Hyundai, Kia Settle US Class Action Lawsuit Over Vehicle Thefts For $200M

The settlement covers approximately 8.3 million vehicles and includes $145 million in compensation for out-of-pocket losses.

Hyundai Tucson restyling

Mark Webb

By: Mark Webb

May 18, 2023 at 11:21pm ET

Add Motor1.com as a preferred source in Google

Comment

Hyundai and Kia reached a $200 million settlement today on the class-action lawsuit brought by vehicle owners over widespread car thefts. The settlement covers approximately 8.3 million 2011 through 2022 model-year Hyundai and Kia vehicles with traditional key ignition systems that lack anti-theft devices.

Up to $145 million of the settlement covers compensation for out-of-pocket losses incurred by consumers who had their Hyundai or Kia cars stolen. This compensation includes a maximum of $6,125 for damage to the vehicle and personal property and $3,375 for insurance-related expenses like insurance deductibles or increased insurance premiums.

The settlement also covers compensation for expenses like car rentals, taxis, or other transportation costs not covered by insurance. Owners would also be reimbursed for towing costs, tickets, fines, and other penalties incurred after the vehicle was stolen.

Previously both Hyundai and Kia said they would provide software upgrades for the affected vehicles that lack anti-theft immobilizers in a move to help reduce car thefts. If the vehicles were not eligible to receive the software upgrade, both companies indicated they would provide up to $300 to customers allowing them to purchase anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks or aftermarket immobilizers and theft deterrent systems.

What do you think?

View

Comments

Thefts of popular Hyundai and Kia models skyrocketed after a series of TikTok videos were released by individuals, showing how to steal cars without push-button ignitions or anti-theft devices. At one time, the thefts became so widespread that several major insurance carriers threatened to stop insuring the affected vehicles or refused to insure new customers who recently purchased these vehicles.

More Hyundai And Kia Theft Coverage;

Insurance Companies Sue Hyundai, Kia Over Rash Of Vehicle Thefts

Some Hyundai, Kia Models Can Be Stolen With A USB Cable

Among the Hyundai vehicles affected are the 2011 to 2022 Elantra, Tucson, Sonata, Accent, Kona, and Santa Fe. Kia vehicles include the Forte, Optima, Rio, Sedona, Sorento, Soul, and Sportage. Hyundai says the software fix takes less than an hour to complete, and each vehicle will get a window sticker alerting potential carjackers of the new anti-theft technology installed in the vehicle.

Source: Reuters

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Motor1.com?

Take our 3 minute survey.

- The Motor1.com Team

Share this Story

GO TO COMMENTS

(

)

Got a tip for us? Email: tips@motor1.com

View all comments ( )

Popular

The Rotary Engine Should Be Everywhere. Why Isn't It?

Driven: The Revuelto SV Is All Bull, No BS

Toyota's Next Mid-Engined Coupe Is Going Racing This Weekend

Alfa Romeo Has Had It With Huge Screens

Subaru Teases A New Manual WRX, But Only For Japan