If you own a Kia or Hyundai car, you might have heard about the recent class action lawsuit and the settlement that has been agreed upon. This legal case involves a significant issue with car theft, and the settlement could impact you if you own certain models from these manufacturers. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit for 2024, including the settlement details, payment dates, and who is eligible for compensation.
Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit 2024
Kia and Hyundai are popular car brands that are part of the Hyundai Motor Group from South Korea. Recently, a lawsuit was filed against these companies in New York City. The problem arose because some Kia and Hyundai models had a design flaw that made them easy targets for thieves. Videos showing how to steal these cars quickly went viral on social media platforms like TikTok.
The issue is that certain models from Kia and Hyundai were sold without a crucial security feature called an engine immobilizer. This feature prevents a car from starting unless the correct key is used. It has been a standard in most cars since the 1990s. Without this feature, the cars were much easier to steal, leading to a rise in car thefts.
Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit Settlement $3375
Kia and Hyundai have agreed to a settlement to resolve the lawsuit. They will pay out a total of $200 million to eligible customers. Each affected car owner could receive a settlement amount of up to $3,375. This amount depends on the damages suffered, including the value of the vehicle or any personal property that was lost or damaged due to theft.
The companies stopped making cars with key ignitions and switched to push-button starters in 2021. However, the lack of engine immobilizers in earlier models led to a significant increase in thefts. To address this, Kia and Hyundai will also provide a software upgrade for around 8.3 million cars lacking theft protection.
Kia-Hyundai Settlement Payment Dates
The exact dates for when payments will be made are not clear. Kia and Hyundai have stated that they plan to launch the software upgrade soon to help prevent further thefts. This upgrade will be available for the affected vehicles.
Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit Eligibility
You might be eligible for the settlement if you purchased one of the following Kia or Hyundai models while living in the United States:
| Year | Car Model |
|---|---|
| 2011-2021 | Kia Forte |
| 2021-2022 | Kia K5 |
| 2011-2020 | Kia Optima |
| 2012-2021 | Kia Rio |
| 2011-2021 | Kia Sedona |
| 2021-2022 | Kia Seltos |
| 2011-2022 | Kia Sorrento |
| 2020-2022 | Kia Soul |
| 2011-2022 | Kia Sportage |
If you have already installed a security device or received a lock from the company or law enforcement, you can get $250 for each vehicle. This compensation covers the cost of purchasing and installing theft protection devices.
All We Know
The lawsuit settlement aims to resolve the issue quickly and help those affected by the problem. The settlement includes two types of compensation: a software upgrade and financial payments. You can receive up to $375 for insurance deductibles and enhanced premiums if your car was stolen or attempted to be stolen. Additionally, you can get up to $250 for each vehicle if you purchased and installed a glass breakage alarm or similar device.
Owners of specific Kia and Hyundai models in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, can file a claim. However, not all vehicles in the 50 states and the District of Columbia are eligible for the software upgrade but can still receive financial compensation.
Conclusion
The Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit 2024 has brought significant changes for car owners affected by the theft issue. With a settlement amount of $3,375 available, many customers will benefit from this legal resolution. If you own one of the affected models, it’s important to check if you’re eligible for the settlement and take necessary actions to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
FAQ’s
What is the Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit about?
The Kia-Hyundai Class Action Lawsuit 2024 is a legal case involving Kia and Hyundai due to a design flaw in certain car models that made them easy to steal. The lawsuit resulted in a $200 million settlement, with affected owners eligible for compensation of up to $3,375.
How much can I receive from the Kia-Hyundai settlement?
Eligible owners can receive up to $3,375 from the settlement. This amount depends on the damages suffered, including vehicle value and personal property losses. Additionally, you can get up to $250 for installing theft protection devices.
How do I know if I’m eligible for the Kia-Hyundai settlement?
You are eligible if you own one of the affected Kia or Hyundai models listed in the settlement and purchased it while living in the U.S. Check the list of eligible models and confirm your ownership to make a claim.
