A rebate for ACC levy costs will be offered to some Kia owners, as the car manufacturer disputes the new safety linked payment system.
Kia has confirmed that owners of its 2010 and 2011 Sportage vehicles, which have been classed in the highest injury risk band, will be refunded $90. This is the difference between the lowest and highest risk rating.
The company had received 140 direct complaints and "many more" through their dealer network to date.
While manufacturer vehicles change year-to-year, the variations are minor in most instances. In the case of the 2011 Kia Sportage, it is nearly identical to the 2012 model, but the ACC ratings occupy opposite ends of the spectrum representing the highest and lowest risk ratings.