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 Jan. 8, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued two written decisions fully resolving the appeals that had delayed settlement payments. These rulings affirm the district court’s final approval of the Hyundai/Kia class-action settlement. After reviewing the record and hearing oral argument on Nov. 19, 2025, a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit rejected all objections and affirmed the settlement in full.

This ruling clears the final legal obstacle to distribution, unless the objectors file an appeal with the Supreme Court. Additional updates regarding payment timing and next steps will be provided by the settlement administrator as that process moves forward. Unless the objectors appeal to the Supreme Court, the case will be transferred back to the district court on Jan. 26, 2026, and the settlement administrator will proceed with the remaining steps necessary to issue benefits and payments to eligible class members

What happens next?

Unless the objectors appeal to the Supreme Court, the case will be transferred back to the district court on Jan. 26, 2026, and the settlement administrator will proceed with the remaining steps necessary to issue benefits and payments to eligible class members.

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.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

What action do I need to take now?

• Ensure your contact information is current with the settlement administrator.
• Monitor the settlement websites for updates regarding benefit distribution.

• Hyundai Settlement Website »
• Kia Settlement Website »

• If you have questions about your individual claim, you may contact the settlement administrator directly.

Hyundai:
Kia Hyundai Vehicle Theft Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 6609
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
1-833-982-3330

Kia:
Kia Hyundai Vehicle Theft Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 6609
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
1-844-966-2773

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. 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. 

On Jan. 8, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued two written decisions fully resolving the appeals that had delayed settlement payments. These rulings affirm the district court’s final approval of the Hyundai/Kia class-action settlement.

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.

View Hyundai settlement website »
View Kia settlement website »

Is the settlement final?

No. On Jan. 8, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued two written decisions fully resolving the appeals that had delayed settlement payments. These rulings affirm the district court’s final approval of the Hyundai/Kia class-action settlement.

This ruling clears the final legal obstacle to settlement distribution, unless the objectors file an appeal with the Supreme Court. Unless the objectors appeal to the Supreme Court, the case will be transferred back to the district court on Jan. 26, 2026, and then the settlement will be made final. The settlement administrator will proceed with the remaining steps necessary to issue benefits and payments to eligible class members.

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 »

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 notified class members by mail, email (where Hyundai/Kia have an email address for the class member), press release, and through the settlement website a

The deadline to submit a settlement claim passed on April 28, 2025. You can confirm your inclusion in the settlement at the settlement websites below. 

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, the settlement administrator, identified and notified current and former owners and lessors of affected vehicles that they are class members. 

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. Please check the settlement websites to confirm your inclusion in the class.

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?

The lawsuit is in its final stages.

On Jan. 8, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued two written decisions fully resolving the appeals that had delayed settlement payments. These rulings affirm the district court’s final approval of the Hyundai/Kia class-action settlement.

This ruling clears the final legal obstacle to settlement distribution, unless the objectors file an appeal with the Supreme Court. Additional updates regarding payment timing and next steps will be provided by the settlement administrator as that process moves forward.

Unless the objectors appeal to the Supreme Court, the case will be transferred back to the district court on Jan. 26, 2026, and the settlement administrator will proceed with the remaining steps necessary to issue benefits and payments to eligible class members.

What was the settlement timeline?

• May 3, 2024
  • Exclusion Deadline
• May 3, 2024
  • Objection Deadline
• July 15, 2024
  • Settlement Fairness Hearing
• April 28, 2025
  • Claim Submission Deadline

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.