Thirty-six state attorneys general, including Georgia’s, have reached a $9 million multistate settlement with Hyundai and Kia over the sale of millions of defective vehicles between the years 2011 and 2022. Investigators found that these vehicles lacked engine immobilizers, which are a standard anti-theft feature that prevents the engine from starting without the presence of the vehicle’s “smart key.”
This lack of an immobilizer left Kia and Hyundai models vulnerable to theft. This issue then led to a widely known “Kia Challenge,” a viral, dangerous TikTok trend that highlighted the major security flaw in these models. Videos would show how easy the vehicles were to steal by breaking the steering column and using a USB cable or screwdriver as a makeshift key.
Because of this simple method, you saw a variety of thieves, from online teenagers, unlicensed drivers, and seasoned criminals stealing the affected cars. These drivers may not fully understand traffic laws or safe driving practices, increasing the risk of crashes, especially when they’re attempting to evade the law. Leading to a widespread and dangerous phenomenon.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE HYUNDAI AND KIA SETTLEMENT?
Under the terms of the agreement from the settlement, Hyundai and Kia must:
- Equip future vehicles sold in the U.S. with industry-standard engine immobilizer anti-theft technology.
- Offer free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors to people who own or lease any eligible vehicles.
- This includes vehicles that previously were only eligible for the company’s software updates.
- Pay $4.5 million to eligible customers whose vehicles were found damaged by thieves.
- This includes customers who still had their cars stolen on or after April 29th after downloading the provided software updates.
- Pay $4.5 million to the states involved in the settlement for the costs of the investigation.
HOW MAY I RECEIVE HELP FOR MY AFFECTED HYUNDAI OR KIA?
Hyundai and Kia state that they will “offer free hardware fix for all affected vehicles that will thwart further thefts and protect public safety,” according to a release from the Georgia attorney general. Any eligible consumers will be notified by the companies that they have one year from the date of the notice to make an appointment to have their zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector installed at their local Hyundai or Kia authorized dealerships
Hyundai and Kia owners can check if their make and model is eligible for benefits here. Customers can expect to possibly receive up to $4,500 for a total vehicle loss or up to $2,250 for a partial loss, if their vehicle falls under a “Qualifying Theft or Qualifying Theft Attempt.” To file, Hyundai drivers can do so online at HKMultistateimmobilizersettlement.com, and Kia users can do so online at customercare.kiausa.com/SWLD or by phone at 1(800) 333-4542. Claims will be made in rolling payouts until the funds are exhausted.
The deadline to file a claim is March 31, 2027.
Jones & Swanson Is A Georgia-based Personal Injury Attorney. If You Have Any Questions Regarding product recalls or Accident Liability As A Result Of A defective Automobile, call Jones & Swanson For A Free Consultation or Contact Us On Awjlaw.com. We have Decades Of Combined Experience Representing Individuals In Automobile Recall Cases And Are More Than Happy To Answer Any Questions You May Have.
Categories: Automobile Defects, Automobile Recall, Car Accident, Catastrophic Injuries, Recalls
