: 60% of the amount paid up to $240 per repair
• 75,001-125,000 miles: 45% of the amount paid up to $180 per repair
• 125,001 miles and above: 40% of the amount paid up to $160 per repair

• Dealer service card: Class members who do not submit a reimbursement claim can submit a claim to receive a $40 dealer service card. They must use the service card within six month of its issue date on any service, merchandise or parts purchase at an authorized Kia dealership service department.

How to claim a class action rebate

To claim a settlement payment or dealer service card, class members can file a claim online or print and complete the PDF claim form and mail it to the settlement administrator.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: Kia Window Regulator Settlement, c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, PO Box 225391, New York, NY 10150-5391

The claim deadline is Nov. 23, 2026.

Required proof and claim information

• All claims require the class member ID from the settlement notice the class member received.
• Repair reimbursement claims require supporting documentation for each repair, which must include a repair order from a Kia dealership or reputable third-party repair facility listing the VIN, identifying a window regulator repair, and documenting the mileage at the time of repair, the date of repair and the cost, as well as proof of payment for the repair.
• Dealer service card claims require proof showing current ownership or lease status of a qualifying vehicle, such as vehicle registration.

Payout options

• Paper check mailed to the address provided (only option for mailed claims)
• Electronic payment
• Digital dealer service card

Settlement fund breakdown

The settlement fund will include:

• Settlement administration costs: To be determined
• Attorneys’ fees, costs, and expenses: Up to $1,244,000
• Service awards to class representatives: $1,500 each
• Dealer service cards: Total determined by the number of claims filed
• Payments to eligible claimants: Total determined by the number of claims filed

Important dates

• Exclusion deadline: Oct. 23, 2026
• Deadline to file a claim: Nov. 23, 2026
• Final approval hearing: Jan. 7, 2027

When is the Kia window regulator settlement payout date?

The settlement administrator will issue payments and digital dealer service cards to approved claimants approximately 90 days after the court grants final approval of the settlement.

Why did this class action settlement happen?

The class action lawsuit alleged certain Kia Optima and Sportage vehicles had defective window regulators that could break or separate, resulting in malfunctioning power windows.

Kia denied the allegations but agreed to settle to avoid the expense and risk of further litigation and a possible trial.

Sources

1. Claim form
2. Settlement agreement
3. Class action settlement notice
4. Settlement website FAQ page