Hyundai, Kia Settle Over Vehicle Thefts
Class-action payouts to total more than $200M among nine million owners.

The companies have been under fire for months over a rash of thefts of 2011 to 2022 models that didn’t include antitheft technology as standard equipment.
IMAGE: Hyundai
Hyundai and Kia agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit over claims that lack of antitheft technology in many of its models make them prone to theft.
The South Korean automakers agreed to pay more than $200 million to settle the suit, which would cover some nine million vehicle owners between the two brands.
The companies have been under fire for months over a rash of thefts of 2011 to 2022 models that didn’t include antitheft technology as standard equipment.
Some thieves posted how-to videos on social media instructing others on how to steal the models.
The models in question lacked immobilizers, which prevent them from being started without transmission of a code from a “smart” key, said the law firm that represented the class in the suit, Hagens Berman. The firm said “design flaws” in the models also allow theft in less than 90 seconds.
Multiple major U.S. cities have sued the carmakers over the issue, 18 states sought a recall of the affected models, and about two dozen attorneys general urged the companies to take more action to stem the thefts.
The carmakers expedited a software upgrade for the models, worked with AAA to insure the vehicles, and reimbursed owners for steering wheel locks. But they continued to hear from the various parties that they weren’t doing enough.
The settlement covers payments of up to $6,125 for vehicle loss, and up to $3,375 for damage. Also included are funds to cover transportation costs not covered by insurance, such as taxis and car rentals.
LEARN MORE: States Seek Recall of Theft-Prone Hyundai, Kia Models
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry

Badger State Dealership Gets New Owner
The longtime southern Wisconsin store moved from one area auto group to another, keeping the business in Dairyland.
Read More →
The Cycle of Negative Equity
Third-quarter data shows consumers still rolling over debt and stretching loan terms, raising their risk of remaining underwater.
Read More →
Charger Network Growth Slows
Despite a projected increase in public EV chargers in 2026, charging infrastructure remains a top concern for consumers as the gap between the most and least EV-friendly places remains substantial.
Read More →
Lenders, Consumers Take on More Auto Loan Risk
September records loosened credit access the most in over a decade as buyers took advantage of the conditions to afford trading, though loan applications fell.
Read More →
Next-Gen Hybrids in Sight
Dealerships can expect to see revamped hybrids from Honda next year as the company rolls out a new system and model lineup.
Read More →
Gem State Stores Change Hands
A larger auto group founded in the industry’s early years sold two franchises to a neighbor group that's on a growth spurt.
Read More →
Charging In Motion
Honda has been researching wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles since 2025, and new technology developments have put it a step closer to a final product.
Read More →
Twin Cities Stores Sell
Minnesota-based Walser Automotive Group made what it called the most significant acquisition in its history with a three-rooftop deal in Minneapolis.
Read More →
U.S. Auto Sales Still Below Prepandemic Levels
Mobility Global industry observers don’t expect the market to return to the higher volumes that became routine before Covid but to stay well below its potential.
Read More →
The Powertrain Shift
Electric-vehicle owners are backpedaling, according to new data, with product availability driving many to shift back to gas-powered engines.
Read More →