Hyundai and Kia Agree to $200 Million Settlement to Owners of Stolen Cars
Updated: May 24, 2023
Own a base model Kia or Hyundai? You may be eligible for financial compensation.
If you own an entry-level Hyundai or Kia vehicle made between 2009 and 2022, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Automakers Hyundai and Kia have recently agreed to pay an estimated $200 million to customers owning certain vehicle models made between these years which have proven unusually easy to steal.
This issue came to a head in 2021 when viral TikTok videos began emerging showing viewers just how easy it was to steal certain Hyundai and Kia cars that aren’t equipped with immobilizers or push-button ignitions. Turns out, with a little know-how, an industrious thief can break into specific Hyundai and Kia vehicles and drive away using nothing more than a slot screwdriver and a phone charging cable.
This unfortunate trend accounts for why the theft of Kia and Hyundai cars in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where the first videos emerged, were 25 times higher in early 2021 than previously. The rise in thefts has even led to some insurers refusing to cover certain Kia and Hyundai models.
Why Are Kia and Hyundai Paying Out a Settlement?
The combined $200 million Hyundai and Kia are expected to pay will help compensate eligible customers for damage and loss of vehicles not covered by insurance. The money also covers things like higher-than-average insurance premiums and deductibles paid to providers who are aware of how easy these vehicles are to steal.
The settlement includes a free automatic software update intended to improve vehicle security by acting like a vehicle immobilizer (a device that stops a car from moving if its key fob isn’t nearby). The $200 million payout will come on the coattails of a series of stopgap measures from the automakers including free steering wheel locks and anti-theft kits.
Who Is Eligible for the Settlement?
Approximately 9 million Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been deemed vulnerable and are included in this settlement. Check out the lists below to learn which ones. Kia owners can also visit this website, and Hyundai owners can visit this one to get more details on their specific vehicle.
Kia models
- 2011–2021 Forte
- 2021–2022 K5
- 2011–2020 Optima
- 2011–2021 Rio
- 2011–2021 Sedona
- 2021–2022 Seltos
- 2010–2022 Soul
- 2011–2022 Sorento
- 2011–2022 Sportage
Hyundai Models
- 2011–2022 Accent
- 2011–2022 Elantra
- 2013–2017 Elantra GT
- 2013–2014 Elantra Coupe
- 2011–2012 Elantra Touring
- 2011–2014 Genesis Coupe
- 2018–2022 Kona
- 2020–2021 Palisade
- 2011–2012, 2019–2022 Santa Fe
- 2013–2018, 2019 Santa Fe, Santa Fe XL
- 2013–2018 Santa Fe Sport
- 2011–2019 Sonata
- 2011–2022 Tucson
- 2012–2017, 2019–2021 Veloster
- 2020–2021 Venue
- 2011–2012 Veracruz
Originally Published: May 24, 2023
