In 2025, owners and lessees of certain Kia vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer may be eligible for compensation under a class action settlement. This lawsuit—originally filed in 2019 and recently resolved—addresses the design flaw that made these vehicles especially vulnerable to theft.
Criminals could steal the vehicles using simple tools (such as USB cords) due to the absence of a crucial anti-theft feature. The settlement provides significant financial relief to affected vehicle owners, with potential compensation of up to $3,375 per claim, along with additional reimbursements for expenses incurred due to theft or attempted theft.
Kia-Hyundai Class Action Settlement 2025 Overview
The proposed settlement, reached voluntarily by Kia and Hyundai to avoid prolonged litigation, covers claims related to theft, damage, and additional expenses stemming from the lack of an engine immobilizer in certain Kia models.
While no party has been found liable, the settlement is designed to compensate Class Members for their losses and to fund a free software upgrade that improves vehicle security.
Affected vehicle owners who purchased or leased a qualifying vehicle in the United States—including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam—may be entitled to benefits such as:
- Free Software Upgrade: Prevents theft by ensuring the vehicle cannot start without the key (or key fob) present.
- Reimbursement for Anti-Theft Devices: Up to $50 per vehicle for a steering wheel lock (if purchased at least 30 days before the upgrade) or up to $300 (or $250 if a steering wheel lock was already provided) for aftermarket modifications on vehicles not eligible for the free upgrade.
- Compensation for Theft-Related Losses: Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses such as repair costs, increased insurance premiums, and other related losses.
Important Settlement Dates
The timeline for the settlement is crucial. Here are the key dates for Class Members:
| Event | Deadline/Date | Details |
| Exclusion Deadline | May 3, 2024 | If you wish to exclude yourself from the settlement and preserve the right to file future lawsuits against the defendants, you must act by this date. |
| Objection Deadline | July 15, 2024 at 4:30 PM EDT | To formally object to the settlement, you must notify Class Counsel by this deadline. |
| Hearing to Discuss Settlement Fairness | April 28, 2025 | A Settlement Fairness Hearing is scheduled for this date. Interested parties who wish to speak in court regarding the fairness of the settlement should attend. |
| Claim Submission Deadline | April 28, 2025 | All valid claims for reimbursement or compensation must be submitted by this date. |
Note: Your legal rights are affected regardless of whether you take any action. Please review your options carefully.
Vehicles Which are Qualified Under Kia-Hyundai Settlement
Only specific Kia models and model years are covered under this settlement. The Class Vehicles include:
| Make | Model | Model Year Range |
| Kia | Forte | 2011 – 2021 (Software Upgrade: 2014 – 2021) |
| Kia | K5 | 2021 – 2022 |
| Kia | Optima | 2011 – 2020 |
| Kia | Rio | 2011 – 2021 (Software Upgrade: 2012 – 2021) |
| Kia | Sedona | 2011 – 2021 (Non-upgrade eligibility: 2014 only) |
| Kia | Seltos | 2021 – 2022 |
| Kia | Sorento | 2011 – 2022 |
| Kia | Soul | 2011 – 2022 (Software Upgrade: 2020 – 2022; Non-upgrade eligibility: 2011 – 2021) |
| Kia | Sportage | 2011 – 2022 (Non-upgrade eligibility: 2011 – 2014) |
To check if your vehicle is a Class Vehicle, have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) ready and visit the official settlement website.
Types of Compensation Available Under This Settlement
Under the settlement, eligible Class Members may receive reimbursement for various losses. Compensation benefits include:
- Software Upgrade:
- A free upgrade to prevent vehicles from starting without the key/key fob, applicable to eligible Class Vehicles in the 50 states and the District of Columbia (vehicles in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam are excluded from this benefit).
- Reimbursement for Anti-Theft Devices:
- Up to $50 per vehicle for a steering wheel lock or equivalent device if purchased at least 30 days before the Software Upgrade is available.
- For vehicles not eligible for the Software Upgrade, reimbursement of up to $300 per vehicle for the purchase and/or installation of an aftermarket anti-theft device (if a steering wheel lock was already provided, up to $250 for a glass breakage alarm or similar device).
- Claims for Theft-Related Losses (from a Common Fund of $80–145 Million):
- Up to 60% of the Black Book value for the total loss of a Class Vehicle resulting from a Qualifying Theft or Theft Attempt.
- Reimbursement for damages at the greater of $3,375 or 33% of repair costs per incident.
- Up to $375 for insurance deductibles and increased premiums.
- Up to $250 for additional expenses such as transportation, towing, and penalties.
- Up to $250 total for lost income and childcare expenses incurred during the process of obtaining the Software Upgrade.
- Reimbursement for OEM-issued key fobs (up to $350 per key fob, with a limit of two key fobs per vehicle).
How to File a Claim
If you believe your vehicle is affected, follow these steps to file your claim:
- Notification:
You should have received a notification by mail and email outlining the steps to file a claim and the necessary documentation. - Submit Your Claim:
Complete the claim form and submit it online or by mail, along with supporting documentation (such as your vehicle title, repair bills, or police reports). Detailed instructions are available on the official settlement websites. - Claim Evaluation:
The claims administrator will review your submission to verify eligibility. Ensure that all required information is provided to avoid delays in processing your claim.
For more details and to submit your claim, visit:
www.hyundaitheftsettlement.com or www.kiatheftsettlement.com.
What are Legal Options Available for You?
Class Members have several choices regarding their participation in the settlement:
- Submit a Claim: Receive reimbursement or compensation for your losses.
- Exclude Yourself: Opt out of the settlement if you prefer to pursue your own legal action against the defendants.
- Object: File an objection to the settlement if you believe it is unfair.
- Attend the Hearing: Participate in the Settlement Fairness Hearing to voice your opinion in court.
- Do Nothing: You may also choose to take no action, but note that while you will not receive monetary compensation, you may still be eligible for the Software Upgrade if your vehicle qualifies.
Conclusion
If you purchased or leased one of the affected Kia vehicles without an engine immobilizer, you may be entitled to substantial benefits from this class action settlement.
| Homepage | https://uhmychart.org/ |
With deadlines approaching for claim submissions and objections, it is essential to review your eligibility and take the necessary steps as soon as possible. This settlement not only provides financial relief for past losses but also helps improve vehicle security for the future.
For further details, verification of your vehicle’s eligibility, and to file your claim, please visit the official settlement websites provided above.
Your prompt action can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve as we move forward into 2025.
PV Martinez holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Michigan. When not analyzing numbers, PV enjoys playing football and spending time singing his favorite tunes.
