Hyundai and Kia hit with class action: Engine fires, failures, 500,000 cars affected

Up to half-a-million owners in Australia of Hyundai and Kia cars have been asked to sign up to a class action over the "unacceptable" risk of engine failures and fires.

The legal action was lodged in the Federal Court this week by Sydney law firm Johnson Winter Slattery.

Customers can sign up to the class action at no cost – whether or not their car has experienced an engine failure or caught fire – and could be awarded compensation if the court rules against the car giants.

The class action covers certain Hyundai and Kia cars powered by 1.6-litre, 2.0-litre, and 2.4-litre petrol engines – and includes a mix of sedans, hatchbacks and SUVs.

Thirteen Hyundai models are listed as part of the class action, including vehicles built from 2007 to the present day.

Kia has nine affected models – manufactured from 2009 to the present day – listed in the class action.

Affected Hyundai and Kia cars are listed below.

While the applicants will be represented by Johnson Winter Slattery, the class action is being funded by London-based legal organisation Woodsford.

In a media statement, Woodsford claims Hyundai and Kia were aware of engine defects as far back as 2015.

In a media statement, Woodsford’s chief investment officer Charlie Morris said: "The myriad of defects with these cars is bad enough. But the fact that Hyundai and Kia knew about the defects these cars had, but continued to sell them regardless is unacceptable. We are determined to hold them to account and ensure that Australian consumers receive the compensation they are due."

The latest Hyundai and Kia class action comes after a local firm Bannister Law into began preliminary investigations last year.

The class action in Australia comes after a $US1.3 billion ($AU1.9 billion) settlement against a similar range of vehicles – for similar faults – in the US, where more than 4 million vehicles were affected.

When asked for comment, Hyundai Australia said: "Hyundai Motor Company Australia stands by the integrity and reliability of its vehicles. We are disappointed about the class actions but will consider the allegations carefully before commenting further."

Drive has also reached out to Kia Australia, and we will update this story with their response.

Owners of potentially affected vehicles can register their details at www.hyundaiengineclassaction.com.au (for Hyundai vehicles) or www.kiaengineclassaction.com.au (for Kia vehicles).