Hyundai $145,000,000 Settlement for Vehicle Theft Claims

Hyundai Motor America has agreed to pay $145,000,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged design flaws that make certain vehicles susceptible to theft and damage. This settlement aims to provide financial relief and other benefits to affected vehicle owners and lessees.

Who Benefits?

Individuals who purchased or leased specific Hyundai vehicles in the United States, including Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam, that were manufactured without an engine immobilizer.

How much can I get?

Depending on the circumstances, eligible class members can receive various forms of compensation, including reimbursement for theft-related expenses, free software upgrades, and more.

Important Dates

• Fairness Hearing: July 15, 2024
• Deadline to File a Claim: January 11, 2025

Can I Claim an Award?

To be eligible for an award, you must have purchased or leased a Class Vehicle in the United States, including Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. The Class Vehicles include specific Hyundai models from the years 2011 to 2022 that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer. These vehicles are more susceptible to theft and damage due to design flaws.

If you own or lease one of the affected vehicles, you may be eligible for various forms of compensation, including reimbursement for theft-related expenses, free software upgrades, and more. The settlement aims to address the financial and other losses incurred by class members due to these design flaws.

What Awards Can Class Members Claim?

The settlement provides various benefits for class members, depending on their circumstances and the eligibility of their vehicles for specific upgrades or reimbursements.

Class members can claim the following awards:

• Free Software Upgrade: Eligible Class Vehicles can receive a free software upgrade designed to prevent theft. This upgrade will be available for a specified period and can be scheduled through an authorized Hyundai dealership.
• Reimbursement for Steering Wheel Locks: Class members who purchased a steering wheel lock or equivalent device at least thirty days before the software upgrade was available can receive up to $50 per Class Vehicle.
• Reimbursement for Anti-Theft Devices: For Class Vehicles not eligible for the software upgrade, class members can receive up to $300 for the purchase and/or installation of a steering wheel lock, glass breakage alarm, or similar anti-theft system.
• Common Fund Benefits: Class members can make claims for out-of-pocket and uncompensated losses resulting from theft or attempted theft of a Class Vehicle. This includes reimbursement for total loss, damage to the vehicle, insurance deductibles, increased insurance premiums, and other related expenses.

Which Hyundai Vehicles are Included?

The following Hyundai vehicle models are included in the settlement:

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

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof is required to claim the reward. Class members must provide documentation to support their claims. This includes proof of ownership, proof of qualifying theft or attempted theft, proof of payment for expenses, and other relevant documentation.

• Proof of Ownership: A copy of any document(s) issued by a state department of motor vehicles, insurance company, bank, or other financing company, reflecting that the claimant currently owns or leases (or previously owned or leased) a Class Vehicle, identified by VIN.
• Proof of Qualifying Theft or Attempt: Documentation generated at or around the time of the theft or attempted theft, such as a police report or insurance records.
• Proof of Payment: Original or copy of any document(s) showing that the claimant paid for the expenses incurred, such as repair invoices, credit card receipts, or bank statements.

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you need to fill out the Claim Form and submit it along with the required documentation. You can submit your claim online at or by mail to the address provided on the Claim Form.

Make sure to keep a copy of your completed Claim Form and all documentation for your records. If you fail to submit the Claim Form and supporting documents by the required deadline, you will not receive compensation for prior expenses.

$145,000,000 Settlement Fund

The total settlement amount is $145,000,000. This amount will be used to provide financial relief and other benefits to class members who have experienced losses due to the design flaws in the affected Hyundai vehicles.

The settlement amount was calculated based on the estimated number of claims and the potential losses incurred by class members. If the number of approved claims exceeds the available funds, the payments may be subject to a pro-rata decrease.

Why is There a Class Action Settlement?

The class action settlement was reached to avoid the cost and risk of further litigation, including a potential trial. The plaintiffs and defendants agreed to the settlement to provide relief to class members sooner and to avoid lengthy legal proceedings.

The next steps include the final approval of the settlement by the court and the resolution of any appeals. Once the settlement is approved, payments and other benefits will be distributed to eligible class members.

Who is Excluded from the Settlement?

The Class claims exclude the following people:

• All past, present, or future claims for personal injury, death, and subrogation by licensed insurers
• Consumers or businesses that have purchased or otherwise obtained title for Class Vehicles previously deemed a total loss.
• Hyundai Motor America, Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai American Technical Center, Kia America, and Kia Corporation; any affiliate, parent, or subsidiary of these companies; any entity in which these companies have a controlling interest; any officer, director, or employee of these companies; any successor or assign of these companies;
• Any judge to whom this Action is assigned, their spouse, and all persons within the third degree of relationship to either of them, as well as the spouses of such persons
• Individuals and/or entities who validly and timely opt-out
• Subrogated Insurance Entities
• Government Entities