On May 10, a $1.3 billion dollar settlement regarding certain Hyundai and Kia models received final approval.
Originally estimated to be a $758 million payout, this boosted deal will affect 3.9 million class-defined vehicle drivers. Associated defects can cause engine seizure or stalling, engine failure, and even fire. Potential awards include warranty extensions, repair reimbursem*nt, and compensation for those models traded in or involved in engine fires.
Case Background
The present settlement dates back to May 2017. Plaintiffs submitted a proposed class action against carmakers. The filing claimed that Hyundai and Kia knew of engine defects but failed to disclose that information. That same month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation of their own. They were particularly interested in Hyundai and Kia’s handling of a 1.6 million vehicle recall over an engine failure defect. In fact, the companies initiated several similar recalls as far back as 2015.
Additional plaintiffs filed class action proposals in August and December of 2017. Even more filings followed in January and April of 2018. In August 2018, the U.S. District Court for California’s Central District ultimately ordered the consolidation of all engine fire-related claims. The consolidation formed multidistrict litigation (MDL). MDL differs from class actions as each lawsuit remains separate but allows for consistent outcomes across similar cases. Legal teams tackle discovery, depositions, and common questions of fact decisions jointly. This approach allows for more cost and time efficiency. Shortly after these suits were consolidated, they received approval for settlement discussions.
Not an Admission of Liability
Importantly, this settlement does not equate to a Hyundai or Kia admission of liability. It merely indicates an unwillingness to take litigation further. This can happen for various reasons but is most likely a simple cost determination. Rather than litigate on their own, it is often much more cost-effective for plaintiffs to join a class. Defendant corporations typically prefer this option, too. At some point, there are just too many potential plaintiff payouts to take it to court. Instead, reaching a settlement and defining the class will save a lot of money in the long run. This is particularly true with more than one class action at issue.
The Vehicle Models at Issue
The vehicles named here were those originally equipped or replaced with Theta II 2-liter or 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection engines. Specific Hyundai models affected are the 2011-2018 Sonata, 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport, and 2014-2015, 2018 Tucson. Kia vehicles covered are the Optima, Sorento, and Sportage, years 2011-2018. Names models may also include certain 2019 models of the above six vehicle types. This depends on whether they were manufactured before knock sensor detection system technology was implemented.
Important Information for Claimants
In order to seek reimbursem*nt, individuals must submit claim forms for either Hyundai or Kiaby August 9, 2021. It is still possible to benefit without submission, however. Assuming claimants did not opt-out by the October 30, 2020 deadline, they can still benefit from a new lifetime warranty. The only caveat to that warranty is the installation of a knock sensor detection system update.
Claimants must send claims to the respective class action administrators by August 9, 2021, in order to qualify for monetary reimbursem*nt. Administrators calculated this date by a required 90-day window from the date of the settlement’s approval. Class administrators will not consider late forms. Individuals may submit claims online (Kia or Hyundai), by email, or by mail. They may also find descriptions of required documentation and frequently asked questions here for Kia and here for Hyundai.
A Reminder for Impacted Parties
Submit claims by August 9, 2021. Rewards often go unclaimed in class action cases and corporations are banking on that. Many potential claimants miss their chance altogether simply because they don’t know that chance exists. Then again, by reading this you’re already ahead of the game.
FAQs
As it stands now, the law firm says compensation for total loss of vehicles could be up to $6,125. Compensation could reach up to $3,375 for damage to vehicles and personal property. Expenses such as car rentals, transportation costs, and towing costs could also be reimbursed.
What is the status of the Hyundai Theta engine settlement? ›
Welcome to the Hyundai Theta Engine Class Action Settlement claim site. The Settlement was approved by the Court and Judgment was entered on June 10, 2021. Payments for approved claims will be mailed 30 days after the Effective Date which occurs when all appeals are exhausted.
How do I get my money from Kia settlement? ›
If you bought or leased certain 2010–2020 model year Kia vehicles, you may be eligible for benefits. The only way to receive certain reimbursem*nt and compensation in this Settlement is to file a Claim. Claim Forms must be submitted online via this website, via email, or postmarked no later than July 8, 2024.
