Top Class Actions  |  July 28, 2020

Category: Closed Class Actions

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This settlement is closed!

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Hyundai sign - hyundai theta engine

UPDATE:

  • A judge granted final approval to this settlement May 10, 2021.
  • Let Top Class Actions know when you receive a check in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.

Consumers who experienced Hyundai Theta engine problems may be able to benefit from a recent class action settlement.

The settlement benefits individuals who bought or leased any of the following vehicles: 2011-2018 and certain 2019 Hyundai Sonata, 2013–2018 and certain 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, and 2014–2015, 2018, and certain 2019 Hyundai Tucson vehicles.

Class vehicles must have been equipped with or replaced with a genuine Theta II 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection engine within OEM specifications. The noted 2019 model year vehicles are eligible if they were manufactured before the Knock Sensor Detection System technology was incorporated into production.

According to the plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit, some Hyundai vehicles are prone to engine problems due to a defect. Allegedly, the Hyundai engine problems can include engine seizure, stalling, engine failure and engine fire.

The defect involves the connecting rod bearings in the gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines. According to the complaint, these connecting rod bearings can fracture and release metal debris into the engine oil. The oil filter is unable to filter everything out, meaning the contaminated oil is circulated through the engine, causing damage to components until the engine fails unexpectedly.

As the connecting rod bearings continue to fracture, the class action lawsuit claimed, “the acceptable tolerances between the bearings, the connecting rod, and the crankshaft rapidly deteriorate,” eventually leading to a “‘knocking’ sound.” In some cases, the piston can allegedly break through the engine block and other engine components can be damaged.

Unfortunately, the plaintiffs claim these incidents have been routinely denied coverage under Hyundai warranties. As a result, plaintiffs and other vehicle owners have allegedly been financially injured by the issue.

Hyundai has not admitted any wrongdoing, but has agreed to fund a Hyundai Theta engine settlement center to resolve the claims in a multidistrict litigation and class action lawsuit.

The Hyundai engine problems class action settlement provides a variety of relief options, including warranty extensions, repairs reimbursement, other forms of compensation, a rebate program and a $140 goodwill payment. More detailed information about the compensation options can be found in the “Potential Award” section below.

In order to receive benefits from the Hyundai Theta engine settlement center, Class Members must file a valid claim form by April 12, 2021. Depending on which compensation the claimant is seeking, claim forms may require vehicle VIN numbers, repair invoices and other documentation.

The deadline for exclusion and objection is Oct. 31, 2020. The final approval hearing for the Hyundai Theta engine settlement center is Nov. 13, 2020.

Who’s Eligible

Individuals who bought or leased any of the following vehicles: 2011–2018 and certain 2019 Hyundai Sonata, 2013–2018 and certain 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, and 2014–2015, 2018, and certain 2019 Hyundai Tucson vehicles.

Class vehicles must have been equipped with or replaced with a genuine Theta II 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter gasoline direct injection engine within OEM specifications. The noted 2019 model year vehicles are eligible if they were manufactured before the Knock Sensor Detection System technology was incorporated into production.

Potential Award

Several forms of compensation, including:

  • Warranty Extension: extends the powertrain warranty on Class vehicles to a lifetime warranty. The extension covers short block assembly, consisting of the engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings, and pistons.
  • Repairs reimbursement: a $140 goodwill payment along with full reimbursement for repairs will be available to Class Members.
  • Additional reimbursement: Class Members can collect full reimbursement for rental cars, towing and other expenses related to qualifying repairs.
  • Compensation for a reduction in trade in value: Vehicles that were traded in for a lower value as a result of an engine seizure, engine stall, engine noise, engine compartment fire or illumination of the oil lamp diagnosed as requiring repair of the engine block will allow Class Members to receive compensation. An additional $140 goodwill payment may also be available.
  • Compensation for engine fires: Engine fires will result in compensation for the value of the vehicle, with an additional $140 goodwill payment.
  • Rebates: Individuals who purchase a replacement vehicle due to an engine failure or fire can recover the following class action rebates:
    • for model year 2011 and 2012 Class Vehicles – $2,000;
    • for model year 2013 and 2014 Class Vehicles – $1,500;
    • for model year 2015 and 2016 Class Vehicles – $1,000;
    • for model year 2017, 2018, and 2019 Class Vehicles – $500.
Proof of Purchase

Vehicle VIN number, repair invoices, and other documentation.

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

8/9/2021   UPDATED

Case Name

In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation, Case No. 8:17-cv-00838-JLS-JDE, and Flaherty v. Hyundai Motor Company, et al., Case No. 18-cv-02223, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Final Hearing

11/13/2020

Settlement Website
Claims Administrator

Kia Engine Failure Settlement Administrator
c/o Epiq Class Action & Claims Solutions Inc.
support@HMAEngineSettlement.com
1-866-944-7620

Class Counsel

Matthew D. Schelkopf
SAUDER SCHELKOPF

Bonner Walsh
WALSH PLLC

Steve Berman
HAGENS BERMAN SOBOL SHAPIRO LLP

Defense Counsel

Shon Morgan
QUINN EMANUEL URQUHART & SULLIVAN LLP

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229 thoughts onHyundai Theta Engine Settlement

  1. James Kelly says:

    Had a 2013 Sonata. The engine failed going to a Florid vacation from New Jersey.in August 2021. Put out money for a rental car for 2 weeks.
    Submitted claim September 17th and received my first case number.
    October 2 called case was closed by Hyundai given my second case number.
    November 3rd told by representative reimbursement would take 4 weeks to 120 days.
    March 17,2022., no money given new case number.
    As of April 22, 2022, called the Campaign Department and was told my case is under review.

