Certain Kia Optima and Sportage vehicles have a dangerous power window system defect that poses a safety hazard to drivers and occupants, according to a recent Kia class action lawsuit.

Plaintiffs Michael Le Beau, Phillis Le Beau, and David Griesemer allege that 2016-2017 Optimas and 2017 Sportages have a defective power window system that may cause the automatic windows to malfunction or be non-operational over time. In some cases, the window may fall down into the car doors and cannot be rolled up again.

Malfunctioning automatic windows can pose a number of risks for vehicle drivers and occupants, the Kia class action lawsuit alleges. The plaintiffs note that windows protect occupants from ejection during a crash and provide an emergency exit if the doors are damaged during a crash.

Additionally, the Kia class action lawsuit says operable side windows are important for side airbag function, protection against theft, and to prevent health risks when a vehicle is parked in a hot climate.

Kia has reportedly identified the cause of the power window system defect as being due to a window regulator drum gear separating and/or breaking. Kia has issued technical service bulletins regarding the defect, and the power window system defect is allegedly a widespread topic of complaint on message boards and in complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Despite knowing about this dangerous defect, the automaker has not offered a recall or fix, the Kia class action lawsuit says.

Instead, the plaintiffs say they have been forced to pay hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket for the repairs.

Kia continues to sell the allegedly defective vehicles without notifying potential buyers about the problem, the Kia class action lawsuit says.

The Kia class action lawsuit asserts claims for breach of the implied warranty of merchantability, fraud/fraudulent omission, unjust enrichment, and violations of various states’ consumer protection laws.

Kia has recently announced a recall of some of its Optima vehicles because the headliner plates in the vehicles’ ceilings can allegedly detach and hit occupants.

Do you own or lease one of the vehicles named in this Kia class action lawsuit? Let us know if you’ve experienced the alleged power window system defect in the comments!

The plaintiffs are represented by Robertm Ahdoot, Tina Wolfson, and Theodore Maya of Ahdoot & Wolfson PC and Riley W. Prince of Barnow and Associates PC.

The Kia Class Action Lawsuit is Michael Le Beau, et al. v. Kia America Inc. , Case No. 8:22-cv-01545, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Southern Division.

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2017 optima all kinds of problems engine hesitation heavy vibration coming out idle. Was sent warranty extension on low pressure fuel pump symptoms named in letter are same symptoms car having. Made appointment with Kia, while driving down highway car stopped accelerating and would move. No light while any of this happened. Tow to Kia they said putting new battery could fix…. It didn’t. $300 later for new battery and was told they found out it was the dct and clutch was bad it was only going in odd gears. Please Help.

Two back ones went out in one week now front passenger I don’t have the money to replace these really upset already had a recall on my motor now this these cars are horrible

My 3rd window just went out!! 476.00 each! 2016 Kia Optima. I only have 35,000 miles! Went to Kia dealership and they only want to help by trading my car in on something else!!

Please add me. I have replaced two window regulators so far and two more went out this week.

Two went out last week now a third

My 2017 Kia Niro also has defective front power windows. I have had my car in the shop for nearly two months and needs to go in again for the same window related issue. Is my model also included? Can it be?

Please add me. 2016 Kia Optima.

I own a 2012 kia forte and I’m having problem with my driveside window doesn’t want to come up.add me

I own a 2016 Kia Optima and have replaced 3 of the 4 window motors. Very expensive to repair. The windows have been stuck in the down position at the most inconvenient times. Raining, day before vacation, in big city …etc. I’m very upset about this and know it’s a defective part. KIA needs to compensate all that have paid to fix there cars.

Please add me I have a Kia Sportage 2013

I have a 2015 kia optima sxl turbo that has this problem. Sometimes the passenger front window either gets stuck down or is stuck when up and wont go down. Also have issues with the radio/evo screen not coming on. It takes about 5 minutes sometimes for the screen to start up

I have a 2015 Kia Optima and have window issues particularly on the driver side.

I have an older Kia Optima and have problems with the power windows. Why haven’t they included the older Optimas.

I have a 2017 Kia Sportage and I have not had any problems with the power windows yet but I feel it needs to be fixed before I do.

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Certain Kia Optima and Sportage vehicles have a dangerous power window system defect that poses a safety hazard to drivers and occupants, according to a recent Kia class action lawsuit.... Read More

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