Kia Window Regulator Settlement (2026)

Status: Live (claims open)

Summary & Commentary

A window regulator is the mechanism that raises and lowers a car's power window. This class action claims the regulators in certain Kia vehicles, the 2016–2017 Optima and the 2017 Sportage, were made with inadequate materials and workmanship and could fail, leaving windows stuck or inoperative.

The plaintiffs pointed to real safety concerns: a window that will not close can affect how occupants are protected in a crash, make it harder to get out in an emergency, expose people to extreme heat and make the car easier to break into. Kia issued technical service bulletins but no recall, and it denies wrongdoing. Under the settlement, owners and lessees can be reimbursed for past repairs or take a dealer service card instead.

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TL;DR

• Who: U.S. owners and lessees of 2016–2017 Kia Optima and 2017 Kia Sportage vehicles
• When: Model years 2016–2017 (Optima) and 2017 (Sportage)
• Benefit: Repair reimbursement up to $400 per repair, reduced by mileage, or a $40 dealer service card
• Deadline: November 23, 2026
• Proof required: Yes, repair documentation for reimbursement or proof of ownership or lease for the service card
• Administrator: Kroll Settlement Administration LLC

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Who Is Included

The settlement covers owners and lessees in the United States of 2016–2017 Kia Optima and 2017 Kia Sportage vehicles. Eligibility is confirmed through a VIN lookup on the settlement website.

What You Could Receive

• Repair reimbursement, per repair, depending on mileage at the time of the repair:
  • Under 35,000 miles: 100%, up to $400
  • 35,001–55,000 miles: up to $320
  • 55,001–75,000 miles: up to $240
  • 75,001–125,000 miles: up to $180
  • Over 125,000 miles: up to $160
• Dealer service card: A $40 card for service, merchandise or parts at a Kia dealership, if you do not file a reimbursement claim.

Key Dates

• Opt-out deadline: October 23, 2026 (online or postmarked)
• Claim deadline: November 23, 2026 (online or postmarked)
• Final approval hearing: January 7, 2027

What You Need To Do

1. Visit the official settlement website and run the VIN lookup to confirm your vehicle is eligible.
2. Choose between repair reimbursement and the $40 dealer service card.
3. For reimbursement, gather the repair order showing the VIN, mileage, date and cost, plus proof of payment. For the service card, have proof of ownership or lease, such as your registration.
4. Submit online, or mail the claim to the administrator, by November 23, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will I get back for a repair? Up to $400 per repair, with the cap reduced as mileage increases.

What if I never paid for a repair? You can request the $40 dealer service card with proof of ownership or lease.

How do I know if my car qualifies? Use the VIN lookup on the settlement website.

What This Case Is About

The plaintiffs allege that the affected Kia vehicles were built with window regulators prone to failure because of inadequate materials and workmanship, creating risks such as windows that will not close, impaired safety systems, theft and exposure to extreme heat. Kia issued technical service bulletins but no recall, denies wrongdoing and agreed to settle.

Administrator

Kroll Settlement Administration LLC

• Mail: Kia Window Regulator Settlement, c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, PO Box 225391, New York, NY 10150-5391
• Website: kiawindowregulatorsettlement.com

Important Documents

The Settlement Agreement, Long Form Notice and Claim Form are in the Documents section of the official settlement website.