Hyundai Kia Theft Settlement: Payments Are Going Out — Here’s What Class Members Are Getting
By Steve Levine
Published: February 24, 2026
Settlement Amount: $145,000,000 (Class Action) + $9,000,000 (Multistate)
Status: Payments Processing
Claims Appeal Deadline: April 10, 2026
After years of delays, appeals, and legal back-and-forth, the $145 million Hyundai and Kia vehicle theft class action settlement is finally moving forward with payments. Class members who filed claims are now receiving approved claim amount notifications from the settlement administrator, with some claimants seeing approved amounts of $3,375 or more.
The settlement stems from a class action lawsuit alleging that Hyundai Motor America and Kia Motors sold millions of 2011–2022 model year vehicles without engine immobilizer technology, a basic anti-theft feature that was standard across nearly every other automaker. The missing security feature made these vehicles extremely easy to steal, a problem that exploded in 2022 when a viral TikTok trend showed how to hotwire the cars in under a minute using nothing more than a USB cable and a screwdriver.
See full list of eligible Hyundai and Kia vehicles and settlement details on OpenClassActions.com
What Happened With the Appeals?
The settlement received final court approval from U.S. District Judge James V. Selna on October 1, 2024. However, two objectors appealed the decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in November 2024, which delayed all payments to class members.On January 8, 2026, the Ninth Circuit issued two written decisions rejecting all objections and affirming the settlement in full. A three-judge panel heard oral arguments on November 19, 2025 and determined the settlement was fair, reasonable, and adequate. This ruling cleared the final legal obstacle to payment distribution, unless the objectors file a further appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The case was transferred back to the district court on January 26, 2026, and the settlement administrator has been proceeding with the remaining steps necessary to issue payments to eligible class members.
How Much Are People Getting Paid?
The $145 million settlement fund provides several tiers of payment from the Common Fund depending on the type of loss experienced. Class members who filed valid claims are seeing approved amounts based on these categories:$145 Million Class Action Settlement — Common Fund Payment Tiers
● Vehicle Damage & Lost Personal Property: $3,375 or 33% of the Black Book value, whichever is greater
● Insurance Deductible & Increased Premiums: Up to $375
● Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses (related to a qualifying theft): Up to $250
● Lost Income or Childcare Costs (incurred while getting the software upgrade): Up to $250
Class members are receiving notifications showing their approved claim amounts. However, the settlement administrator has noted that the approved amount listed is not necessarily the final payment amount. Approved Common Fund amounts are subject to a pro-rata adjustment based on the total number of approved claims for the entire class. If approved claims exceed the available funds, payments may be reduced proportionally.
Common Fund payments will begin once the claims deadline has fully passed and all claims appeals have been resolved. Class members who disagree with their approved amount have until April 10, 2026 to submit an appeal through the settlement website at www.HyundaiTheftSettlement.com.
There Are Actually Two Separate Settlements
It is important to understand that there are now two separate settlement tracks for Hyundai and Kia theft victims.The $145 million class action settlement covers the original claims related to the missing engine immobilizer defect and provides Common Fund payments for theft-related losses. This settlement received final approval on October 1, 2024, was affirmed by the Ninth Circuit on January 8, 2026, and is now processing payments.
In addition, a separate $9 million multistate settlement was announced in December 2025, backed by a coalition of 35 state attorneys general. That settlement provides additional compensation specifically for owners who already received the software upgrade but still experienced a theft or attempted theft after April 29, 2025. Under that deal, victims can receive up to $4,500 for a total loss, up to $2,250 for a partial loss, or up to $375 for attempted theft expenses. Claims for the multistate settlement can be filed until March 31, 2027.
Multistate Attorney General Settlement — Payment Tiers
● Partial Loss (vehicle damage from qualifying theft): Up to $2,250
● Attempted Theft Expenses: Up to $375
● Claim Deadline: March 31, 2027
● Eligibility: Owners who had the software upgrade installed (or appointment scheduled) but still experienced a theft or attempted theft on or after April 29, 2025
What Should You Do Now?
