Hyundai Theft Settlement Payout Date and Case Details

The Hyundai and Kia vehicle theft defect litigation is a class action lawsuit filed against Hyundai Motor Group. The lawsuit alleges that the company failed to equip certain car models with critical security features that were long considered to be industry standards. The settlement currently amounts to $145 million. Everyone who has owned or leased the affected models and has suffered losses due to security vulnerability is eligible for a claim and should stay informed about the Hyundai theft settlement payout date.

At Sparrow, we specialize in class action discovery and assist potential claimants throughout the claims process. We offer tools and resources to make sure you understand your rights and receive appropriate compensation. Our platform is designed to help class members make informed decisions and navigate the difficulties and risks involved in joining class actions in various industries, from automotive to real estate.

With this experience, we’ve put together this blog to provide an overview of the Hyundai and Kia vehicle theft defect litigation for potential plaintiffs and other interested parties. The following is a detailed look into the case details, including allegations, companies’ stances, a timeline of actions, and, ultimately, the Hyundai theft settlement payout date. We’ll also provide guidance on how to join the class action to help you stay updated on the lawsuit proceedings.

Let’s get started!

Hyundai Company Background

Hyundai and Kia are both part of the Hyundai Motor Group and are well-known automotive manufacturers for producing a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars and consumer sedans to logistics vehicles. These vehicles are associated with quality, with ratings of above-average reliability and safety on platforms such as J.D. Power and Consumer Reports.

However, various Hyundai and Kia models from 2011 to 2022 have been shown to be particularly vulnerable to theft due to their critical design flaws. This issue has led to class action lawsuits, highlighting significant legal and financial repercussions for the manufacturers.

Case Details: Hyundai and Kia Vehicle Car Theft Litigation

The lawsuit alleges that Hyundai and Kia sold vehicles without engine immobilizers, making them susceptible to theft. This lack of security features has led to costly damages for car owners. The company has agreed to a $145 million settlement, which will be distributed on the Hyundai theft settlement payout date.

Allegations

The primary allegation is that Hyundai and Kia knowingly sold vehicles with inadequate theft protection. This increased vulnerability has led to thefts and financial losses for car owners. According to plaintiffs, the most severe shortcoming of the theft protection system is the lack of engine immobilizers, enabling the vehicles to get started without a key.

Hyundai and Kia have marketed their vehicles with robust security systems that include features such as alarm systems and remote keyless entry. However, the lack of engine immobilizer means that once these security features have been defeated, there would be nothing preventing bad actors from escaping with the vehicle.

Plaintiffs argue that not including this industry-standard feature constitutes negligence and a breach of consumer trust as it leaves the cars susceptible to easy theft.

Company’s Stance on the Case

Hyundai and Kia have acknowledged the issue and agreed to a proposed settlement to reimburse customers for their damages. They have committed to compensating these theft-related losses and expressed their dedication to creating software-based solutions to enhance vehicle security. They maintain that they are taking appropriate steps to address the situation and prevent it from happening again.

Hyundai Settlement Details and Payout Date

The settlement, administered by Angeion Group, provides up to $145 million in cash relief to class members for various out-of-pocket expenses resulting from thefts or theft attempts. Hyundai and Kia owners are eligible for the same settlement benefits, which are as follows:

Total Loss: Owners or lessees of Hyundai vehicles may be reimbursed up to 60 percent of the vehicle’s Black Book value, in addition to refunds for licensing fees, sales tax, registration fees, and other expenses directly associated with the purchase of the vehicle or of a replacement vehicle.
Damage to Class Vehicle or Property: In the event of damage to the vehicle or stolen personal property, eligible class members may be reimbursed up to 33 percent of the vehicle’s Black Book value, or $3,375, whichever is greater. This applies to each qualifying theft or attempted theft incident.
Insurance Deductibles: Up to $375 can be reimbursed per claim for insurance deductibles paid and increased premiums due to theft or attempted theft.
Lost Income: If the claimant has lost income or had to pay increased childcare costs to get the software upgrade, they are eligible for reimbursement of up to $250.
Software Upgrades: Eligible vehicles will receive a free software upgrade to address the lack of an immobilizer. They can also be paid up to $50 for the purchase of a steering wheel lock or other anti-theft devices purchased at least 30 days before the software upgrade was available.
Eligibility: Both owners and lessees of certain Hyundai models can apply for a claim. The vehicles must have been purchased in the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.

Hyundai dealerships advise owners and lessees of vehicles not compatible with the software upgrade to purchase alternate anti-theft tools instead. Once the Hyundai theft settlement payout date has been decided, they can receive up to $300 to purchase steering wheel locks, glass breakage alarms, and other anti-theft devices.

In addition, affected individuals opting for the software upgrade will also be compensated for the equipment required to implement the software upgrade, such as key fobs.

