Owners and lessees of certain Kia Optima and Sportage vehicles may be able to recover part or all of eligible power-window repair costs under a proposed class action settlement. Current owners can instead choose a $40 Kia dealer service card, but they cannot receive both benefits for the same claim.

The settlement concerns allegations that a window-regulator drum or its gears can separate or break, leaving the power window inoperative. Claims, including required documentation, must be submitted by November 23, 2026.

Which Kia vehicles are covered?

The settlement generally covers current and former owners and lessees in the United States and District of Columbia of certain 2016 and 2017 Kia Optima vehicles identified by vehicle identification number, as well as all 2017 Kia Sportage vehicles, subject to the exclusions in the agreement.

For an Optima, model year alone is not enough because coverage depends on the VIN list. Owners should use the official settlement website's lookup process or contact the administrator rather than assuming a vehicle qualifies. The complete class definition also excludes Kia and related entities, certain government and judicial personnel, people who validly opt out, and others listed in the notice.

The plaintiffs alleged that a component in the window regulator can fail and make a power window stop working. Kia denies that the covered vehicles are defective and denies wrongdoing. The settlement avoids the cost and uncertainty of further litigation.

How does repair reimbursement work?

Eligible out-of-pocket repairs performed by an authorized Kia dealer or a reputable third-party repair facility may be reimbursed, subject to a limit of four repairs per VIN. The percentage and per-repair cap depend on the vehicle's mileage when the repair was performed:

  • Under 35,000 miles: 100 percent, up to $400 per repair.
  • 35,001 to 55,000 miles: 80 percent, up to $320 per repair.
  • 55,001 to 75,000 miles: 60 percent, up to $240 per repair.
  • 75,001 to 125,000 miles: 45 percent, up to $180 per repair.
  • More than 125,000 miles: 40 percent, up to $160 per repair.

These are reimbursement ceilings, not automatic payments. The actual benefit is based on eligible documented expenses and the applicable mileage tier.

What is the $40 service-card alternative?

A current owner who does not pursue repair reimbursement may elect a $40 service card for use at an authorized Kia dealership. Former owners and lessees are not offered this alternative under the notice.

The options do not stack: a claimant must choose the reimbursement benefit or the service card. Someone with a documented qualifying repair may find reimbursement more valuable, while a current owner without an eligible expense may prefer the simpler card option.

Before choosing, claimants should check the service card's permitted uses and any restrictions in the official settlement materials. The card's face value should not be confused with cash, and it is intended for use through Kia's dealer network.

What documents must be submitted?

Both benefit options require a signed Claim Form completed under penalty of perjury. Reimbursement claims also require the documentation specified on the form, which may include repair orders, invoices, proof of payment, mileage records, or other records connecting the expense to the covered window-regulator issue.

The administrator can request additional information or identify a deficiency. The settlement materials provide a limited period, generally 30 days after a deficiency notice, to correct a claim. Clear, complete records submitted the first time reduce the chance of delay.

Claims may be filed online or by mail and must be submitted by November 23, 2026. Claimants should keep copies of the form, all supporting records, and their online confirmation or mailing evidence.

What are the court deadlines?

The deadline to object or request exclusion is October 23, 2026. A person who opts out cannot receive settlement benefits but retains the right to pursue released claims separately. A person who objects remains in the settlement class and will be bound if the court approves the agreement.

The final approval hearing is scheduled for January 7, 2027, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Payments or service cards will not be distributed until approval is final and any appeals are resolved.

The settlement preserves certain claims involving personal injury, death, or damage to property other than the class vehicle. Anyone with those distinct losses should review the release carefully before deciding how to proceed.