'It affects millions of people': Class action lawsuit filed against Hyundai, Kia alleging ease of theft (2024)

FAQs

'It affects millions of people': Class action lawsuit filed against Hyundai, Kia alleging ease of theft? ›

Hyundai and Kia have reportedly agreed to a deal worth $200 million to settle a crop of class action lawsuits filed over the automakers' failure to equip certain apparently easy-to-steal vehicles with an engine immobilizer.

Here's how much money you may get

Eligible losses include: The total loss of an eligible vehicle as a result of a qualifying theft or qualifying theft attempt could get you up to 60% of the Black Book value for the total loss.

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.

Due to the increase in thefts, several car insurance companies stopped writing new policies for Kia drivers and upped the price on existing policies because so many vehicles were stolen. Now Kia owners are getting packets in the mail explaining how they can get money from a class action settlement.

The court granted preliminary approval Oct. 31, 2023, of the revised settlement agreement with Hyundai and Kia, the law firm said in its FAQ.

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.

Those who bought or leased a Kia or Hyundai manufactured between 2011 and 2022 and then had their car stolen may be eligible. The suit is expected to cover about nine million vehicles, according to USA Today.

Am I included in the settlement as a class member? Class members include any person who purchased or leased certain model year 2011-2022 Hyundai or Kia vehicles in the U.S. or its territories with traditional turn-key ignition systems that were manufactured without an engine immobilizer.

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 ...

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 claim my Kia settlement? ›

[7] Submit: Email the completed form and the documentation to hma-hecu@autosolutionteam.com or mail it to HECU Class Action Settlement PO BOX 20849 Fountain Valley, CA 92728.

Hyundai and Kia issued a voluntary recall of affected vehicles in 2023, enabling owners to receive a free anti-theft software upgrade.

Kia and Hyundai settled a class-action lawsuit after claims the carmakers failed to install theft-deterrent devices in key-start vehicles from 2011 until 2022. "I don't want to get it stolen again because it's going to cost me money," said Malnarick.

If you do nothing, you will not receive any reimbursem*nts or compensation from this Settlement. However, you will be entitled to the benefits of the 15-Year/150,000-Year Extended Warranty from the date of the vehicle's original retail delivery (if you continue to own or lease your Class Vehicle).

Allstate, Progressive and State Farm are among the car insurance providers that have announced they won't issue new policies in some states for certain Hyundai and Kia models. According to a report from WWL-TV in New Orleans, the blacklisted models include: 2015–2021 Hyundai Accent. 2015–2021 Hyundai Elantra.

KIA owners will get packets in the mail explaining who qualifies from the settlement. Some of the different benefits that can be claimed are, if your car was stolen and never returned, you can get reimbursed 60% of the book value. Also, you can receive up to $350 for an insurance deductible and much more.

LOS ANGELES - KIA and Hyundai owners are expected to receive notices next week for their claim as part of a $145 million settlement. The settlement is the result of a lawsuit that claimed their vehicles were made more susceptible to theft.