Hyundai, Kia drivers seek approval of $145M car theft defect settlement

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. 

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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