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Donovan Searles, LLC Obtains $5,641,200 Class Action Verdict Against Kia Motors America, Inc.

On May 27, 2005, a Philadelphia jury returned a $5,641,200 verdict in favor of the class of Pennsylvania consumers who purchased 1997-2000 Kia Sephia - model cars. After a two-week trial, the jury found that Kia Motors America, Inc. breached the written warranty delivered with the cars and violated the Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. The jury awarded each of the 9,402 class members $600. Donovan Searles principal Michael D. Donovan was one of three trial counsel for the consumers in the case. The Court had previously appointed Mr. Donovan as Class Counsel on behalf of the Pennsylvania consumers. The consumers alleged, and the jury found, that the Kia Sephia's front brake system was defective because it could not adequately dissipate heat, which resulted in premature wear of the brake pads and abnormally frequent brake repairs and replacements. The lead plaintiff testified that she had over 15 brake repairs and replacementts to her 2000 Sephia, the first of which occurreed within the first 6,000 miles on the car. To read press reports on the verdict, click here. For other information on the case click Samuel-Bassett v. Kia Motors America.