Kia and Hyundai have reached a class-action settlement valued at more than $200 million over claims that certain Kia and Hyundai car models left owners vulnerable to theft “after the automakers failed to install lin basic security measures,” according to the press release.
According to the lawyers, the lawsuit stems from the automakers’ “failure to equip 2011-2022 models with an immobilizer,” a common anti-theft device. According to the release, these devices work to prevent “most vehicles from starting unless a code is transmitted.”
The lack of an immobilizer spawned a viral TikTok challenge, where videos posted on social media showed how thieves could quickly and easily steal and jump-start affected vehicles.
After this flaw was exposed on social media, thefts in Chicago increased by more than 890 percent, amounting to thousands of stolen cars, according to Chicago police records obtained by NBC 5.
Lawyers say the settlement will deliver “benefits as soon as possible” to owners of affected vehicles who have suffered “out-of-pocket” losses due to the missing asset. According to the demand, the affected vehicles total 9 million.
The settlement also offers improvements to “fix the lack of immobilizer at the heart of the problem, as well as payments to those ineligible for the upgrade,” the lawyers say.
How much money could Kia and Hyundai owners get from the deal?
The payments are tiered and include compensation for a variety of out-of-pocket expenses, including total vehicle loss up to $6,125 and personal property damage up to $3,375, according to the release.
The deal also provides relief for insurance-related expenses, as well as rental car or rideshare costs, taxi payments, transit payments, towing costs and more.
“The settlement also includes payments to those whose vehicles were involved in crashes or were stolen and never recovered, as well as coverage for speeding, traffic light tickets or other penalties or fines resulting from a vehicle stolen,” the statement said.
Software updates
In addition to the payments, the agreement offers owners of eligible vehicles the opportunity to receive a software update at no cost to “effectively address the lack of immobilization of cars.”
However, some affected vehicles are not eligible for an upgrade, according to the release. According to the lawyers, those car owners “will be eligible for a reimbursement of up to $300” to cover the installation of another form of anti-theft, including the purchase of a steering wheel lock, installation of a glass break alarm system or other anti-theft system.
The settlement also allows class members the opportunity to recover income-related losses or child care expenses resulting from the implementation of the update.
Which car models are eligible for the upgrade?
Hyundai vehicles eligible for the software update include: 2018-2022 Accent, 2011-2022 Elantra, 2013-2020 Elantra GT, 2018-2022 Kona, 2013-2022 Santa Fe, 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, 2021-, 2021-2021 012 -2017, 2019 -2021 Veloster, 2020-2021 Place, 2013-2014 Genesis Coupe and 2020-2021 Palisade.
Kia vehicles eligible for the software update include: 2011-2022 Kia Sportage, 2011-2022 Kia Sorento, 2021-2022 Kia K5, 2011-2021 Kia Sedona, 2014-2021 Kia Forte, 2012-2021 Kia Rio, 2021-2020 Kia 2020 and 2021-2022 Sigues 020-2022 soul .
According to the lawyers, settlement websites will soon be available for class members to learn more.
