KIA Fuel Economy- MPG Information

We are extremely sorry for the errors affecting our valued customers.  Working along-side KIA Corporate we are dedicated to doing everything we can to keep you fully informed so you are easily able to take appropriate actions.

The Issue

KIA Motors America has announced corrections to the fuel economy ratings for approximately 300,000 KIA vehicles. An internal review has concluded that a set of procedural misinterpretations and errors at the joint Hyundai/Kia technical centers led to overstated miles per gallon (MPG) ratings for select vehicles.

How Did This Happen?

In 2009 Kia and Hyundai's joint testing facility created a new team of engineers to improve MPG testing procedures. One of the first things they attempted to do was increase test accuracy and repeatability by creating additional protocols, which complied with EPA guidelines, for Kia engineers to follow in every test to enhance reliability. What we learned from the EPA is that some of those new procedures do not comply with their interpretation and industry practices and led to overstated MPG ratings.

Affected Models

·         The MPG ratings affect a select group of 2011-2013 KIA vehicles.

·         To see if your vehicle is affected go to: https://kiampginfo.com/overview/affected-models

-IF you find your vehicle is affected continue to filing the claim process.

You will need you VIN number to see if your model is affected:

·         VIN stands for vehicle identification number and is a unique 17-character number, containing both numbers and letters, to identify your vehicle.

-Your VIN can be found by looking at the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle. The easiest way to view it is to stand outside the vehicle on the driver's side and look at the corner of the dashboard where it meets the windshield. VINs are also listed on insurance cards/policies and vehicle registration documentation.

Claim Process

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

·         Go to https://kiampginfo.com/ to enter your VIN number to see if your vehicle is eligible for reimbursement. (To find VIN number see above)  

·         Currently the function for customers to estimate their fuel reimbursement is unavailable. If an eligible VIN is supplied (step above), you will be asked to provide your contact information so you can be notified when the reimbursement estimator is available.

·         You will receive an acknowledgment email confirming your submission.

·         In a few days you will receive another email notifying that you are able to log back in and estimate your fuel reimbursement.  At this point follow the steps listed below.

Current Owners:

1.       Register your contact information at www.KiaMPGinfo.com

2.       Obtain ownership and mileage verification from authorized KIA dealer

-For telephone assistance contact the KIA Fuel Economy Ratings Adjustment Program Center at 855.912.5648

3.       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.

IMPORTANT: 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.

Former Owners

 Former owners who sold their car on or before November 2, 2012 can make a claim by follow these east steps:

1.       Register contact information at www.KiaMPGinfo.com

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.

-For telephone assistance contact the KIA Fuel Economy Ratings Adjustment Program Center at 855.912.5648

3.      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.

IMPORTANT: 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.

Compensation

Mileage Formula- Everything you need to know about how the reimbursement amount is calculated.

Owners will be reimbursed based on:

1.       Mileage accrued by the owner during their ownership period.

2.       2012 average fuel prices for their geographic area as provided by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (http://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel)

         - 2012 average fuel prices will vary by geographic area (e.g., New England area states, Gulf Coast area states, West Coast area states, etc.).

3.       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.

4.       PLUS an additional 15% premium

- Owners will receive a debit card with reimbursement based on the above formula.

Timeframes

1.       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.

2.       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.

3.       Mileage will not be reimbursed for new owners taking ownership of any of the affected vehicles after November 2, 2012.

4.       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.

Further Information

 We are extremely apoplectic to any inconvenience the MPG rating has caused you. We hope that our transparent actions and nationwide efforts to fix the problem exemplifies our dedication to our customers.  For any unanswered questions please go to the KIA MPG Information website at https://kiampginfo.com/. This website was specifically developed to help make this process as easy as possible for you.

Customer satisfaction is very important to us, so we want to make sure that you have the latest information about this situation. If you have any questions about your MPG ratings, whether your vehicle is affected and eligible for reimbursement, or need information on how to apply for compensation, please contact the KIA Fuel Economy Ratings Adjustment Program Center at 855.912.5648. For all other matters involving your KIA vehicle, please contact our Kia Consumer Assistance Center at 800-333-4KIA (4542).

For media inquiries, please visit us at www.kiamedia.com or contact Scott McKee at smckee@kiausa.com.