You see, recently it was seen that an immobilizer, which is an essential anti-theft mechanism, was missing from a large number of Hyundai and Kia vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2022. And as you can already guess, as a result, these cars were prime targets for thieves. So, a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of thousands of automobile owners by the law firm Hagens Berman. This is what we now know as the Hyundai Kia Class Action Lawsuit. Let’s get to the nitty-gritty details of this case, and what is actually going on.
The Heart of the Issue
For those who don’t know, an immobilizer is a clever device that prevents a vehicle from starting without the proper key. Despite their prevalence in newer vehicles, many Kias and Hyundais lacked them. Someone could have stolen these vehicles using nothing more than a screwdriver and a USB cord due to this carelessness. And this issue became widespread on social media was the “Kia Challenge,” a TikTok fad that demonstrated how easy it was to steal these vehicles. This pattern brought attention to the vehicles’ susceptibility to theft, which precipitated the legal action.
On top of all that, some Hyundai and Kia models experienced significant engine issues in addition to the theft issue. Engines would halt, seize up, or even catch fire, according to owners. Many felt that they were unfairly denied repairs under their warranties, which became another reason to file this Hyundai Kia Class Action Lawsuit against these big car companies, and it was like more fuel to the fire, you know?
What Does It Mean for You?
See, a staggering $145 million has been paid out in this case. Vehicle owners will be able to use this money to pay for damages and any costs they incur as a result of theft or attempted theft. And yes, without a doubt, anyone who has registered ownership or lease on a car that was affected can file a claim to receive their portion. Whether you purchased your vehicle from a dealership or a private party is irrelevant. Though, the only thing to keep in mind is that January 11, 2025, is the cutoff date for claim submissions. The settlement must first receive final approval from the court, which is scheduled to happen at a hearing on July 15, 2024. Only then will payments be made.
What’s Happening in Court?
The settlement was granted preliminary approval by the court on October 31, 2023. And yes, on July 15, 2024, the final approval hearing will take place. Payments will begin to be sent to qualifying automobile owners assumable all goes according to plan. Payments may be postponed, though, in the event that there are any appeals. About 9 million automobiles are a part of the settlement, which will aid drivers in recovering expenses like repairs and rental cars that their insurance could not cover.
How Are Hyundai and Kia Responding?
Keep in mind that Hyundai and Kia aren’t doing or saying anything in public right now. They have recognized the issues and are working to resolve them. So far, though, more than 340,000 free steering wheel locks have been distributed to reduce theft, and more than 3 million vehicles are eligible for free software upgrades to further increase security.