Eligible Hyundai and Kia Vehicles and Models

Class vehicles include Hyundai and Kia models from 2011 to 2022. Here is a detailed list of the models eligible for claims:

Hyundai

Accent (2011 – 2022)
Elantra (2011 – 2022)
Elantra Coupe (2013 – 2014)
Elantra GT (2013 – 2020)
Elantra Touring (2011 – 2012)
Genesis Coupe (2011 – 2014)
Kona (2018 – 2022)
Palisade (2020 – 2021)
Santa Fe (2011 – 2022)
Santa Fe Sport (2013 – 2018)
Santa Fe XL (2019)
Sonata (2011 – 2019)
Tucson (2011 – 2022)
Veloster (2012 – 2017, 2019 – 2021)
Venue (2020 – 2021)
Veracruz (2011 – 2012)

Kia

Forte (2011 – 2021)
K5 (2021 – 2022)
Optima (2011 – 2020)
Rio (2011 – 2021)
Sedona (2011 – 2021)
Seltos (2021 – 2022)
Sorento (2011 – 2022)
Soul (2011 – 2022)
Sportage (2011 – 2022)

How to Join the Hyundai Theft Settlement

Joining the Hyundai theft settlement involves a few steps to ensure you’re properly compensated. Make sure you follow the guide below so you can receive the appropriate compensation when the Hyundai theft settlement payout date arrives.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

The first step to joining the Hyundai theft settlement is to determine whether you’re eligible to file a claim. See the above sections on who is eligible and which Hyundai models belong to the Class Vehicles. Make sure to review the Hyundai claim form or Kia’s to learn what information and proof you need to submit.

Step 2: Submit Your Claim

Once you’ve collected enough evidence, you can submit a claim to the settlement website of your car’s manufacturer. Claimants are required to submit a claim form for each individual damage or theft incident. Claim forms can be submitted online or by mail, but keep in mind that you must send your mail so that it gets postmarked before the claim deadline.

Step 3: Stay Updated on Court Proceedings

Once you have submitted the claim, it is advisable to keep an eye on updates related to the settlement. Important details such as the Hyundai theft settlement payout date may be changed, as well as other developments that can affect your stake in the class action. Staying informed on the progress of the case ensures that you get the appropriate amount of money in a timely manner.

Timeline of Action for Hyundai Theft Settlement

The Hyundai Theft Settlement has been pre-approved, and Angeion Group sent out the notice of the settlement on March 4, 2024. However, the presiding court has yet to decide the Hyundai theft settlement payout date. Here is the timeline of action to keep in mind:

Filing Date: Hagens Berman and other law firms filed the lawsuit in August 2022 in the United States District Court for the Central District of California in Santa Ana on behalf of affected Hyundai and Kia vehicle owners.
Claim Deadline: The deadline for submitting claims is currently set for January 11, 2025, 180 days after the scheduled date of the final approval hearing.
Final Hearing: The final approval hearing is scheduled for July 15, 2024. Senior U.S. District Judge James Selna gave the settlement preliminary approval on October 31, 2023, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California in Santa Ana.
Payout Date: The Hyundai theft settlement payout date is yet to be decided. It will likely be decided at the final approval hearing, although this decision can also be deferred to a later date.

Note that payments can only be released after the order granting final approval is issued and all appeals have been resolved. Thus, any appeals will delay the Hyundai theft settlement payout date.

How to Stay Updated on Lawsuit Proceedings

In order to ensure prompt and proper compensation, claimants should stay informed on the progress of the Hyundai theft lawsuit. Here are the actions you can take to account for any changes in the timeline and requirements:

1. Follow Official Communications

The Hyundai theft settlement website, as well as the district court website will be updated whenever the case develops, so make sure to activate email notifications for these outlets. Hyundai and Kia’s official media sites can also provide important updates on the lawsuit proceedings. It also pays to attend hearings yourself to directly voice your concerns to the judge overseeing the case.

2. Monitor Legal News Outlets

News media can provide valuable coverage of the lawsuit proceedings. Some may even be able to provide insights that official media may not cover. You may also follow blogs in the automotive industry and commercial lawsuits for more detailed and authoritative updates. Sparrow’s blog provides the latest developments in various class action lawsuits, including those involving large corporations like Amazon and Walmart, to keep you up to date on filing for claims.

3. Contact the Settlement Administrator

If you have a specific question about the case or need special assistance, reach out to the Angeion Group directly. Their contact details are listed on both Hyundai and Kia settlement websites. It would be best to direct your concerns to the settlement contact handling claims for your particular vehicle model to ensure smooth communications.

Key Takeaway

Once the Hyundai theft settlement payout date comes, auto owners will have made strides in holding automakers accountable for the security of their vehicles. With car thefts steadily increasing, automobile owners seek out stronger security measures to protect their investments. Engine immobilizers have been standard inclusions in automobiles for the last twenty years, and thus, plaintiffs have a strong case against Hyundai Motor Group for neglecting to provide such a basic feature.

Going against long-standing industry standards is not an unprecedented misdeed among large corporations. Amazon has also been recently put into a lawsuit for running advertisements on its paid streaming platform. If you’re an eligible class member in this case, following our tips on how to join the class action and stay updated on the lawsuit’s progress will help you receive enough compensation when the Hyundai theft settlement payout date is announced.
Are you one of the many Hyundai or Kia owners affected by this severe security flaw? Sparrow can help you ensure that you are compensated the proper amount by Hyundai Motor Group. With our tools and resources, you can rest assured that none of the funds you rightfully deserve ends up as unclaimed money from class action settlements.