Have A Case? Call Us
1 888-536-6671
60 Second Lemon Law Assessment™
60 Second Lemon Law Assessment™
by Craig Kahn - April 3rd, 2026
*Legal Disclaimer Below
If your Kia keeps breaking down despite repeated trips to the dealership, you may have a lemon law claim. Whether you drive a Telluride with transmission problems or a Sorento affected by engine recalls, state and federal lemon laws protect you from being stuck with a defective vehicle.
Think your Kia might be a lemon? Take our 60-Second Lemon Law Assessment to find out if you qualify for a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement at no out-of-pocket cost to you.
Kia has become one of the fastest-growing automakers in the United States, but that growth has come with serious quality concerns. From the Theta II engine fire scandal that affected millions of vehicles to ongoing transmission failures in the Telluride, Kia owners across Ohio, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania are filing lemon law claims in growing numbers.
This guide covers the most common Kia defects, how the brand’s industry-leading warranty affects your legal options, and what to do if your Kia qualifies as a lemon.
Kia lemon law claims arise when a Kia vehicle has a substantial defect that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts or amount of time, entitling the owner to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement under state or federal consumer protection statutes that hold automakers accountable for selling defective vehicles they cannot fix.
For Kia owners, these laws are especially relevant because Kia and its parent company, Hyundai Motor Group, have faced some of the largest vehicle recalls and defect settlements in recent automotive history.
To qualify for a lemon law claim on your Kia, your vehicle generally must meet these criteria:
Each state has slightly different requirements. Ohio, for example, provides protections under Ohio Revised Code 1345.71-1345.77, while federal protections under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may apply regardless of your state.
Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is the longest in the mainstream automotive industry, and it directly impacts lemon law claims by giving Kia owners nearly twice the time to document engine and transmission defects compared to owners of competing brands with standard 5-year warranties.
| Coverage | Duration | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Limited Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles | Covers most vehicle components |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years / 100,000 miles | Engine, transmission, drivetrain (original owner only) |
| Anti-Perforation Warranty | 5 years / 100,000 miles | Rust-through coverage |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 years / 60,000 miles | Towing, lockout, flat tire |
Kia’s extended powertrain warranty means you have a significantly longer window to document and file a lemon law claim for engine or transmission defects compared to other manufacturers. Most automakers offer only 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage, giving Kia owners nearly twice the time to build their case.
However, there are important limitations to understand:
If a state lemon law claim warranty claim is unavailable, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may still provide legal recourse. This federal law allows consumers to pursue claims when manufacturers fail to honor their warranty obligations, even if state lemon law timelines have passed.
The Kia Telluride became one of the most popular midsize SUVs in America since its 2020 launch. Unfortunately, it has also become one of the most commonly cited Kia models in lemon law claims due to several serious defect categories.
In June 2024, Kia issued a “park outside” recall affecting 462,869 model year 2020-2024 Tellurides. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed that the front power seat motor could overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, creating a fire risk while parked or driving.
There was at least one fire and six melting incidents under the front seats before Kia issued the recall. Dealers repair the issue by installing a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replacing the seat slide knobs.
If your Telluride experienced fire-related damage before the recall was completed, you may have grounds for a lemon law claim beyond the standard recall remedy.
Telluride transmission issues are among the most frequently reported complaints on owner forums and NHTSA databases. Common symptoms include:
Many Telluride owners report these problems appearing within the first few thousand miles. While software updates and transmission reprogramming resolve some cases, others have required complete transmission replacements, sometimes multiple times on the same vehicle.
A 2020 Telluride owner on the Telluride Forum described replacing both the engine (at 80,000 miles for oil consumption) and the transmission (at 93,000 miles), calling it “incredible” for a vehicle under 100,000 miles. Another 2022 owner reported the transmission “slipping and then disengaging/reengaging repeatedly” at just 30,000 miles.
Beyond transmission problems, Telluride owners report:
The Kia Sorento has been at the center of one of the most significant automotive safety scandals in recent history, with its Theta II engine linked to engine fires, seizures, and a class action settlement exceeding $1.3 billion that covered approximately 4 million vehicles across multiple Kia and Hyundai models.
The Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines, shared between Kia and Hyundai, contained a manufacturing defect where metal debris left during production restricted oil flow and caused premature bearing wear. This led to:
The scope of the problem was enormous. A class action settlement valued at over $1.3 billion covered approximately 4 million Kia vehicles, including 2012-2019 Sorento models with Theta II engines. The settlement provided:
The consequences for Kia extended beyond the settlement. Kia and Hyundai paid a combined $210 million civil penalty to NHTSA, the largest ever assessed against an automaker, after regulators determined they failed to recall 1.6 million vehicles for engine issues in a timely manner.
