If you own or lease a Hyundai vehicle listed below and it lacks an engine immobilizer, you may be eligible for compensation through a class action settlement. Here are the crucial details and dates you need to know.
Key Dates
Exclusion Deadline: May 3, 2024
Objection Deadline: May 3, 2024
Settlement Fairness Hearing: July 15, 2024, at 1:30 PM PDT
Claim Submission Deadline: January 11, 2025
Your rights are impacted regardless of your actions, so it's essential to understand your options.
Affected Hyundai Models
Make: Hyundai
Model: Accent
Model Year: 2011 – 2022
Make: Hyundai
Model: Elantra
Model Year: 2011 – 2022
Make: Hyundai
Model: Elantra Coupe
Model Year: 2013 – 2014
Make: Hyundai
Model: Elantra GT
Model Year: 2013 – 2020
Make: Hyundai
Model: Elantra Touring
Model Year: 2011 – 2012
Make: Hyundai
Model: Genesis Coupe
Model Year: 2011 – 2014
Make: Hyundai
Model: Kona
Model Year: 2018 – 2022
Make: Hyundai
Model: Palisade
Model Year: 2020 – 2021
Make: Hyundai
Model: Santa Fe
Model Year: 2011 – 2022
Make: Hyundai
Model: Santa Fe Sport
Model Year: 2013 – 2018
Make: Hyundai
Model: Santa Fe XL
Model Year: 2019
Make: Hyundai
Model: Sonata
Model Year: 2011 – 2019
Make: Hyundai
Model: Tucson
Model Year: 2011 – 2022
Make: Hyundai
Model: Veloster
Model Year: 2012 – 2017, 2019 – 2021
Make: Hyundai
Model: Venue
Model Year: 2020 – 2021
Make: Hyundai
Model: Veracruz
Model Year: 2011 – 2012
To check if your vehicle is a Class Vehicle eligible for a Software Upgrade, [click here]().
Lawsuit Overview
This settlement is related to a consumer class action lawsuit in California federal court, titled In re: Kia Hyundai Vehicle Theft Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, No. 8:22-ML-3052 JVS(KESx) (C.D. Cal.). The lawsuit claims certain Hyundai vehicles from 2011-2022 lack an engine immobilizer, making them prone to theft and damage.
Settlement Benefits
Under the proposed settlement, Hyundai will offer various forms of compensation:
Free Software Upgrade: For eligible Class Vehicles, this upgrade prevents the car from being started without a key, countering a theft method popularized on social media. Additionally, up to $50 reimbursement for steering wheel locks purchased before the Software Upgrade's availability is offered.
Reimbursement for Anti-Theft Devices: If your vehicle is ineligible for the Software Upgrade, you can receive up to $300 for anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks or glass breakage alarms.
Common Fund Compensation: An $80 million to $145 million fund will cover approved claims for:
- Up to 60% of the vehicle's Black Book Value for total loss due to theft.
- Up to $3,375 or 33% of the vehicle's Black Book Value for theft damage.
- Up to $375 for insurance deductibles and premium increases.
- Up to $250 for other expenses, including transportation and towing.
- Reimbursement for key fobs needed for the Software Upgrade.
Legal Rights and Options
Submit a Claim Form: To get reimbursement or compensation for theft-related losses or out-of-pocket expenses from the Software Upgrade. The deadline is January 11, 2025.
Exclude Yourself: This option allows you to pursue other legal actions but forfeits any settlement payment. Deadline: May 3, 2024.
Object: Write to Class Counsel if you have objections to the settlement. Deadline: May 3, 2024.
Attend the Fairness Hearing: Speak in court about the settlement's fairness. Notify by May 10, 2024.
Do Nothing: You won't receive reimbursement or compensation but can still get the Software Upgrade if applicable.
Next Steps Visit The Official Settlement Website https://www.hyundaitheftsettlement.com/
For more details, including checking if your vehicle is eligible for the Software Upgrade or filing a claim, visit Hyundai's official website and have your VIN ready. Remember, the court must approve the settlement before any payments are made, so please be patient.