Hyundai and Kia Initiate Voluntary Program to Adjust Fuel Economy Ratings on Select Vehicles

Nov 5, 2012 Issues: Consumer Protection

REIMBURSMENT PROGRAM FACTS

Kia is committed to fully reimbursing affected current and former vehicle owners for the difference in fuel costs associated with miles per gallon (MPG) rating changes. Our top priority is to make things right for Kia owners.

Program Mechanics

Claim Process

  • Current owners (original and subsequent): To make a claim, current owners must: (1) register their contact information online at www.KiaMPGinfo.com (for telephone assistance, customers can contact the Kia Fuel Economy Ratings Adjustment Program Center at 855.912.5648); and (2) obtain ownership and mileage verification from an authorized Kia dealer.
  • Former owners (original and subsequent): To make a claim, former owners (who sold their car on or before November 2, 2012)  must: (1) register their contact information online at www.KiaMPGinfo.com (for telephone assistance, customers can contact the Kia Fuel Economy Ratings Adjustment Program Center at 855.912.5648); and (2) provide proof of mileage during their ownership of the vehicle (e.g., purchase and sale documents, odometer disclosure statements, smog certification, repair orders or other documents demonstrating mileage).  Kia is currently building the process for online submission of these ownership and mileage documents.  Former owners who provide an email address will receive notification when the online submission process is available for submission of documents. 
  • Once an owner’s claim has been approved following the registration and ownership/mileage verification process, owners will be sent a debit card for the amount of their reimbursement.

Compensation

  • Mileage formula: Owners will be reimbursed based on: (1) 2012 average fuel prices for their geographic area as provided by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (http://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel) PLUS an additional 15% premium; (2) mileage accrued by the owner during their ownership period; (3) and the change in combined (city/hwy) fuel economy estimates for their vehicle.  Details of the actual fuel economy rating change for each affected vehicle type can be found online at www.KiaMPGinfo.com.
    • 2012 average fuel prices will vary by geographic area (e.g., New England area states, Gulf Coast area states, West Coast area states, etc.).
  • Owners will receive a debit card with reimbursement based on the above formula.

Applicable Time Period Limitations

  • Current and former owners may register for mileage reimbursement beginning November 2, 2012. Owners must register online to make their first claim by December 1, 2013.
  • After the initial reimbursement, current owners are eligible for subsequent reimbursements based upon the actual miles driven thereafter.  An additional verification of ownership and mileage must be made at an authorized Kia dealer to generate a subsequent incremental reimbursement.  Eligibility for a subsequent reimbursement begins at least ninety (90) days following any previous reimbursements and when the reimbursement value reaches at least $25, or when the owner ceases ownership of their vehicle, whichever comes first.  Former owners may make only one claim per vehicle since their mileage driven has already been defined.
  • Mileage will not be reimbursed for new owners taking ownership of any of the affected vehicles after November 2, 2012.

Reimbursement Timeframes:

  • Once a customer has registered for the program and visited an authorized Kia dealer for ownership and mileage verification, the reimbursement debit card is expected to be mailed within fifteen (15) business days. 

Owners with questions regarding their reimbursement or the reimbursement process are encouraged to contact the Kia Fuel Economy Ratings Adjustment Program Center at 855.912.5648.