Kia Hyundai USB Car Theft Lawsuit Almost Approved - Valero Lemon Law
A settlement of a Hyundai Kia theft lawsuit covering around 9 million cars has been tentatively approved.
All collective consumer class action lawsuits alleging that certain Hyundai and Kia automobiles manufactured between 2011 and 2022 are defective because they lack engine immobilizers are included in the settlement.
Hyundai and Kia assert that thieves are to blame for the thefts and refute any accusations of guilt.
The automakers claim that in order to terminate the costly and protracted legal battle, they settled the consolidated class action.
Hyundai and Kia have agreed to contribute a minimum of $80 million and a maximum of $145 million to a "common fund" as per the theft settlement.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has noted that engine immobilizers are not mandated in the United States.
Before teenagers started sharing videos online showing how to break into and steal the cars, criminals did not target Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
The teenagers take apart the steering column, smash the window, take out the ignition lock, and use a regular USB cord to start a car that has been locked. Criminals filmed their crimes, uploaded the footage online, and then "challenged" others to follow suit.
This was later dubbed the "Kia Challenge."
Theft Lawsuit Settlement: Hyundai Vehicles
2013-2020 Hyundai Elantra GT
2013-2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe
2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring
2011-2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
2018-2022 Hyundai Kona
2011-2022 Hyundai Accent
2011-2022 Hyundai Elantra
2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade
2011-2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL
2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
2011-2019 Hyundai Sonata
2011-2022 Hyundai Tucson
2012-2017, 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster
2020-2021 Hyundai Venue
2011-2012 Hyundai Veracruz
Theft Lawsuit Settlement: Kia Vehicles
2021-2022 Kia Seltos
2011-2022 Kia Soul
2011-2022 Kia Sorento
2011-2022 Kia Sportage
2011-2021 Kia Forte
2021-2022 Kia K5
2011-2020 Kia Optima
2011-2021 Kia Rio
2011-2021 Kia Sedona
Software Upgrade for Eligible Vehicles
Hyundai and Kia were providing these free updates long before the settlement agreement was reached, despite the theft case settlement calling this a "benefit" of the settlement.
The updated software will stop a car that was key fob-locked from starting without the key "by the method of theft popularized on TikTok and other social media channels."
This indicates that after removing the steering column, the software update will stop the car from being started using a USB cord. Nevertheless, before utilizing a USB cord in a locked automobile, thieves can still smash windows and destroy steering columns.
Software Alternative Vehicle
There are some Hyundai and Kia vehicles that cannot be updated via the software upgrade, what the settlement agreement calls "software alternative vehicles."
Software Alternative Vehicle: Reimbursement
Customers who own a vehicle that cannot accept the software upgrade will be eligible for reimbursement for the following:
Purchase of a steering wheel lock.
Purchase and installation of a glass breakage alarm or similar anti-theft system.
Purchase of another aftermarket modification designed to deter or prevent theft such as the Hyundai Accessory Security Kit.
Reimbursement is capped at $300 per claim as long as the purchase was made when the vehicle was not eligible for the software upgrade.
Reimbursements for Software Eligible Vehicles
Hyundai and Kia have provided thousands of free steering wheel locks to customers.
With that said, Hyundai and Kia customers with vehicles that can receive the software upgrade are eligible for up to a $50 reimbursement of a steering wheel lock purchase if it was at least 30 days before the software upgrade was made available.
Partial Reimbursement for Total Losses
The settlement says the common fund will cover expenses related to a total loss of a Hyundai or Kia vehicle to theft or attempted theft of a vehicle as occurred in the online videos.
However, the reimbursement is subject to a maximum cap of 60% of the Black Book value of the vehicle.
If the vehicle wasn't a total loss but personal property was stolen or damaged, a customer may be reimbursed up to $3,375 or 33% of the Black Book value of the vehicle, whichever is greater.
Insurance-Related Reimbursement
Reimbursement of any insurance deductibles paid and increased insurance premiums for insurance policies that includes theft coverage resulting from a theft or attempted theft is subject to a per incident cap of $375.
A customer will need to provide documentation to show any changes in insurance.
Reimbursement of Other Expenses
If certain expenses were not covered by insurance, Hyundai and Kia will provide reimbursement capped at $250 per incident. Those incidents include car rentals, taxi rides, towing costs and expenses related to speeding or red light tickets caused by a stolen Hyundai or Kia vehicle.
Are there any Important Dates Relating to the Hyundai Kia Theft Lawsuit Settlement? Yes!
Deadline to Exclude Yourself: May 3, 2024
Deadline to Object: May 3, 2024
Settlement Final Fairness Hearing: July 15, 2024
Hyundai Kia Theft Lawsuit Claim Submission Deadline: January 11, 2025