$145M Hyundai Anti-Theft Class Action Settlement

Unsplash / Nils Bogdanovs | Published: February 25, 2024

Claim Form Deadline: January 11, 2025

Payout: Varies

Proof required: Yes

What Is The Kia Hyundai Settlement About?

A $145 million Class Action Settlement has been reached with Hyundai Motor America and Kia Motors over allegations that certain car models for the years from 2011 to 2022 were not equipped with an engine "immobilizer" software, and thus this design flaw had led to large numbers of thefts. The class action lawsuit alleged that Hyundai failed to equip many of their vehicle models with proper anti-theft devices (engine immobilizer), and therefore made them more susceptible to theft and damage to consumers' property. A complete list of affected Hyundai vehicles included in Settlement Class can be found below:

Hyundai Model	Model Year
Accent	2011 - 2022
Elantra	2011 - 2022
Elantra GT	2013 - 2020
Elantra Coupe	2013 - 2014
Elantra Touring	2011 - 2012
Genesis Coupe	2011 - 2014
Kona	2018 - 2022
Palisade	2020 - 2021
Santa Fe	2011 - 2022
Santa Fe Sport	2013 - 2018
Santa Fe XL	2019
Sonata	2011 - 2019
Tucson	2011 - 2022
Veloster	2012 - 2017
Veloster	2019 - 2021
Venue	2020 - 2021
Veracruz	2011 - 2012

Some of the model years for the affected Hyundai vehicles may not be eligible for all benefits as part of the class action settlement, including cash payouts and anti-theft software upgrades.

How Do I Know If I Qualify?

To qualify for payout from the Kia / Hyundai theft class action settlement you must be a person or entity that purchased or leased certain types or models of Hyundai vehicles listed below in the United States. Affected Hyundai cars in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam are not eligible to receive the free software upgrade from Hyundai, as well as certain years for Hyundai model vehicles in the contiguous United States, Alaska, and Hawaii.

Experiencing theft or attempted theft is not a requirement to be included in this Class Action Settlement. If you've purchased or leased specific vehicles, you may still qualify for a free software upgrade, or for other benefits such as cash payouts.

You may also be entitled to submit a Claim for reimbursement, covering up to $250 total for lost income or childcare expenses (combined) which was incurred during the software upgrade process, if you did receive a software upgrade. Additionally, reimbursement is available for key fob purchases (up to $350 per key fob, with a maximum of two per vehicle) if they were acquired as per Hyundai dealer instructions for upgrade or improvements. You can also file a Claim for reimbursement, up to $50 per vehicle, for the acquisition of a steering wheel lock or a similar device, provided the purchase was made at least thirty days before the availability of the software upgrade for your vehicle.

If your vehicle isn't eligible for the software upgrade, you can file a claim for reimbursement, receiving up to $300 per vehicle for the purchase and/or installation of a steering wheel lock, glass breakage alarm, or a similar anti-theft system, or any other aftermarket modification aimed at deterring or preventing theft. For Class Members who owned or leased such vehicles and have already received a steering wheel lock from Hyundai, they are eligible for reimbursement, receiving up to $250 per vehicle for the purchase and installation of a glass breakage alarm, similar anti-theft system, or another aftermarket modification designed to deter or prevent theft.

To confirm if your vehicle qualifies for the software upgrade and to schedule an appointment for the installation, please visit Hyundai's website in regards to the upgrade and the class action lawsuit.

Your VIN number may be required to file a claim or qualify for the free software upgrade. You can find your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on a small placard located on the top of the dashboard, visible through the driver's side corner of the windshield, or on the driver side door frame. Additionally, the VIN number on your vehicle registration card and likely on your vehicle insurance card as well. Your VIN should consist of 17 characters, a mix of both letters and numbers.

Documents submission are required for claim form approval and will include: Proof of Ownership, documentation of any Prior Reimbursement. Depending on the type of benefits you claim additional documentation may be requested.

How Much Can I Get Paid?

The Settlement offers various benefits for which you can file a Claim:

Common Fund Benefits Available for All Class Members

• You can receive reimbursement equivalent to 60% of the Black Book value of the vehicle in the event of a Total Loss due to a qualifying theft or attempted theft.

• You can receive reimbursement totaling $3,375 or 33% of the Black Book value of the vehicle (whichever is greater) for damage to the vehicle and/or damaged or lost personal property resulting from a qualifying theft or attempted theft.

• You can get back up to $375 for your insurance deductible or increased premium because of a qualifying theft or attempted theft.

• Claim up to $250 for other out-of-pocket expenses due to a qualifying theft or qualifying theft attempt.

• Reimbursement up to $250 for lost income and/or childcare costs in obtaining the software upgrade for a vehicle. This is a benefit available only for vehicles that had the software upgrade installed.

Reimbursement Available for Class Vehicles Eligible for the software upgrade

• You can claim reimbursement for purchasing a key fob to obtain the software upgrade, with a limit of $350 per key fob and a maximum of 2 per vehicle, if it was bought at the direction of a Hyundai dealership for the installation of the software upgrade.

• You can receive reimbursement of up to $50 for the eligible purchase of a Steering Wheel Lock for your vehicle, provided it was made at least thirty (30) days before the software upgrade became available for your vehicle.

Reimbursement Available for Class Vehicles NOT Eligible for the software upgrade

• You can receive up to $300 for the qualifying purchase of a Steering Wheel Lock and/or a Glass Breakage Alarm or similar anti-theft system or another aftermarket modification designed to deter or prevent theft for a vehicle.

How Do I File a Claim and Get Paid?

To be eligible to receive a payment from the up-to $145,000,000 class action settlement fund you must submit a valid claim form by the deadline of January 11, 2025. You can submit form either by snail mail, or electronically online: