New Jersey Trial Court Notifies Those Who Bought or Leased a New 1997-2000 Model Year Kia Sephia in New Jersey About a Decision in a Class Action and the Availability of Claim Forms to Get Payments

ELIZABETH, N.J., April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- A notice program authorized by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Union County began today to issue notices to people who bought or leased new Kia Sephias, model years 1997-2000, in New Jersey about a decision in a class action lawsuit and the availability of Claim Forms to get payments.

The lawsuit alleged that Kia Sephias contained a defective front brake system that caused brake pads and rotors to excessively wear, squeal and groan, requiring constant repairs and replacements.

The Court certified a Class and the lawsuit went to trial in May 2008.  On June 6, 2008 the jury issued a verdict in favor of the Class.  The jury decided the front braking system was defective; that Kia did not take steps to fix the defect; and that Kia did not satisfy the warranty.

On November 24, 2008 the Court decided Class Members should receive payments related to their individual front brake repairs.  The Court later ordered that Class Members who want to receive a payment should submit a Claim Form.

The Claim Form can be completed and submitted online at KiaSephiaDefectiveBrakes.com.  To request a Claim Form by mail, Class Members can call 1-800-222-2760 or write to the address below.  A completed claim form should be submitted by August 31, 2010.

Notices informing people about the Court's decision and their right to ask for a payment will be mailed, and are scheduled to appear in newspapers in New Jersey, leading up to August 31, 2010.

The Court has appointed the law firms of Trujillo Rodriguez & Richards, LLC, of Haddonfield, New Jersey; and Donovan Searles, LLC, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to represent the Class.

A toll-free number, 1-800-222-2760, has been established in the case (called Little v. Kia Motors America, Inc., No. UNN-L-0800-01), along with a website, www.KiaSephiaDefectiveBrakes.com, where more information is available.  Those affected may also write to Kia Sephia Brake Claims, P.O. Box 1387, Blue Bell, PA 19422.

SOURCE Superior Court of New Jersey, Union County