A settlement has been reached in a product liability class action lawsuit, in California federal court titled, In re: Kia Hyundai Vehicle Theft Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, No. 8:22-ML-3052 JVS(KESx) (C.D. Cal.). This lawsuit alleges certain 2011-2022 model year Hyundai vehicles contain design flaws, including the failure to manufacture the Class Vehicles with an anti-theft device called an engine immobilizer, that make them susceptible to theft and damage.
What does the Settlement provide? The Settling Defendants have agreed to the establishment of a Common Fund of at least $80,000,000 and up to $145,000,000 for the payment of approved Claims for certain out-of-pocket, uncompensated losses incurred as a result of a Qualifying Theft or Qualifying Theft Attempt. Additionally, a Software Upgrade that will prevent vehicles locked with a key or key fob from starting without the key being present is available for certain Class Vehicles. The Software Upgrade will be performed at no cost on all eligible Class Vehicles brought to an authorized Hyundai dealership without need for request by the Class Member. Software Upgrade eligible vehicles are also eligible for reimbursement up to $250 for lost income and/or childcare costs resulting from the implementation of the Software Upgrade, reimbursement up to $50 for a steering wheel lock and reimbursement for OEM-issued key fobs purchased at the direction of a Hyundai dealership to implement the Software Upgrade (subject to a cap of $350 per key fob, with a limit of up to two key fobs per Class Vehicle). For Class Vehicles not eligible for the Software Upgrade, reimbursement up to $300 for the purchase and installation of steering wheel lock, glass breakage alarm or similar anti-theft system is available, or up to $250 if you already received a steering wheel lock from Hyundai (directly or indirectly).
What are my legal rights under the Settlement?
Submit a claim form:
To receive a benefit under the Settlement, you must file a Claim Form as well as all required supporting documentation. You are encouraged to submit your Claim Form online by visiting www.HyundaiTheftSettlement.com. Claim Forms are available on the website to download and print or you may call the Hyundai Theft Settlement Administrator at (833) 982-3330 or send an email to info@HyundaiTheftSettlement.com to request a Claim Form be mailed to you. Completed Claim Forms must be submitted no later than January 11, 2025, and required supporting documentation can be mailed to Hyundai Theft Settlement, P.O. Box 6609 East Brunswick, NJ 08816.