$4.5M Hyundai/Kia Immobilizer Vehicle Theft Settlement

Consumers who owned or leased a 2011-2022 Hyundai or Kia vehicle that was not factory-equipped with an engine immobilizer may be eligible to claim up to $4,500 from a settlement.

Hyundai Motor America and Kia agreed to pay $4,500,000 to resolve claims that certain vehicles were more vulnerable to theft due to the absence of engine immobilizers. It also implemented an anti-theft customer satisfaction campaign featuring software and hardware upgrades.

Who can file a claim?

Class members must meet all of the following criteria:

• They own or lease a 2011-2022 Hyundai or Kia vehicle that the companies did not factory-equip with an engine immobilizer.
• Their vehicle is eligible for both the free software upgrade and the zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade.
• At the time of a qualifying theft or attempted theft (on or after April 29, 2025), their vehicle either had the software upgrade installed or they had a scheduled appointment for the upgrade.
• The theft or attempted theft occurred before the earliest of: (1) their vehicle received the free zinc sleeve installation or (2) March 31, 2027.

Eligible Hyundai models include:

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

Eligible Kia models include:

• Forte (2014-2021)
• K5 (2021-2022)
• Optima (2011-2020)
• Rio (2012-2021)
• Sedona (2011-2021)
• Seltos (2021-2022)
• Sorento (2011-2022)
• Soul (2020-2022)
• Sportage (2011-2022)

How much can class members get?

Class members can claim one of the following payment categories:

• Total loss: If the class members's vehicle was wrecked, destroyed, sold or donated for less than 30% of its fair market value, declared a total loss by an insurer or not recovered after three months, they can claim up to $4,500. This is the maximum even if their actual out-of-pocket losses exceed this amount.
• Partial loss: If the class member's vehicle was damaged but not totaled, they can claim up to $2,250 for uncompensated repair costs.
• Attempted theft expenses: If the class member's vehicle was the target of an attempted theft, they can claim up to $375 for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance or other payments. This includes costs such as insurance deductibles, increased premiums, towing, transportation or property loss.

Class members who already received insurance payments or goodwill payments from Hyundai or Kia can only receive the uncompensated portion of their loss.

How to claim a settlement payment

Class members can file a claim online or download, print and complete the Hyundai PDF claim form or Kia PDF claim form to mail to the settlement administrator.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: Hyundai/Kia Multistate Immobilizer Settlement, P.O. Box 369, East Brunswick, NJ 08816

Funds are limited, and the settlement administrator will pay them on a rolling basis until exhausted so it is important to submit a claim as soon as possible. The deadline to file a claim is March 31, 2027.

Is proof or documentation required to submit a claim?

Yes. All class members must provide documentation to support their claim, including:

• VIN
• Proof of ownership or lease (such as registration, title, insurance card or bank note)
• Proof of qualifying theft or attempted theft (police reports or insurance records)
• Proof of loss (repair receipts, insurance settlements or other documentation)
• Documentation of prior reimbursements, if any

If the settlement administrator finds a claim deficient, it will notify the class member in writing and give them 45 days to provide additional information or correct the deficiency.

Payout options

• Prepaid Mastercard (valid for one year from issuance)
• Physical check (valid for 120 days from issuance)

$4.5 million settlement fund breakdown

The settlement fund covers the cost of free anti-theft software and hardware upgrades for eligible vehicles, as well as monetary compensation for qualifying theft and attempted theft incidents.

The settlement does not specify settlement administration costs, attorneys' fees and expenses or service awards to class representatives.

Important dates

• Deadline to file a claim: March 31, 2027

When is the immobilizer settlement payout date?

The settlement administrator will issue payments within 90 days of claim approval.

Why did this settlement happen?

The Pennsylvania attorney general alleged Hyundai and Kia vehicles manufactured without engine immobilizers were more susceptible to theft, especially due to methods that became popular on social media.

The settlement provides vehicle owners with free anti-theft upgrades and compensation for losses resulting from theft or attempted theft incidents without the need for further litigation.

Sources

1. Hyundai claim form
2. Kia claim form
3. Settlement FAQs
4. Anti-theft campaign letter