You Can Get Money From This Hyundai and Kia Class Action Lawsuit
A preliminary settlement has been reached in a class-action lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia alleging that some vehicles are defective and at risk of being stolen. The lawsuit covers more than five million vehicles from model years 2011 to 2022 that do not have engine immobilizers, making them easier targets for theft. In fact, it’s so easy that it became a viral TikTok trend last year . Here’s what you need to know about the settlement and what next steps you need to take to get your payments.
What does the settlement cover?
Lawyers for Hagens Berman announced that the court has granted preliminary approval to a revised settlement that is estimated to bring up to $145 million or more in relief to Hyundai and Kia owners . This approval opens the process for owners and tenants to file compensation claims.
The court has tentatively approved the revised settlement, and if and when it gives final approval, payments to class members could begin. According to the settlement website , notices will be sent to class members no later than March 4, 2024, indicating whether they are eligible and how to file a claim. Email notifications will also be sent if applicable.
The revised agreement provides for various categories of benefits estimated to be worth $145 million or more in cash assistance to group members. This relief includes the following:
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Compensation for personal losses. Class members may seek compensation from the settlement fund of up to $145 million for a range of out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the theft or attempted theft of the affected vehicle that were not otherwise covered by insurance.
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Software updates. Owners and lessees of some affected vehicles are entitled to a free software update to effectively resolve the missing immobilizer issue.
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Payments instead of software updates. Owners and lessees of certain affected vehicles that are not eligible for a software update may be able to claim up to $300 per claim for the purchase and installation of steering wheel locks, glass break alarms or anti-theft systems, and other aftermarket modifications intended to deter or prevent theft.
Class members can enter their VIN on the settlement website to see if their specific vehicle is included. Eligible models include certain years of Hyundai Accents, Elantras, Sonatas and Santa Fe Sports, as well as Kia Rio, Forte, Optima, Sorento and Soul vehicles.
Visit the Kia and Hyundai settlement sites for more details, or this Consumer Affairs report for more details.
What does this mean for you
A final hearing to approve the settlement is scheduled for July 15, 2024. Payments to plaintiffs will depend on the judge’s final ruling and the resolution of any appeals. This process may take several months before settlement funds are distributed. The judge’s order for final approval could be made any time on or after July of this year; only after the final approval order has been issued and any appeals have been resolved will settlement payments be made to the claimants. Any appeals will result in a delay of these payments.
So what does this mean for you? Hold tight. Owners of the vehicles involved should watch for settlement notices by mail and email. The bottom line is that for those who have incurred costs associated with the theft of a Hyundai or Kia vehicle, this deal provides an opportunity to potentially recover costs. More information can be obtained on the settlement website or by contacting the claims administrator.