    From Sept 17 to Nov. 3 (57 days) Nov.3 to April 22 (142 days) 199days waiting

  2. Shawnee Smith says:

    I have this exact issue happening with my 2014 Santa Fe sport, but Hyundai refuses to replace or cover costs because it wasnt a Theta engine. Is there any one else experiencing this? We need another lawsuit for those not covered by the Theta engine lawsuit

    1. Leann Miller says:

      We are having this same problem in our 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport.

  3. Crystal says:

    I got approved and just received the amount they approved. How long will it take to receive the funds?

  4. Julie says:

    I was initially approved and 2 weeks later they denied stating “insufficient documentation.” The emails says to refer to the settlement agreement for appeal and arbitration info. When I attempted to find the settlement agreement, the only info I can find says to mail a letter requesting intent to arbitrate to provided address. I cannot find an address! Any help with this??

    1. Lori DeShetler says:

      I was approved in March of 2021. On August 2nd, a week prior to checks going out I was sent an email saying they are now denying me because it was not an approved Hyundai dealership. What?? The bills clearly state it was a Hyundai dealership. The dealership even tried to email them. Then they gave other reasons why my approval was overturned. I’m waiting for a date for my arbitration. I am so exhausted from fighting this. I would never buy another Hyundai for this reason.

    2. Hillary says:

      I was denied as well. You can call the Hyundai Class Action Settlement Center at number 866-944-7620 M-F 7 am to 5 pm PST or email them at support@HMAEngineSettlement.com

      I live in California was told to send my appeal to

      Hyundai Class Action Settlement Center
      Attention; Appeal
      P.O. Box 10759
      Newport Beach, Ca 92658

      I hold this helps.

      1. Lorraine M Kastner says:

        That email address comes back as no longer being managed.

    3. Paul says:

      Call them and they will provide the address is the same address you sent you initially claim

  5. Genevieve Carrasco says:

    My Hyundai Santa Fe Sport engine locked up.I had to pay $621.00 for towing charges. Hyundai paid to get my engine & turbo replaced. I filed a claim for reimbursement of my towing charges in April. In July I received an email requesting more documentation. I sent them all my invoices & copies of my towing charges again in August before the deadline. I sent them by certified mail. The end of August I received another email stating that my claim was denied because they did not receive the documents by the deadline. I sent it within the time frame, but they still denied my claim.Last week I received my receipt from them marked Sept 28th. I am having UPS track it for me because I am sure it did not take a month for them to receive it.When I checked my claim on the Theta Settlement website it had the claim as pending. But now they denied it. But I will appeal it. They should note on their website that all claims are denied.

    1. TERRA HUMMER says:

      I WAS TOLD TO SEND ALL RECEIPTS AND BILLS CERTIFIED SO THEY HAVE TO SIGN FOR IT. MAKE SURE TO KEEP YOUR TRACKING NUMBER. I HAVE HAD TO DO THIS AND I MADE SURE THAT WHEN I CALLED THAT THEY PUT MY TRACKING NUMBER ON FILE AND I FINALLY GOT MY CLAIM APPROVED FOR TOWING OVER $1500.00

  6. Vince Santore says:

    My engine locked up a month ago, it’s been at the dealership. They had us contact the warranty department and said they will replace the engine at no charge. When we called the warranty department they then said they would only cover half of the repair. We kept getting different reasons until the last representative told us they were not going to cover any of it because we have 158k miles on the car and the extended warranty was only to 150k. What are my options? Am I eligible for a claim?

  7. Crystal says:

    I submitted my claim back in April. I wonder how long it will take to get $ amount. Shows approved.

  8. Courtney Thomas says:

    I had to have my engine replaced due to the rod bearing thing on my hyundai and I don’t know how to get started on getting in the settlement I have already got all my paperwork that I need I just don’t know where to send it or where do I start. I was charged for a rental car and for all kinds of repairs that I would definitely like my money back for. Somebody help meee please.

    1. Anita says:

      Just have to submit the claim online, google Hyundai Thetga engine recall.

  9. Peter says:

    My claim for engine fire was showing green “Approved” for a few months. Two weeks ago I got claim denied email because they did not find “engine fire” event in the Carfax report. I have send the the official police report from the responding officer. There the fire is described, the vehicle is identified by VIN and license plate. I also send them pictures with the license plate visible and the fire fighters still on the scene and plenty of foam around. Also visible the front of the car melting with the remaining car intact. They take Carfax over the official police report. I only had liability insurance so insurance claim was never filed and Carfax would not have a record. I gave them copy of my insurance too but they don’t seem to care.
    Where can I complain? In my opinion this is clearly an attempt to defy the Court order? Can anyone tell me where should I file a complain?

    1. Lori DeShetler says:

      Same here! Went back to my dealer for more documentation.

      1. Lori DeShetler says:

        I rent sent my documentation along with further documentation provided by my my Hyundai dealer where I purchased the vehicle, plus an email in which the dealer emailed the Hyundai settlement customer service , but of course they did not reply. I sent it all back certified mail. I want my money!

  10. Crystal says:

    Mine got approved a couple days ago but doesnt list an amount. Did anyone experience this?

    1. Peter says:

      My was shoed approved months ago but I got a “denied” email two weeks ago. The claim still shoes green Approved without amounts listed.

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