Hyundai Fuel Economy Class Action Settlement

A settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit alleging Hyundai Motor America and Hyundai Motor Company misrepresented the fuel economy of certain Hyundai vehicles. Consumers who purchased or leased certain Hyundai vehicles could be eligible for a cash payment or other benefits from the class action settlement.

On Nov. 2, 2012, Hyundai issued a statement informing the public that it was voluntarily decreasing the fuel economy ratings of each vehicle. Subsequently, several class action lawsuits were filed alleging that, prior to Nov. 2, 2012, the fuel economy ratings for the Class Vehicles were misrepresented. In 2013, the class action lawsuits were consolidated into mulitidstrict litigation titled In re: Hyundai and Kia Fuel Economy Litigation. The plaintiffs allege that they would not have purchased the vehicles or that they paid more for their vehicles than they otherwise would have if not for the misrepresentation.

Hyundai has agreed to establish a Lifetime Reimbursement Program that offers benefits to consumers who purchased certain 2011, 2012 and 2013 Hyundai vehicles. However, the plaintiffs have alleged that this reimbursement program is inadequate. Hyundai denies the allegations but agreed to offer additional benefits under the terms of the class action settlement.

UPDATE: As of Apr. 11, 2016, six different appeals have been filed concerning this settlement. Until the Court resolves those appeals, the Claims Administrator is unable to mail out settlement funds. 

UPDATE 2: As of June 1, 2016, the Court has not made a decision in this class action settlement. 

UPDATE 3: On January 23, 2018, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the Hyundai/Kia Fuel Economy class action settlement.  This means that claims will not be paid.  Please keep checking Top Class Actions for updates.  We will let our viewers know if a revised settlement is submitted to the court.

UPDATE 4: On June 28, 2019, the Hyundai/Kia Fuel Economy class action settlement was reinstated. It is not known how quickly claims will be paid. Let Top Class Actions know when you receive a check in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.

Who’s Eligible

Class Members of the fuel economy class action settlement include any current or former owner of a Class Vehicle who was the owner or lessee on or before Nov. 2, 2012, and whose vehicle was registered in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. A list of the Class Vehicles can be found on the last page of the Class Notice. [A copy of the Class Notice (PDF) is available here.]

NOTE: Rental fleet owners, government entities (except to the extent that a government entity is the owner or lessee of a Fleet Class Vehicle), judges assigned to the litigation, and persons who have previously executed a release of Hyundai for claims concerning the fuel economy of a Class Vehicle are excluded from the class action settlement.

Potential Award

Class Members can submit a claim to receive an up-front lump sum payment or other benefits. Alternatively, Class Members can sign up for the Lifetime Reimbursement Program.

Lump Sum Payment Option: The amount of the lump sum payment varies depending upon the year and model of the Hyundai vehicle that you owned or leased, plus certain other factors. Although each Class Member’s situation differs, a potential average maximum settlement benefit for those who elect a lump sum cash payment is $353. Class Members can elect one of the following lump sum payment options [See Class Notice (PDF) for details]:

• Cash Debit Card
• Dealer Service Debit Card
• New Car Rebate Certificate

Lifetime Reimbursement Program: As an alternative to the lump sum payment provided for in the class action settlement, the Lifetime Reimbursement Program provides current and former owners and lessees of Class Vehicles with personalized cash debit cards to pay for the additional fuel costs associated with Hyundai’s revised fuel economy estimates for the affected models. If you have already registered for the Lifetime Reimbursement Program, you do not need to take further action to remain registered.

NOTE: Some participants in the Lifetime Reimbursement Program may also be eligible for benefits from the class action settlement.

Additional Compensation: Current original owners and certain former owners of Elantra, Accent, Veloster and Sonata Hybrid Class Vehicles may be entitled to additional compensation of $100 per vehicle. Current lessees and current fleet owners of Elantra, Accent, Veloster and Sonata Hybrid Class Vehicles may be entitled to an additional $50 per vehicle.

Proof of Purchase

Class Members must provide the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) when submitting a claim.

Claim Form

Claim Form Deadline

7/6/2015

Case Name

In re: Hyundai and Kia Fuel Economy Litigation, MDL No. 13-2424-GW (FFMx), in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Final Hearing

6/11/2015

Settlement Website

www.HyundaiMPGClassSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Hyundai Fuel Economy Class Action Settlement Program Headquarters
P.O. Box 10759
Newport Beach, CA 92658
1-877-277-0012
HyundaiMPGSettlement@JNRCorp.com

Class Counsel

Robert B. Carey
HAGENS BERMAN SOBOL SHAPIRO LLP

Defense Counsel

N/A