Even beyond the Theta II engine, newer Sorento models continue to face recalls:
If you own a Kia Sorento with a Theta II engine, the settlement provided for a lifetime warranty for engine-related defects. However, a lifetime warranty repair is not the same as a lemon law remedy. If your Sorento has required multiple engine repairs, has been out of service for extended periods, or has ongoing issues that Kia cannot resolve, you may be entitled to a full buyback or replacement under your state’s lemon law.
Dealing with ongoing Kia problems? Our team has handled thousands of Kia lemon law claims. Call 1-888-536-6671 for a free case evaluation, or take our 60-Second Lemon Law Assessment online.
Kia lemon law claims extend well beyond the Telluride and Sorento, with several other Kia models showing documented patterns of recurring defects that may qualify owners for buybacks, replacements, or cash settlements under state and federal warranty laws.
Kia is owned in part by Hyundai Motor Company, and its reported the two automakers share vehicle platforms, engines, and manufacturing facilities, which means defects discovered in Kia vehicles frequently appear in Hyundai models as well, and vice versa, making this corporate connection critical context for any lemon law claim.
The Theta II engine crisis is the clearest example. The same defective engines that powered the Kia Sorento, Optima, and Sportage also powered the Hyundai Sonata, Santa Fe, and Tucson. The class action settlements and NHTSA penalties covered both brands jointly.
If you own both Kia and Hyundai vehicles, or are considering purchasing from either brand, understanding this shared engineering is important. (Hyundai cross-link deferred until Hyundai blog post is published.)
Kia lemon law protections vary significantly by state, with each jurisdiction setting its own requirements for repair attempts, out-of-service days, and filing deadlines that determine whether your defective Kia qualifies for a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement.
If your state’s lemon law does not cover your situation, the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act may provide additional protections with no mileage or age restrictions, as long as the warranty was active when the defect was first reported.
Not sure if your Kia qualifies? Take our free 60-Second Lemon Law Assessment or call 1-888-536-6671 for a no-cost case review.
Documenting Kia vehicle defects properly is the foundation of any successful lemon law claim, because your repair orders, service records, and communication history with the dealership are the evidence that proves the manufacturer had reasonable opportunities to fix your vehicle and failed.
Kia lemon law compensation typically includes a full vehicle buyback, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement, with the specific remedy depending on your state’s lemon law provisions and the severity of the defect, plus manufacturer-paid attorney fees in successful cases.
This means there is no out-of-pocket cost to you for pursuing a lemon law claim.
At Kahn & Associates, we have spent more than 29 years focused exclusively on lemon law cases. Our founder, Craig A. Kahn, successfully handled the landmark case Royster v. Toyota Motor Sales before the Ohio Supreme Court, establishing precedent that is now referenced nationwide.
Here is what sets us apart for Kia owners:
We handle Kia claims involving every model, from Tellurides with transmission failures to Sorentos with engine defects. After you tell us your story, we can evaluate your case in 60 seconds and tell you if you have a claim.
Ready to find out if your Kia qualifies? Call us at 1-888-536-6671 or take our free 60-Second Lemon Law Assessment today. There is no cost and no obligation.
Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty gives original owners a longer window to document defects and file claims for engine and transmission problems. However, the warranty alone does not make a vehicle a lemon. You still need to show a substantial defect, reasonable repair attempts, and a failure by Kia to fix the problem.
Maybe. A recall means the manufacturer acknowledged a defect, but the recall repair may not fully resolve the problem. If your Kia continues to have issues after the recall repair is completed you may still have a valid lemon law claim.
The class action settlement and lemon law claims are separate legal processes. If you received compensation through the Theta II engine settlement, you may have waived your individual lemon law claim. Contact us for more information.
Used Kias may be covered under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act if the vehicle had an active manufacturer’s warranty when the defect was first reported. Some states also extend lemon law protections to used vehicles with warranties.
A denied warranty claim does not mean you have no options. If Kia wrongly denied coverage, you may have a breach of warranty claim under state or federal law. An experienced lemon law attorney can evaluate whether the denial was justified.
Many cases Kahn & Associates handles resolve within 30 to 60 days. Cases in some areas and with some manufacturers may take 2 to 6 months or more if filed in court. The majority settle without going to court.
*Disclaimer: The information contained in this Website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as offering legal advice, or creating an attorney client relationship between the reader and the author. While we aim for accuracy, the law is constantly changing and we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or timeliness of the information. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this Website without seeking appropriate legal advice about your individual facts and circumstances from an attorney licensed in your state.
Have questions about your lemon law case? Our FAQ section is here to provide clear, concise answers to the most common concerns. Take a look below to find the information you need, and if you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us for further assistance!