How much did the Kia payout in the class action lawsuit? ›
Hagens Berman brought a nationwide class-action lawsuit on behalf of the owners of affected vehicles in August 2022 and reached a proposed settlement valued at more than $200 million with Hyundai and Kia in May 2023. On October 31, 2023, the court granted preliminary approval of the revised settlement agreement.
How much can I get from Kia settlement? ›
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Nearly 9 million drivers could be eligible for settlement money. Kia and Hyundai owners with the models that have become famous because they're easy to steal can get payouts from $50 to several thousand dollars.
How do I get my Hyundai settlement? ›
To check eligibility of the Settlement by VIN, a summary of the potential benefits, and information on how to file a claim, visit www.HyundaiTheftSettlement.com. For any questions about the Settlement, call (833) 982-3330 or email Info@HyundaiTheftSettlement.com.
How do I check the status of my Hyundai claim? ›
Claim Status
- Please enter your Claim Number or the last 7 of the VIN and the Zip Code to access your on-line claim information.
- If you have any questions, please contact us at 800-890-7211 or claims@hyundaiprotectionplan.com.
On February 12, 2024, the objector-appeal was dismissed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal. All class action claims, and settlement benefits are now effective.
Is Hyundai engine class settlement legit? ›
The settlement provides compensation for vehicles lost due to certain engine fires. In some instances, the settlement also provides a cash rebate if you lost faith in the vehicle after experiencing engine troubles related to the defect and you purchased another Hyundai vehicle within a specified timeframe.
How do I know if I qualify for Kia class action lawsuit? ›
To qualify for benefits under the Settlement you must have bought or leased a Class Vehicle, which are certain vehicle models originally equipped with or replaced with the respective corresponding genuine multi-port fuel injection (“MPI”) or gasoline direct injection (“GDI”) engine within Original Equipment ...
How do I know if I am part of the Settlement? All owners and lessees of a Class Vehicle who purchased or leased the Class Vehicle in the United States, and including those that were purchased while the owner was abroad on active U.S. military duty.
How long does it take to get a refund from Kia? ›
It generally takes up to 5 business days to complete the return and process an RMA for credit. Once the return is completed, please allow 2-3 business days for the refund to appear on your statement.
Does everyone get the same amount of money in a class action lawsuit? ›
Lawyers will receive a part of the settlement for their services. The court will ensure that their payment is reasonable. Class action settlements are not distributed equitably. The lead claimants often have the most significant injuries and damages and receive the most money.
Can you get more money from a class action lawsuit? ›
The lead plaintiffs typically get more money from the settlement than the other victims in a class action lawsuit. The reason for this is that the lead plaintiffs are chosen based on the severity of their injuries and the amount of their damages.
Is the Kia settlement real? ›
The court granted preliminary approval Oct. 31, 2023, of the revised settlement agreement with Hyundai and Kia, the law firm said in its FAQ.
How much can I get for my Hyundai Tucson? ›
2023 Hyundai Tucson Value - $19,696-$34,739 | Edmunds.
Who is eligible for the Hyundai settlement? ›
You may be eligible for benefits of the Class Action Settlement if you owned or leased one of the following vehicle models in the United States, including those purchased while you were abroad on active U.S. military duty: 2014-2021 Hyundai Tucson, 2007, 2016-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2013-2015, 2017-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe ...
What is the settlement for the owners of Kia and Hyundai? ›
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Owners of Kias and Hyundais may finally get some help against theft – thanks to a $145 million settlement in a significant lawsuit. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit claim Kia and Hyundai failed to put theft-deterrent devices in some models, making it easier to steal them.
Can owners of Kia and Hyundai cars that were stolen get settlement funds? ›
Anyone who bought or leased a Kia or Hyundai from 2011 to 2022 should be eligible for the settlement. They should be notified next week about how to submit their claims. However, it might take a bit of time to get their money. The court still has to grant final approval of the settlement.
