Consumer complaint received 2025-05-02 00:00:00
Product: Vehicle loan or lease — Lease
Issue: Problems at the end of the loan or lease — Unable to receive car title or other problem after the loan is paid off
Company: HYUNDAI CAPITAL AMERICA
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I am writing to file a formal complaint against Kia Motors Finance regarding their failure to properly handle the title transfer of a vehicle I purchased after the expiration of my lease. This issue has persisted for over two years and has caused me significant financial and emotional distress. 

I entered into a vehicle lease agreement with Kia Finance in XX/XX/XXXX. Upon the expiration of the XXXX lease in XX/XX/XXXX, I bought out the vehicle by paying the full remaining values and the use tax. 

Despite fulfilling my financial obligations, Kia Motors Finance has failed to ensure the proper transfer of the vehicle title to my name. The following details the problematic timeline : - XX/XX/XXXX : I initiated a vehicle lease agreement with Kia Motors Finance. 

- XX/XX/XXXX : My lease agreement expired, and I purchased the vehicle by paying the full remaining balance. 

- Shortly after the purchase : Kia Motors Finance sent me a vehicle title ; however, it was for a different vehicle, not the title of my car. 

- Immediately after receiving the incorrect title : I contacted Kia Motors Finance to request the correct title. I was informed that a duplicate title would be issued and sent to me. 

- Over the subsequent XXXX years : Despite numerous phone calls ( more than XXXX instances ) to Kia Motors Finance, the correct title was not provided. Each time, I was assured that a new title would be sent, but I never received it. 

- XX/XX/XXXX : I sent a formal certified letter to Kia Motors Finance detailing the ongoing issue. Following this letter, I was contacted by a representative, and I finally received a title approximately four weeks later. 

- XX/XX/XXXX : I submitted the received title to the Department of Motor Vehicles ( DMV ) for transfer. However, the DMV required a " Statement of Facts '' from Kia Motors Finance as proof that the use tax had been paid, as I had already paid this tax to Kia Motors Finance at the time of purchase ( documented on the Bill of Sale ). 

- XX/XX/XXXX : I sent another letter to Kia Motors Finance specifically requesting the " Statement of Facts. '' As of today, I have not received any response or the requested document. 

Kia Motors Finance 's repeated errors and delays in processing the title transfer and providing necessary documentation have directly impacted my ability to have clear ownership of my vehicle. This has caused significant stress, wasted my time, and prevented me from making any changes to my vehicle situation. 

I believe Kia Motors Finance 's handling of this post-lease purchase process constitutes unfair and deceptive practices. Their failure to provide the correct title and the required tax documentation in a timely manner has caused me substantial inconvenience and potential financial harm. 

I request the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to investigate Kia Motors Finance 's practices in this matter and take appropriate action to ensure they fulfill their obligations by providing the necessary " Statement of Facts '' to the DMV, thereby allowing me to complete the title transfer. 

Thank you.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation