Hyundai / Kia Car Theft Defect Lawsuit & Settlement FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Hagens Berman is here to provide you with information about the Hyundai/Kia Vehicle Car Theft Defect Litigation and what you can expect next. View answers to frequently asked questions below.

If you are looking to submit a settlement claim, please visit the settlement website for your make/model vehicle below. Class members can also view the settlement notice, case updates and more information on the settlement websites.

View Hyundai settlement website »
View Kia settlement website »

UPDATE 

What’s happening now?

On Oct. 1, 2024, Judge Selna granted final approval to an amended settlement agreement with Hyundai and Kia. In November 2024, two separate class members/objectors appealed that decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Both are appealing the court’s final approval of the class settlement. Approved settlement payments cannot go out to class members until after these appeals are resolved.

The briefing of these two appeals will likely get consolidated, but currently, the second objector’s briefing is set to conclude at the end of February 2025. Timely updates will be posted to the case page.

What happens next?

Hagens Berman attorneys will follow the case through the class members/objectors appeals to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Our firm has no control over the court’s timeline, however, nor over the appeals and objectors bringing them.

While there is no time limit for a decision from the appellate court, most cases are decided within 3 months to a year after they are argued and submitted to the appellate court. Currently, we estimate that these appeals could be resolved sometime between September 2025 and June 2026. The Ninth Circuit has further information regarding appeals timing on its Ninth Circuit FAQ.

We are aware that the payments are greatly anticipated and wish we had better news for the millions of class members held up by these objections. We urge class members to be patient and check the court’s FAQ if further information about this process is desired.

ABOUT THE OBJECTORS

Who are the objectors in the case appealing the settlement?

Objector/class member Ruth Rubin is represented by attorneys Kara Mundy and Timothy McGranor of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP and Gary Mason of Mason LLP. Objector/class member Donald Birner is pro se, without counsel.

How long will the objection/appeal process take?

While there is no time limit for a decision from the appellate court, most cases are decided within 3 months to a year after they are argued and submitted to the appellate court. Currently, we estimate that these appeals could be resolved sometime between September 2025 and June 2026. The Ninth Circuit has further information regarding appeals timing on its Ninth Circuit FAQ.

We are aware that the payments are greatly anticipated and wish we had better news for the millions of class members held up by these objections. We urge class members to be patient and check the court’s FAQ if further information about this process is desired.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

What action do I need to take now?

The settlement notice, claim form, and other information can be accessed at the settlement website. Class members can submit claims and also review the latest developments in the case on the settlement website.

View Hyundai settlement website »
View Kia settlement website »

I have an affected vehicle. What should I do?

You can visit the settlement website to determine if your vehicle is included, review the settlement notice, and make a settlement claim.

View Hyundai settlement website »
View Kia settlement website »

Under the terms of the revised settlement, your vehicle may be eligible to receive a free software upgrade which will resolve the theft defect. We suggest calling your local Kia or Hyundai dealership to see if you are eligible and schedule the installation. If your vehicle is not eligible for the upgrade, you can make a settlement claim for reimbursement up to $300 for the purchase of a steering wheel lock and purchase and installation of a glass breakage alarm or anti-theft system, or other aftermarket modifications designed to deter or prevent theft. You can make this settlement claim at the settlement website, as discussed above.

Should I keep driving my affected vehicle?

Whether you continue to drive your vehicle is up to you. Hagens Berman attorneys advise owners of eligible vehicles to receive the software update to resolve the theft defect as soon as possible. If your vehicle is not eligible for the software upgrade, vehicle owners are advised to use a steering wheel lock and/or install a glass breakage alarm or anti-theft system, or other aftermarket modification designed to deter or prevent theft. You should also save all your receipts, as you may be asked to produce them when you submit your settlement claim. Under the settlement, you are eligible for reimbursement up to $300 for such expenses.

I’m afraid my car will be stolen. What should I do?

Hagens Berman attorneys advise owners of eligible vehicles to have the software update to resolve the theft defect performed as soon as possible. Please contact your local Hyundai or Kia dealer to inquire about this. If your vehicle is not eligible for the software upgrade, you are advised to use a steering wheel lock and/or install a glass breakage alarm or anti-theft system, or other aftermarket modification designed to deter or prevent theft. You should also save all your receipts, as you may be asked to produce them when you submit your settlement claim. Under the settlement, you are eligible for reimbursement up to $300 for such expenses.

ABOUT THE SETTLEMENT

On Oct. 1, 2024, Judge Selna granted final approval to an amended settlement agreement with Hyundai and Kia. In November 2024, two separate class members/objectors appealed the decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Approved settlement payments cannot go out to class members until after these appeals are resolved. The briefing for these two appeals will likely get consolidated, but currently, the second objector’s briefing is set to conclude at the end of February.

While there is no time limit for a decision from the appellate court, most cases are decided within 3 months to a year after they are argued and submitted to the appellate court. Currently, we estimate that these appeals could be resolved sometime between September 2025 and June 2026. The Ninth Circuit has further information regarding appeals timing on its Ninth Circuit FAQ.

Am I included in the settlement as a class member?

Class members include any person who purchased or leased certain 2011-2022 Hyundai or Kia vehicles in the U.S. or its territories with traditional turn-key ignition systems that were manufactured without an engine immobilizer.

Class members can determine their eligibility for settlement benefits and submit a claim via the settlement websites below. 

View Hyundai settlement website »
View Kia settlement website »

Is the settlement final?

No. On Oct. 29, 2024, Judge Selna granted final approval to an amended settlement agreement with Hyundai and Kia. Two separate class members/objectors appealed the court’s final approval to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Approved settlement payments will not go out to class members until after these appeals are resolved. The briefing for these two appeals will likely get consolidated, but currently, the second objector’s briefing is set to conclude at the end of February.

What benefits have Hyundai and Kia agreed to provide vehicle owners through the proposed settlement?

The revised settlement provides various categories of relief, estimated to value up to $145 million or more in cash relief to class members. Visit the settlement website for more information.

View Hyundai settlement website »
View Kia settlement website »

When will the court grant final approval of the revised settlement?

On Oct. 1, 2024, Judge Selna granted final approval to an amended settlement agreement with Hyundai and Kia. When will I receive my settlement benefits?

While the court issued final approval to the revised settlement agreement appeals have now delayed this decision and payments to class members will not be disbursed until the class member/objector appeals are resolved. At this time, we estimate the appeals to be resolved between September 2025 and June 2026.

Although the timeline of this case is typical of other auto class settlements, we realize many class members look forward to receiving payments as soon as possible. Our firm has no control over the court’s schedule and due process requirements to the objectors’ appeals. The timeline outlined above is outside our control or necessary for the fair resolution of the case. We appreciate your patience. Only after an order granting final approval is issued, and any appeals are resolved, will settlement payments go out to claimants. Any appeals will delay these payments.

How much money can I expect to receive?

Class member payments will vary based on the eligible losses they have incurred and require certain documentation for approval. Please see FAQ “What benefits have Hyundai and Kia agreed to provide vehicle owners through the settlement?” for a detailed breakdown of settlement benefits that may pertain to your particular situation.

How can I sign up to receive settlement payments?

The settlement administrator is notifying class members by mail, email (where Hyundai/Kia have an email address for the class member), press release, and through the settlement website about the settlement, including instructions on how to submit a settlement claim.

View Hyundai settlement website »
View Kia settlement website »

SETTLEMENT ADMINISTRATOR

Who is the settlement administrator?

Angeion Group is the court-appointed Settlement Administrator. You can review the latest developments in the case on the settlement websites.

View Hyundai settlement website »
View Kia settlement website »

SETTLEMENT ELIGIBILITY

Who is eligible to receive settlement benefits?

Angeion Group is the settlement administrator identifying and notifying current and former owners and lessors of affected vehicles that they are class members. You can determine whether your vehicle is included at the settlement website through April 28, 2025.

View Hyundai settlement website »
View Kia settlement website »

Do I have to be a named plaintiff in the complaint to receive settlement benefits?

No, the individuals named in class-action complaints are plaintiffs (often referred to as class representatives) bringing the case on behalf of all similarly situated people, and all owners and lessees of affected Hyundai and Kia vehicles will be eligible to receive settlement benefits if and when the court approves the proposed settlement.

WHAT IF...

What if I leased my car?

Hagens Berman attorneys advise lessors of eligible vehicles to have the software update to resolve the theft defect as soon as possible. Please contact your local Hyundai or Kia dealer to inquire about this.

If your vehicle is not eligible for the software upgrade, you are advised to use a steering wheel lock and/or install a glass breakage alarm or anti-theft system, or other aftermarket modification designed to deter or prevent theft.

Lessors of class vehicles are included in the class, and the costs from the above services and/or products could be reimbursed up to $300 for such expenses. Save all receipts for these costs, as you may be asked to include them when you submit your settlement claim.

If you are a lessor of a vehicle impacted, you can submit your settlement claim through the settlement websites below. Claims must be submitted by April 28, 2025. 

View Hyundai settlement website »
View Kia settlement website »

What if I purchased or leased multiple vehicles affected by the case? Do I need to submit multiple claims, or just one?

If you purchased multiple vehicles impacted by the case (refer to the list of impacted vehicles on the settlement websites), you need to submit an individual claim for each vehicle with its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Ensure you submit all impacted vehicles you have purchased or leased with the necessary documents through the applicable settlement websites. Note: The deadline to submit all claims through the settlement websites is April 28, 2025.

View Hyundai settlement website »
View Kia settlement website »

What if my car is or was stolen?

If your car is stolen, file a police report and save a copy of the report for your records. The terms of the revised settlement include compensation for the following losses to the extent not covered or paid by insurance:

• Where the vehicle is damaged and/or property in the vehicle is damaged or stolen, reimbursement for up to $3,375 or 33% of the Black Book value of the vehicle, whichever is larger, per theft or attempted theft incident.
• Reimbursement for insurance deductibles paid and increased premiums up to $375 per theft or attempted theft incident Reimbursement of certain other out-of-pocket expenses up to $250 per theft or attempted theft incident, including: transportation costs, towing costs, and tickets or other penalties or fines incurred.
• Reimbursement of certain out-of-pocket costs associated with implementing the software upgrade, including: lost income and childcare costs associated with obtaining the software upgrade up to $250 per vehicle, and for the purchase of replacement key fobs necessary to implement the software upgrade up to $350 per fob.

What if my car was stolen multiple times?

If you are requesting reimbursement for more than one qualifying theft or qualifying theft attempt, you must complete a separate claim form for each incident and provide the information requested. Claim forms and more information can be found on the settlement website:

View Hyundai settlement website »
View Kia settlement website »

What if I haven’t experienced a theft or attempted theft?

You are still eligible to receive settlement benefits. At no cost, owners and lessees of certain affected vehicles are eligible for a software upgrade to effectively address the cars’ lack of an immobilizer. The software is designed to prevent the vehicles from starting without the key being present. Owners and lessees of affected vehicles that are not eligible the software upgrade may seek reimbursement up to $300 for the purchase of a steering wheel lock and purchase and installation of a glass breakage alarm or anti-theft system, or other aftermarket modifications designed to deter or prevent theft.

What if my car isn’t eligible for the software update?

Under the settlement, class vehicles ineligible for the software upgrade may file claims for reimbursement up to $300 for the purchase of a steering wheel lock and purchase and installation of a glass breakage alarm or anti-theft system, or other aftermarket modifications designed to deter or prevent theft.

ABOUT THE CASE 

What is the case about?

This class-action lawsuit alleges Hyundai and Kia failed to equip certain model year 2008-2022 Hyundai and 2011-2022 Kia vehicles with an engine immobilizer, making them vulnerable to theft, and often leaving owners with hefty repair bills following car thefts. The security vulnerability allows thieves to steal affected vehicles by simply opening the steering column and using a common USB charging cord or similar metal object to start the engine. 

Viral videos on TikTok and YouTube give step-by-step instructions on how to steal the affected vehicles without a key, and as a result, reports of stolen Kia and Hyundai vehicles skyrocketed across the country. Some U.S. cities reported, in May 2020, that more than 60% of their auto thefts involved Hyundais or Kias

Each vehicle owner could have sued Hyundai and Kia individually. Why a class-action lawsuit?

It is often more practical for the plaintiff, the court and the defendants to join the individual actions into one lawsuit. Most people don’t have the time or resources to engage in costly individual litigation against well-resourced corporate opponents, and a class-action lawsuit allows many people suffering from the same issue to join forces and pursue justice without having to shoulder the cost or the risks associated with individual litigation. Class-action lawsuits are a time-tested method for holding automakers and other big business accountable for alleged negligence, fraud and other wrongdoing.

Do I have to pay to participate in the lawsuit?

No, the individuals named in a class-action complaint are plaintiffs (often referred to as class representatives) who brought the case on behalf of all similarly situated people. All owners and lessees of affected Hyundai and Kia vehicles will be eligible to receive settlement benefits if and when the court grants final approval of the class action settlement. 

Is the lawsuit over?

Hagens Berman brought a nationwide class-action lawsuit on behalf of the owners of affected vehicles in August 2022 and reached a proposed settlement valued at more than $200 million with Hyundai and Kia in May 2023. On October 31, 2023, the court granted preliminary approval of the revised settlement agreement. Final approval of the settlement was granted in October 2024. In November 2024, two class member/objectors appealed the decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. While the vast majority of the case has concluded, we await the appeals process until payments can be made to class members. 

If I participate in the class action, can I still sue Hyundai and Kia on my own?

If you do not “opt-out” or exclude yourself from the class settlement, then you will not be able to sue Hyundai and Kia for the same claims that were resolved in the class action. However, if you choose to opt out of the class, then you will retain those rights and can sue Hyundai or Kia on your own.

ABOUT CLASS ACTIONS

What is a class-action lawsuit?

A class-action lawsuit is a civil lawsuit brought on behalf of a group or “class” of people who have been harmed or wronged as a result of the defendants’ alleged conduct, with at least one individual or entity acting as a representative of that group. While the issues in a class action can vary, the issues in dispute are common to all class members. Learn more »

REPRESENTATION

Am I represented by Hagens Berman?

Hagens Berman was appointed by the court, along with several other firms, to represent the class of consumers nationwide that purchased or leased the Hyundai and Kia vehicles affected by the theft defect. Class members are automatically a part of the class unless they choose to opt out. Although we can provide some general advice as it pertains to the class lawsuit and settlement, our firm does not personally represent each class member.

DID YOU RECEIVE MY INFORMATION?

Did you receive my information?

If you submitted it via the form on our website, we have received your information. The firm has received thousands of inquiries related to the settlement with Hyundai and Kia, and we cannot respond in a timely manner to every inquiry individually. If you would like to submit a settlement claim or have a question about the status of your settlement claim, please visit the settlement website and/or contact the settlement administrator, Angeion Group.

View Hyundai settlement website »
View Kia settlement website »

Please note that completing our firm’s online form does not mean we represent you personally, and it does not have the effect of joining the settlement or submitting a settlement claim.

I submitted my information. Why haven’t I heard back from the firm yet?

It is estimated that nearly 9 million vehicles nationwide are impacted by this defect. The firm has received thousands of inquiries related to the settlement with Hyundai and Kia, and we cannot respond in a timely manner to every inquiry individually. If you would like to submit a settlement claim or have a question about the status of your settlement claim, please visit the settlement website and/or contact the Settlement Administrator, the Angeion Group.

View Hyundai settlement website »
View Kia settlement website »

Please note that completing our firm’s online form does not mean we represent you personally, and it does not have the effect of joining the settlement or submitting a settlement claim.