Hyundai Theta Engine Settlement

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

CLICK HERE TO FILE A CLAIM »

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

www.HMAEngineSettlement.com

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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