Consumer Commission Awards Refund and Compensation for Diesel SUV with DPF Issues
The Kurnool District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered Kia Motors and its dealer to refund the ex-showroom price of a diesel car to a buyer due to ongoing issues with the vehicle’s diesel particulate filter (DPF). The commission also mandated the payment of interest and compensation for mental distress. This ruling comes after the buyer faced repeated DPF problems despite multiple repair attempts.
Case Background
The buyer, a resident of Andhra Pradesh, purchased a BS6-compliant Kia Sonet diesel car in 2022 for Rs 13.69 lakh. The vehicle was under warranty until 2025, with an extended warranty covering it until 2027. However, the car began experiencing recurring DPF-related issues shortly after purchase. The buyer took the vehicle to an authorized service center multiple times, where various repairs were attempted, including sensor replacements and DPF refurbishments.
Despite these efforts, the DPF problems persisted. The buyer incurred additional costs, including Rs 13,000 for a faulty sensor replacement. He followed all recommended procedures for DPF maintenance, including manual regeneration and highway driving, yet the issues continued. The buyer argued that the manufacturer and service center failed to provide a lasting solution despite numerous repair attempts.
Commission’s Findings
In its ruling on September 1, 2026, the consumer commission noted the extensive service history of the vehicle, which included multiple documented complaints related to the DPF. The commission pointed out that the service center’s records did not indicate that the buyer’s driving habits were the cause of the recurring issues. It also rejected claims that external factors, such as rat-bite damage or fuel injector leakage, were responsible for the DPF problems.
The commission emphasized that the ongoing nature of the DPF issues, despite numerous repairs, indicated a deficiency in service from Kia and its dealer. It stated that the manufacturer had not provided a satisfactory solution to the recurring defect, which amounted to a failure in their service obligations. Consequently, the commission ordered Kia and its dealer to refund Rs 10.99 lakh, along with 9% interest, and to compensate the buyer for mental distress and legal expenses.
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