The Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit of 2024 has brought significant attention due to the issues faced by many Kia and Hyundai vehicle owners. This lawsuit centers around car theft problems linked to certain models from these automakers. Here’s a detailed overview of the lawsuit, the settlement amount, payment dates, and who is eligible for compensation.
What is the Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit?
Kia and Hyundai, two well-known car manufacturers, are facing a lawsuit filed by New York City. This legal action is in response to a rise in car thefts linked to a defect in some of their models. The defect involves the absence of engine immobilizers in certain vehicles. Engine immobilizers are security features that prevent the engine from starting without the correct key, a feature that has been standard in most cars since the 1990s.
Videos on platforms like TikTok have shown how to bypass these security features using simple tools, which has contributed to the increase in car thefts. As a result, many owners of these cars have been affected, prompting legal action against Kia and Hyundai.
Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit Settlement: $3375
The lawsuit has led to a settlement where Kia and Hyundai will pay affected customers a total of $200 million. This settlement is designed to address the issues caused by the missing engine immobilizers. Eligible customers can receive up to $3,375, which is the greater of either $3,375 or 33% of the value for damages to their vehicle or personal property lost or damaged during theft.
Kia-Hyundai Settlement Payment Dates
Currently, the exact payment dates for the Kia-Hyundai settlement are not available. However, the company has promised to release a software upgrade for approximately 8.3 million American cars lacking theft protection immobilizers. This upgrade is intended to help control the surge in car thefts caused by the viral theft methods.
Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit Eligibility
If you own a Kia or Hyundai vehicle from the following models and years, you may be eligible for compensation:
- 2011-2021 Kia Forte
- 2021-2022 Kia K5
- 2011-2020 Kia Optima
- 2012-2021 Kia Rio
- 2011-2021 Kia Sedona
- 2021-2022 Kia Seltos
- 2011-2022 Kia Sorento
- 2020-2022 Kia Soul
- 2011-2022 Kia Sportage
Customers who have already received a steering wheel lock from Kia or law enforcement are eligible for $250 for each vehicle. This amount is meant to cover the cost of purchasing and installing theft protection devices.
What You Need to Know
The settlement aims to provide relief to those affected by the thefts and includes two types of compensation: financial payments and a software upgrade. If you have experienced theft or attempted theft and have incurred extra insurance costs, you may receive up to $375 for these expenses. Additionally, if you purchase and install a glass breakage alarm or similar theft protection device, you can claim up to $250 for each vehicle.
Owners of affected Kia models in the U.S., the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam can make a claim. However, those in certain states may not be eligible for the software upgrade but can still receive monetary compensation.
FAQ’s
What is the Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit about?
The lawsuit involves Kia and Hyundai due to a defect that makes some of their cars vulnerable to theft. The cars lack engine immobilizers, a standard security feature that prevents theft. This issue led to a significant rise in car thefts and prompted legal action.
How much can I receive from the Kia-Hyundai Settlement?
Eligible customers can receive up to $3,375. This amount covers either 33% of the value for damages to your vehicle or personal property lost or damaged during theft, or the set amount of $3,375, whichever is higher.
When will the Kia-Hyundai Settlement payments be made?
The exact payment dates for the settlement are not yet available. However, Kia and Hyundai have announced a software upgrade for affected vehicles to help prevent future thefts. Keep an eye out for updates from the company regarding payment schedules.
Am I eligible for the Kia-Hyundai Settlement?
You are eligible if you own one of the affected Kia or Hyundai models from the years listed in the lawsuit. You may also qualify if you have incurred additional costs due to theft or have installed certain theft protection devices. Check the official settlement details for a complete list of eligible vehicles and conditions.