The so-called “Lemon Law” is a State law which is defines when a manufacturer has breached its written warranty and what the victim is entitled to for such a breach of warranty. Additionally, there are various other warranty laws (or Lemon Laws) in each State and on the Federal level which can be used to recover money for consumers who do not meet the strict definitions contained in their State’s Lemon Law. In most states, the State Lemon Law provides for a Full Refund or a Replacement Vehicle (less a reasonable allowance for use) and Attorney’s Fees and Costs if the consumer prevails. This is a general answer and all states differ so you should make sure to consult the laws for your particular state before taking further action.
According to Wikipedia, in the 1800s, people started using the word ‘lemon’ to describe people who were sour (or unfriendly). In American English the word was first recorded in 1909 in the slang sense of “worthless thing”. Over time, ‘lemon’ came to refer to anything that was defective or broken or which breaks constantly, particularly a car. However, in an effort to further define such a broad term, the Lemon Law attempts to define certain situations which entitle consumers to their money back or a new vehicle. In a nutshell, any defect or nonconformity, or combination of defects, which is/are not repaired within a reasonable number of attempts or a reasonable amount of time, may entitle you to Lemon Law relief. Your vehicle does NOT have to be breaking down to be considered a lemon. In short, if you are aggravated enough to be reading this you may have a lemon. This is a general answer and all states differ so you should make sure to consult the laws for your particular state before taking further action.
Almost any type of passenger vehicle is covered by the Lemon Law. This means that Cars, Trucks, Vans, Motorcycles and many other types of motor vehicles are usually covered under the Lemon Law. For Boats, ATVs, RVs and items that may not covered by the strict definitions of the State Lemon Law, other State and Federal Lemon Laws are available which do cover these products. This is a general answer and all states differ so you should make sure to consult the laws for your particular state before taking further action.
The ultimate relief in a Lemon Law Case is your money back or a new car. This is known as a “buy back” or a “repurchase.” Many State’s Lemon Laws provides for a Full Refund or a Replacement Vehicle (less a reasonable allowance for use) and mandatory Attorney’s Fees and Costs if the consumer prevails. When that occurs, the defective vehicle is returned to the manufacturer. This is usually done by returning it locally to one of their authorized dealers. This is a general answer and all states differ so you should make sure to consult the laws for your particular state before taking further action.
Should we agree to represent you, your case will be handled on a contingency basis, whereby our office will not get paid unless you get paid. You will not have to come out-of-pocket to pay our fee! Furthermore, Kahn & Associates, L.L.C. may advance all usual and reasonable costs as a part of our representation on certain cases.
Kahn & Associates, L.L.C. represents thousands of consumers every year with defective vehicles. As with most cases, over 97% of these cases settle to the satisfaction of both parties. Remember, the manufacturer would rather pay less now than risk paying a much larger amount to you, your attorney and their attorneys later.
To see if you qualify, fill out the form below or call us at 1-888-536-6671 – No Office Visit Needed!
I had a great experience with Kahn & Associates! They made the process of dealing with an extremely frustrating lemon situation painless. They have very quick response times and everyone I dealt with was very friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend!
Kahn and Associates did an awesome job with our lemon law case! We were getting nowhere with VW Customer Service and decided to hire an attorney who specialized with lemon law cases. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. We were able to get a full refund on our lemon VW Atlas.
What a great experience! I was on the fence about hiring an attorney for my ongoing automotive issues and continued frustration with the manufacturer. It was a very simple process and I am very grateful Kahn and Associates for helping get me a settlement!
Real Honest attorneys!!! They are the real deal! I went back and forth with them and they explained to me every step and my rights under the law! I give them 5 stars because I won!!! Yes and my check is coming to me much sooner than I thought! I was stuck ! I own a brand new car and the dealer was giving me a hard time !
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney Craig A. Kahn, who has more than 20 years of legal experience in lemon law.
Let’s clear up a big myth about hiring a lawyer for your defective car: that it’s too expensive...
It starts with a flicker of doubt. That strange noise, the check engine light that won’t stay off, anothe...
It’s easy to feel like the odds are stacked against you when dealing with a massive car manufacturer. Man...
Stuck with a defective car in Ohio? State Lemon Laws protect you. Get a refund, replacement, or cash settlement. Learn your rights today!
Florida Lemon Laws cover new and used vehicles. If your car’s a lemon, you deserve compensation. Let us help you fight for justice!
Michigan’s Lemon Law protects you from faulty vehicles. Don’t settle for endless repairs—claim your refund or replacement now.
North Carolina Lemon Laws ensure defective vehicles are replaced or refunded. Know your rights and take action today!
Pennsylvania Lemon Law covers new cars with repeated issues. Get the compensation you deserve. Click to learn more!
To see if you qualify, fill out the form below or call us at 1-888-536-6671 – No Office Visit Needed!
Message Us 
Call Us