A legal battle is unfolding as a resident of Cuyahoga County takes on a major federal agency in pursuit of transparency and safety. Victor Gozion Jr. has filed a complaint against the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on February 2, 2026. The lawsuit demands the release of crucial records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), highlighting alleged defects in Hyundai and Kia vehicles that have resulted in non-collision fires.
The case stems from a harrowing incident on June 4, 2020, when Victor Gozion Jr.’s 2014 Kia Soul caught fire due to an engine compartment defect, which was later recalled by NHTSA under recall number 20V750. Despite multiple requests dating back to August 7, 2023, for information about these vehicle defects, Gozion claims that NHTSA has failed to provide any documents or responses beyond vague assurances. “We are currently reviewing records and anticipate starting production by the end of this month,” NHTSA stated at one point, yet no further action was taken.
Gozion’s complaint emphasizes the critical nature of these records in understanding why such non-collision fires occur, leading to fatalities and injuries across the United States. He argues that public access to this information is vital for ensuring vehicle safety and preventing further tragedies. The lawsuit highlights previous settlements involving Hyundai and Kia over similar issues, including a $1.3 billion settlement approved by U.S. District Judge Josephine L. Staton in May 2021 related to defective Theta II engines prone to catastrophic failures.
Gozion seeks declaratory and injunctive relief from the court, urging it to compel NHTSA to conduct an adequate search for responsive records and promptly produce them as required by law. He also requests that the court enjoin NHTSA from withholding records improperly and declare their failure to comply with FOIA requirements as unlawful. Additionally, Gozion seeks reasonable attorney fees and litigation costs associated with pursuing this action.
Representing himself pro se, Victor Gozion Jr., a resident of Brecksville, Ohio, is determined to hold NHTSA accountable for its alleged lack of transparency regarding these critical safety issues affecting millions of vehicle owners nationwide. The case is presided over by Judge Brennan with Magistrate Judge Greenberg assisting under Case ID: 1:26-cv-00265-BMB.
Source: 126cv00265_Gozion_Jr_v_US_Department_of_Transportation_National_Highway_Traffic_Safety_Administration_Complaint_Northern_District_Ohio.pdf
