Update:
- A federal judge in California granted final approval to a $145 million settlement to end claims Hyundai and Kia sold vehicles containing defects that made them vulnerable to damage and theft.
- U.S. District Judge James V. Selna filed an order granting final approval to the deal Oct. 1.
- Several class action lawsuits alleged Hyundai did not equip Kia vehicles with an engine immobilizer, making them susceptible to theft and damage using a method that gained popularity on TikTok and other social media platforms.
- The class action settlement includes a minimum of at least $80 million to compensate drivers for losses stemming from car thefts or attempted thefts, as well as a free software upgrade that will prevent vehicles from being able to start when a key is not present.
Hyundai Kia car theft class action settlement overview:
- Who: A class of Hyundai and Kia drivers asked a California federal judge for final approval of a settlement agreement worth up to $145 million that was agreed to by Hyundai and Kia.
- Why: The settlement resolves claims Kia and Hyundai sold vehicles containing defects that left them vulnerable to damage and theft.
- Where: The Hyundai Kia car theft class action settlement stemmed from litigation in California federal court.
(April 29, 2024)
A class of Hyundai and Kia drivers asked a federal judge in California to grant final approval of a $145 million settlement agreed to by the automakers to end claims they sold vehicles containing defects that made them vulnerable to damage and theft.
The class action settlement includes a minimum of at least $80 million to compensate drivers for losses stemming from car thefts or attempted thefts, as well as a free software upgrade that will prevent vehicles from being able to start when a key is not present.
“The Settlement offers significant relief to Class members who will receive virtually all the relief that Plaintiffs originally sought in this first-of-its-kind action,” class members wrote, in a motion filed April 18.
Hyundai and Kia are not in opposition of the bid for final approval, according to the motion for approval.
Hyundai, Kia car theft settlement objector argues deal does not compensate all injured class members
The request for final approval came in the wake of an objector arguing the settlement — which has already been given preliminary approval — failed to compensate everyone who was injured by the alleged vehicle defects.
Class member Ruth Rubin, in an objection filed April 17, argues the settlement agreement fails to compensate millions of class members who have been injured without experiencing a theft or attempted theft.
“Class Members are forced to release hundreds of millions of dollars in damages related to decreased value of their Class Vehicles without any compensation,” Rubin’s objection states.
Individuals who want to make a claim to join the Hyundai Kia car theft class action settlement must submit a valid claim form by Jan. 11, 2025.
Last June, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rejected a recall request made by 18 state attorneys general for Kia and Hyundai vehicles, determining the reason behind a wave of thefts did not meet the criteria needed to conduct a nationwide recall.
Do you qualify to make a claim to join the Hyundai Kia car theft class action settlement? Let us know in the comments.
The consumers are represented by Steve W. Berman of Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, Elizabeth A. Fegan of Fegan Scott LLC, Kenneth B. McClain of Humphrey Farrington & McClain PC and Roland Tellis of Baron & Budd PC.
Rubin is represented by Thomas N. McCormick and Kara M. Mundy of Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease LLP and Gary E. Mason of Mason LLP.
The Hyundai Kia car theft class action settlement is In re: Kia Hyundai Vehicle Theft Litigation, Case No. 8-22-ml-03052, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
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54 thoughts onJudge gives final approval to $145M Hyundai, Kia theft settlement
Hi I would like to know what finally happend with this case.
I qualify. Someone broke my window and tried to steal my hyundai tuscon. The neighbor scared them off
Car was Stolen, later found, side and back window was broken steering column was messed all the way up. Sat at the lot for about 6 months uncovered rain and all the other elements going straight inside the car. Yes we rented a car because we needed it until we could not longer afford to. Finally they said it was a total loss only got about 2 grand 😢 it was the first time we were able to afford a new car. Totally destroyed by a Thief. Still waiting to hear something. We filed a claim and never heard anything from anyone.
I too had my car stolen, broke back window, trashed out my car, made a mess of my steering column, and rammed it up a curb stopped by a telephone pole. I took pictures, send them all in with my claim and have not heard anything from them. My deductible was 500, had to miss work for about 2 days and also paid to get fixed. I was for sure I would get something back, but nothing yet!!
My hyundai was stolen on my honeymoon, I filed a claim and have heard nothing back.
I qualified but the judgement was appealed in January, I think, and I’ve heard nothing since. Thanks!
I am sorry. For me, the damage from busting the back window, and then completely destroying the ignition – only to figure out that cannot drive a manual (stick) vehicle and then trash more of the car ripped off mirror inside, tried to break the gear shift resulted in a “total loss” of the vehicle. It had 94,500 miles and i owned it since it had 102 miles. Never had an issue with this car, took wonderful care of it and still, i received only 5,300 for it. Where and how can i be expected to find a reliable car, with 94,500 miles in good condition for 5,300 dollars? All in all, i ended up being out 9,000 (out of pocket) and now have a used car (costing 15,300 all said and done) with 129,450 miles. Because i have no idea how this used car was cared for, i also spent 2,700 on a warranty for trans and engine. 2 months ago, i had a reliable, low mileage car and 9,500 in my savings. Now i have a questionable car, I’m 9,500 more poor and Hyundai will only give me 500 bucks back? Thanks….Needless to say, i did not get a Hyundai and that is a shame, because i had that car for 8 years and had no issues at all. I am very upset that this company isn’t doing more to make owners whole on the losses stemming from providing a car that is targeted for theft. I want my reliable Hyundai Accent, which i invested a lot into and took great care of back. I was looking at 5-7 more years of no major issues or expenses on a car (while i continued to save to have 25,000 for a new car), and this ruined all of that. Forced to buy used – because i am not paying the current interest rates and now only have 3-5 years if i am lucky to start saving again for a car. I am not sure i will save 25,000 in 5 years (that’s if this used one doesn’t have any issues) and with the new tariffs, cars will be 45,000 by then anyway.
I qualify no one contacted me
My 2020 Kia Rio was stolen between 2/12-2/13 2025. As of today’s date 3/07 2025 it’s still in the shop being repaired. I did not opt for rental car option when I got my insurance so I have to pay out of pocket for a rental and my deductible is $1,000. They broke out the back window and damaged the steering column.
HELP! Include US! Mental Anguish! Out of Pocket Lost due to thieves and because America allowed this Auto Maker, to get away with not making sure these vehicles were secured before they rolled of the Assembly line, to cut cost & pocket Profits! This needs to stop! The thieves left blood stains in & on the outside of the Vehicle, dismantling damaging the entire steering wheel column! Our 2011 Hyundia Sonata was Sunday 12/1/2024 Vandalized, and they damaged the entire steer wheel column, busted driver side passenger window (still have not found a replacement window)! Took forever find costly replacement parts, online & at dealer service dept.! WE had to come out of pocket, pay for emergency car repairs, because o in order to get to work!
Yeah. I had my Hyundai stolen in February and had only 8 payments left. Then got a Nissan in April which got totaled in June. Not my fault. Red light runner. Car prices were so erratic I accepted 15k on a car I had paid 25k for 2 months earlier. After that loan was paid off the insurance left me with 1000.00. I am still car less. PTSD for sure. I can relate.