Kia Lawsuit Investigation: Having Problems with Your Windows?

If you own or lease a 2016-2017 Kia Optima or 2017 Kia Sportage and you’ve experienced problems with your windows, you may be able to help start a class action lawsuit.

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a defect related to the window regulators is causing the windows to get stuck in the open position. Drivers have complained that their windows won’t go up and have stopped working completely.

Attorneys need to hear from as many people as possible as they work to determine whether a class action lawsuit is viable.

Why Won’t My Kia Windows Go Up?

It’s being investigated whether the window regulator drum gears in certain Kia vehicles contain a defect that can cause the gears to separate or break, rendering the windows unable to be closed.

In June 2020, Kia released a technical service bulletin (TSB) regarding the window regulator drum/gear in certain 2017 Sportage vehicles that stated the cars “may exhibit an inoperative front (left and/or right side) window regulator concern due to a drum gear separating and/or breaking.” A similar bulletin was issued in March 2021 for certain 2016-2017 Optima vehicles.

While the TSBs provide a procedure to help dealers fix the stuck windows, no recall has been issued.

Kia Driver Complaints: Windows Get Stuck Down, Won’t Close

The following is a sample of complaints posted online by Kia drivers who’ve had problems with their windows [sic throughout]:

I have a 2016 Kia Optima with, as of now, roughly 58,000 miles on it and have had it for a little over three years. When the first window (rear passenger) stopped working, it was between Oct. 2019 and Nov. 2019. Luckily, the glass was up, but neither switches would allow it to go up and/or down. The motor did, however, make a noise as if it were trying to go up and/or down. At the time, I didn't have the money to comfortably spare in order to fix said window. I figured I'd save up and get it fixed in a few weeks. Then, as I'm getting enough saved to have the first window fixed, window number two (rear driver) gave out with the same issue.”
— Whitney, 2016 Kia Optima driver, OptimaForums.com

Without heavy use (I don’t often have passengers in the back seat), driver side rear window regulator/motor failed in may, causing the rear window to fall into the door while driving. This is a major safety issue as anything can go through the car - rain or debris. It was roughly $600. This weekend, the same thing happened to another window out of the blue while having my dog in the back who nearly jumped out after it fell into the door. Now, the part is backordered and the kia dealership has said it could be months before the window can be repaired and they offer no solution on how to keep the window up in the meantime. This is an expensive safety issue and should not be failing in multiple windows. My car only has 65k miles on it.”
— 2016 Kia Optima driver, CarProblemZoo.com

All four power window regulator/motors have had to be replaced. Vehicle placed in service May 2016 and currently has 34,000 miles. Driver side and passenger side regulator/motor's failed while vehicle still under warranty. Both rear window regulator/motor's failed December 2019 and were replaced February 2020 by the dealer at a cost to the owner of $1044.63.”
— 2017 Kia Sportage driver, Hagatna, Guam NHTSA.gov

How Could a Class Action Lawsuit Help?

If filed and successful, a class action lawsuit could provide drivers with reimbursement for window repairs, which have reportedly cost $350 to $550 per window. It could also provide money for loss of vehicle value and force Kia to recall the cars and provide a fix. 

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