If you already filed a claim in the $145 million class action settlement, you should make sure your contact information is current with the settlement administrator. Monitor your email and mail for approved claim amount notifications. If you receive an approval notice and disagree with the determination, you have until April 10, 2026 to file an appeal.If you own an eligible 2011–2022 Hyundai or Kia vehicle and have not yet had the free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector installed, contact your local dealer to schedule the free upgrade. Eligible consumers will have one year from the date of their notification to make an appointment.
For questions about individual claims, contact the settlement administrator directly at Info@HyundaiTheftSettlement.com.
Read the full breakdown of eligible vehicles and settlement benefits on OpenClassActions.com
Hyundai Kia Theft Settlement — FAQ
Are payments going out for the Hyundai Kia theft settlement?
Yes. After the Ninth Circuit affirmed final approval on January 8, 2026, the settlement administrator is proceeding with the remaining steps to issue payments. Class members who filed valid claims are receiving approved claim amount notifications.
How much will I get from the Hyundai Kia theft settlement?
Payments depend on the type of loss. Total loss claims can receive 60% of Black Book vehicle value. Vehicle damage and lost personal property claims are approved for $3,375 or 33% of Black Book value, whichever is greater. Insurance deductible reimbursement is up to $375. Other out-of-pocket expenses are up to $250. All amounts are subject to pro-rata adjustment based on total approved claims.
Is my approved amount the final payment amount?
Not necessarily. The settlement administrator has noted that approved Common Fund amounts are subject to a pro-rata adjustment based on the total number of approved claims. If approved claims exceed available funds, payments may be reduced proportionally.
What if I disagree with my approved claim amount?
You have until April 10, 2026 to submit an appeal through the settlement website at HyundaiTheftSettlement.com.
Can I still file a claim?
The claim deadline for the $145 million class action settlement has passed. However, the separate $9 million multistate attorney general settlement accepts claims until March 31, 2027 for qualifying thefts or attempted thefts that occurred on or after April 29, 2025. Visit HKMultistateimmobilizersettlement.com for details.
What vehicles are covered?
Certain 2011–2022 Hyundai and Kia vehicles with traditional turn-key ignition systems that were manufactured without an engine immobilizer. Check your vehicle's eligibility by VIN at HyundaiTheftSettlement.com or KiaTheftSettlement.com.
Who are the objectors who delayed the payments?
Two class members appealed the final approval in November 2024. Ruth Rubin was represented by attorneys from Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP and Mason LLP. Donald Birner appeared pro se, without counsel. Both appeals were rejected by the Ninth Circuit on January 8, 2026.
When will I actually receive my payment?
Common Fund payments will begin once all claims appeals have been resolved. The settlement administrator is processing claims and sending approved amount notifications. Monitor your email and the settlement website for updates on payment timing.
How Do I Find Class Action Settlements?
Find all the latest class actions you can qualify for by getting notified of new lawsuits as soon as they are open to claims:Sources
• HyundaiTheftSettlement.com (Official Settlement Website)• KiaTheftSettlement.com (Official Settlement Website)
• Hagens Berman — Hyundai/Kia Settlement FAQ
• HKMultistateimmobilizersettlement.com (Multistate Settlement)
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Pre-Qualify| Settlement Summary | |
| Status | Payments Processing |
|---|---|
| Class Action Settlement | $145,000,000 |
| Multistate Settlement | $9,000,000 |
| Case | In re: Kia Hyundai Vehicle Theft Litigation, No. 8:22-ml-03052-JVS-KES |
| Court | C.D. Cal., Judge Selna |
| Final Approval | October 1, 2024 |
| Appeals Resolved | January 8, 2026 (9th Circuit affirmed) |
| Claims Appeal Deadline | April 10, 2026 |
| Vehicles Covered | Certain 2011–2022 Hyundai & Kia models without engine immobilizers |
| Multistate Claim Deadline | March 31, 2027 |
| Settlement Websites |
HyundaiTheftSettlement.com
KiaTheftSettlement.com |