ABS defect class action against Hyundai and Kia

While the risk remains, vehicle owners must park their vehicles outside in an open space and away from houses, other buildings or materials which may be flammable, such as a garage or carport, to avoid the risk of a potential vehicle fire causing further damage or injury to occupants. Parking a vehicle outside may expose it to moisture, UV rays, extreme weather events and increase the risk of vandalisation or theft. Additionally, street parking may expose owners to additional parking charges, as well as higher insurance premiums.

Maurice Blackburn has filed class actions in the Supreme Court of Victoria against Hyundai and Kia in relation to the alleged ABS defect. The Hyundai class action was filed on 22 December 2022 and the Kia class action was filed on 10 March 2023. 

The class actions propose to seek compensation on behalf of group members with affected vehicles who suffered loss and damage as a result of the alleged failure of Hyundai and Kia to comply with the guarantee of acceptable quality under the Australian Consumer Law and engaging in misleading and deceptive conduct. 

Am I eligible to register?

You are eligible to register if you acquired, including by way of purchase, exchange, lease or hire-purchase, one or more of the following affected vehicles by the dates shown below: 

If you are unsure if your vehicle matches one of the descriptions in the above table, we recommend you follow the steps outlined below:

1. Identify your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A VIN is a unique identifier which can be found on the passenger side of the vehicle’s dash. You can also locate the VIN on the registration certificate or owner’s manual.
2. Check your VIN against the VIN list published with the safety recall notices linked in the table above. 

If you are still unsure if you are eligible to register, please contact us at ABSDefect@mauriceblackburn.com.au and we can assist you. 

You can still register for the class action if:

• you have sold the vehicle; 
• the vehicle has been written off; or
• work has been carried out by a dealer on your vehicle in response to the safety recall notice.