Kia Motors sued in local court under 'lemon' law

GRETNA – Kia Motors America is being sued by a local couple over alleged breach of contract after the new car they bought failed.

Richard and Judy Collier and filed suit in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 24.

The Colliers claim that they purchased a new 2012 Kia Soul from Kia Motors America Inc. on Feb. 6, 2012 for $20,469. The plaintiffs assert that the car had a five year or 60,000 mile full warranty and a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty on its drivetrain, but when problems began to occur shortly after they took possession of the car the defendants could not properly repair the vehicle. The Colliers allege that the car was dying upon acceleration, its steering was defective and the electrical system did not work properly.

The plaintiffs claim that the defendants were given a reasonable amount of time to correct the defects, but were unable to make the repairs. The Colliers assert that due to to the recurring problems and Kia Motors’ inability to correct them they lost confidence in their vehicle and made a written demand for their problem to be corrected.

The defendant is accused of breach of written warranty, breach of implied warranty and violation of the Louisiana Lemon Law.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for return of the vehicle’s purchase price, diminution in value of vehicle, costs of repair, incidental and consequential damages and attorney’s fees.

The Colliers are represented by Denis E. Vega of Metairie-based Vega & Associates LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division N Judge Stephen D. Enright Jr.

Case no. 735-840.