Hagens Berman Investigating Kia Optima Defects

PHOENIX--Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro announced today that it has begun an investigation into claims of sub-frame defects in the Kia Optima (SEO:000270) manufactured between 2001 and 2005. The law firm is investigating claims that the sub-frame lacks corrosion protection and drain holes that can lead to premature decay.

The sub-frame sits under the engine between the front wheels, serves as the sole steering support for the vehicles, and anchors front suspension. Reports indicate cars with sub-frame corrosion may experience high levels of sub-frame deterioration, steering control arm separation, and steering loss, which can lead to accidents.

Kia uses parts from Hyundai for the sub-frame and the law firm is investigating reports that Hyundai and Kia knew of the problem and failed to properly warn customers of potential problems or dangers with corrosion.

HBSS is investigating claims that the Optima’s sub-frame lacks sufficient and effective drain holes that allow road materials and water to drain from the frame, causing premature corrosion. The reported lack of drain holes also prevents Kia from treating the sub-frame with anti-corrosion coating.

If you own a Kia Optima manufactured between 2001 and 2005, you can contact Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro to discuss your options. Owners can e-mail rob@hbsslaw.com or call (602) 840-5900 to discuss the investigation.

You can also join this investigation at www.hbsslaw.com/kiaoptima. HBSS will treat all information shared as confidential.

About Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro

Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro is based in Seattle with offices in Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco. Since the firm's founding in 1993, it has developed a nationally recognized practice in class action and complex litigation. Among recent successes, HBSS has negotiated a pending $300 million settlement as lead counsel in the DRAM memory antitrust litigation; a $340 million recovery on behalf of Enron employees which is awaiting distribution; a $150 million settlement involving charges of illegally inflated charges for the drug Lupron, and served as co-counsel on the Visa/Mastercard litigation which resulted in a $3 billion settlement, the largest anti-trust settlement to date. HBSS also served as counsel in an $850 million settlement in the Washington Public Power Supply litigation and represented Washington and 12 other states in lawsuits against the tobacco industry that resulted in the largest settlement in the history of litigation. For a complete listing of HBSS cases, visit www.hbsslaw.com.