Kia, a well-known automobile manufacturer, is facing a new class action lawsuit regarding its 2022-2023 Kia Carnival minivans. The lawsuit, filed by plaintiffs Rachel Langerhans and Andrew Langerhans in a Maryland federal court, alleges that the automatic sliding side doors of the minivans have a serious defect. The plaintiffs claim that the doors can close with excessive force, posing a risk of injury, especially to children, pets, or individuals who are unable to stop the door’s closing.
The issue at hand is attributed to a faulty pinch sensor that fails to detect obstacles and reverse the door’s closing action. Despite Kia marketing the Carnival’s automatic sliding doors as a convenient feature designed for families and easy loading and unloading, the plaintiffs argue that the doors do not stop or reverse when an obstacle is in the way. This poses a significant safety concern, as the doors continue to close unless they encounter significant physical force, which may not be possible for children, pets, or disabled individuals.
The lawsuit also alleges that Kia misled consumers with its marketing, emphasizing the safety of the vehicles and their features intended for use around children. However, the plaintiffs claim that the recall issued by Kia in April 2023 was inadequate, as it only addressed the speed at which the doors closed and added a beeping sound, without resolving the core issue of excessive force used by the doors. This has left owners with unsafe vehicles or forced them to pay out of pocket for repairs.
As a result, the plaintiffs are seeking certification of the class action on behalf of anyone who purchased a Kia Carnival minivan in the United States. They are suing for breach of warranty and unjust enrichment, seeking damages, fees, costs, and a jury trial. The lawsuit highlights the importance of holding manufacturers accountable for defects that pose a risk to consumers‘ safety.
In a similar incident, Kia recalled certain 2024 model year EV9 GT-Line and Land vehicles due to a software issue that could result in insufficient brake pressure. This further underscores the need for manufacturers to prioritize safety and address defects promptly to prevent potential harm to consumers.
The plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit are represented by experienced legal counsel, including Nicholas A. Migliaccio, Mark D. Patronella, Daniel C. Levin, and Nicholas J. Elia. The case, Rachel Langerhans et al., v. Kia Corporation, is currently ongoing in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
Overall, the allegations made in this Kia Carnival minivans class action lawsuit raise important concerns about consumer safety and the responsibility of manufacturers to address defects promptly and effectively. It serves as a reminder for consumers to stay informed about potential issues with their vehicles and take action to protect their safety and well-being.