A major class action lawsuit was settled in 2024 over Kia and Hyundai vehicles with widespread vehicle theft problems that led to significant compensation for owners. In 2019, lawyers filed a suit that included owners of some cars who claimed their vehicles had been easily stolen without the presence of engine immobilizers, allowing thieves to steal them with basic–even USB cables. Claims, eligibility and payout timeline This article explains details pertaining to the lawsuit such as claim amount range, who is eligible for a piece of the settlement pie and key dates regarding payouts.
The Kia-Hyundai class action settlement would bring huge payouts to owners of the affected vehicles who suffered theft due to lax security. The claims go up as high as $3,375 and even some more reimbursements so the owners have to check if they are eligible for this settlement.
Kia-Hyundai Expired Warranty Class Action Lawsuit Review
It was filed following allegations that certain Hyundai and Kia models for select years were missing standard security systems, increasing the chance of theft. Since these cars did not have engine immobilizer, the absence of that prevention measure allowed thieves to start and steal them more freely — a problem made worse with new videos showing how they were doing it spread across social media platforms such as Tik Tok. This defect potentially endangered millions of vehicles and imposed substantial economic hardships on consumers ranging from the cost of repairs to higher insurance premiums, rates surcharges, and vehicle depreciation. The settlement is designed relief owners of affected vehicles while resolving the safety fears that have surrounded these cars.
Many insurers raised premiums or refused to insure vehicles worth thousands of pounds because the cost and number of thefts had increased. This in turn placed greater burdens on the financial resources of the owners, making it necessary to undertake legal action. The lawsuit aimed to hold Kia and Hyundai responsible for the mistake, as well as offer restitution for those affected.
Settlement Details
The settlement is valued at up to $145 million and includes several forms of compensation:
– Vehicle Theft: Victims of car theft, where a vehicle is not recovered and returned to their owner can receive up to 60% of the value of the claimed vehicle. For folks who outright lost their cars and had no way to get them back, this redress is especially crucial as it tends to be a basic method of getting around.
Vehicle Damage: Any damage caused in theft attempts will be considered for compensation of around $3,375 or 33% (for each incident) related to repair costs. That way, the owners who absorbed out-of-pocket costs for break-ins or theft attempts and had those seven steps done can get paid back a large share of their expenses.
Insurance Deductibles: $375 reimburse for theft-related deductibles. The aim is to take the burden of insurance costs off owners because their vehicles are susceptible.
Transportation Costs — Includes towing costs or fines associated with the theft; you can claim up to $250 For owners who were hit with extra charges because their car was stolen or damaged, that’s crucial.
Child Care and Lost Wages: If you need to pay for Child care or lose wages when your software is being upgraded, $250 will be available for such costs This was particularly relevant to the working parents who had taken time off work to tighten up their vehicle security.
Kia and Hyundai also will offer a free software fix to upgrade the security of anti-theft systems in vehicles. Thieves will have a much harder time pulling off those exploits in the future with this software upgrade. Doing so is a critical step to ensure these vehicles don’t get stolen in the future and that consumer confidence isn’t eroded.
Eligible Vehicle Models
The Kia and Hyundai models covered by the settlement are as follows:
Kia:
| Kia Car Series | Year |
| Kia Optima | 2011-2020 |
| Kia-Forte | 2011-2021 |
| Kia Sedona | 2011-2021 |
| Kia Sorento | 2011-2022 |
| Kia Sportage | 2011-2022 |
| Kia Rio | 2012-2021 |
| Kia Soul | 2020-2022 |
| Kia Seltos | 2021-2022 |
| Kia K5 | 2021-2022 |
Hyundai:
| Hyundai Car Series | Year |
| Hyundai Elantra Touring | 2011-2012 |
| Hyundai Genesis Coupe | 2011-2014 |
| Hyundai Accent | 2011-2022 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe | 2011-2022 |
| Hyundai Elantra | 2011-2022 |
| Hyundai Elantra Coupe | 2013-2014 |
| Hyundai Elantra GT | 2013-2020 |
| Hyundai Kona | 2018-2022 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 2020-2021 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Sport | 2013-2018 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe XL | 2019 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 2011-2019 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 2011-2022 |
| Hyundai Veloster | 2012-2017 2019-2021 |
| Hyundai Venue | 2020-2021 |
| Hyundai Veracruz | 2011-2012 |
These particular models were popular with car thieves because they do not have an engine immobilizer. The settlement’s eligibility requirements are meant to cover as many vehicles as possible that were affected, which is why the list of eligible cars includes a wide variety.
The companies created a settlement site where owners can check to see if their vehicle meets the requirements. Accordingly, this is a crucial step ensuring that owners will be able to take the actions needed to get compensated and rid of future vehicle problems.
When To Pay & Submit Your Claim(s)
The compensation scheme parts are clear cut however homeowners still need to be aware of key dates if they want a swift payout:
-Claim Period: Started back in January 2024. The process was opened for submitting claims (either online or by mail). The link for compensation can be found near the top and left of this page, so please take care to submit by May 31st as delayed submission will lead to a delay in payment.
-Final Hearing: July 15th,2024. The settlement will be given final approval at the hearing. Once the settlement is approved, payments will start soon after that.
-Payment Distribution: Shortly after the final hearing (after any appeals). Litigation may be stalled by further appeal, but if no one files an appeal then owners can begin to expect compensation in a few weeks.
Owners can file claims through the official settlement websites for Kia and Hyundai. This helps in getting their claims processed fast and obtaining the due compensation.
How to Submit a Claim
To submit a claim:
1. I got this in the mail, but you were notified by email as well. This message lays out how to make a claim and what documents are needed.
2. File a Claim: Customers can either file online or send claim forms by mail, along with documentation. This documentation can be in the form of car title, repair invoices or even police reports.
3. Review and Approval: Once the system processes through all claims, it will then know to pay you out on approval. The process is reviewed to make sure all claims are valid so that the money can be distributed equally.
Furthermore, submitting documentation and then verifying if claims were paid is critical for the owners. Including all necessary information in the claim will prevent a delay of much processing.
Eligibility Criteria
The program was limited to those who own or lease one of the affected cars, had documentary proof that their vehicle met its fate as a result of lacking an immobilizer and filed a claim by today’s deadline. Make sure you review the Settlement Agreement specific criteria to determine eligibility for an award before you submit a claim.
People also ask:
1. What is the Kia-Hyundai class action?
The legal action alleges that a number of Kia and Hyundai models were produced without engine immobilizers, which would leave them open to theft.
2.How much will Kia-Hyundai settlement pay me?
And owners are able to get up to $3,375 in compensation per vehicle for theft-related damages with even more money offered for a total loss of the entire car and expenses like deductibles.
3. As to which models are included in the lawsuit, for Kia that would be some 2011–19 model years.
The suit involves a number of vehicles stretching from 2011 to model year 2022. Refer to the official settlement site for more information.
4. When will payments be made?
The financial disclosures indicate the payments would not start until after the final hearing July 15, 2024.
