Explore the newest developments concerning the Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit 2024 Settlement, including details on $3375 payment dates and eligibility. Many consumers choose Kia and Hyundai vehicles for their attractive design and affordability. Nevertheless, recent coverage of the lawsuit may influence prospective buyers’ decisions. For a comprehensive overview of the Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit, please read further in this article.
Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit 2024
Kia and Hyundai, both entities under the Hyundai Motor Group based in South Korea, have been embroiled in legal action. New York City recently joined several other municipalities in expressing concerns over a surge in car thefts linked to certain vehicle models lacking adequate security features. Social media platforms, including TikTok and others, featured videos demonstrating methods to start these vehicles using basic tools like screwdrivers and USB cables, causing widespread public attention.
The issue stems from the absence of engine immobilizers in some Kia and Hyundai models sold in the United States. Engine immobilizers, a standard security feature in most vehicles since the 1990s, prevent the engine from starting without the presence of the correct key. For detailed information on the settlement amount you may be eligible to receive from the Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit, please continue reading.
Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit Settlement $3375
Kia-Hyundai, a prominent car manufacturer, transitioned to push-button starters across all their models starting from 2021, discontinuing traditional key ignition systems. The surge in auto theft incidents in recent years can be largely attributed to this change not being implemented in many newer models.
New York City initiated legal proceedings against the car manufacturer due to instances where criminals exploited vulnerabilities in Kia-Hyundai vehicles, leading to car thefts. Currently, the court has preliminarily approved a settlement agreement with the company. The final approval from the court is required for the settlement payments to be disbursed to affected customers.
Kia-Hyundai Settlement Payment Dates
Kia-Hyundai has agreed to a settlement amounting to $200 million for eligible customers affected by the lawsuit involving approximately 9 million vehicles lacking engine immobilizers. Eligible customers may receive either $3,375 or 33% of the vehicle’s value for damages or loss of personal property due to theft incidents.
Specific dates for the Kia-Hyundai Settlement Payment have not yet been announced. In February, the company announced plans to roll out a software update for approximately 8.3 million American vehicles without theft protection immobilizers. This update aims to mitigate the rising trend of car thefts facilitated by methods that gained popularity on platforms like TikTok and other social media channels.
Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit Eligibility
You qualify for the settlement amount if you bought any of the models listed while living in the United States.
| Year | Car Model |
| 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 Sorrento |
| 2020-2022 | Kia Soul |
| 2011-2022 | Kia Sportage |
Please note that the Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit does not pertain to past or future theft incidents. Customers who have already obtained a secure lock from the company, either directly from the dealer or law enforcement, are eligible to receive $250 per vehicle for the purchase and installation of glass-breaking alarms or theft protection devices.
All We Know
The parties involved in the lawsuit have reached a settlement to avoid prolonged litigation and provide assistance to affected individuals. Compensation includes two forms: a software upgrade and monetary compensation. Not all individuals are eligible for the software upgrade. Eligible claimants can receive up to $375 to cover insurance deductibles and increased premiums resulting from theft coverage following a qualifying theft or attempted theft.
Customers are eligible to receive up to $250 per vehicle for the purchase and installation of a glass breakage alarm or similar anti-theft devices. Owners of specific Kia models in the continental United States, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam, are eligible to submit a claim. Certain vehicles located in the fifty states and the District of Columbia may not qualify for the software upgrade but are entitled to compensation from the settlement fund.