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If you own a Hyundai or Kia — you might be able to rake in some well-deserved cash.
The two widely popular car brands, which are owned by Hyundai Motor Group, have agreed to a $9 million class action settlement for those who fell victim to a disturbing 2022 TikTok trend, which reportedly involved users posting tutorials on how to steal these “easy to break into” vehicles using a USB cable and a screwdriver.
Sounds like a scene straight out of a “Fast & Furious” movie.
The trend took off on social media with thieves breaking into and stealing hundreds of Hyundai and Kia vehicles. NurPhoto via Getty ImagesIn NYC alone, back in December 2023, there were almost 200 thefts (104 Hyundais and 99 Kias) reported according to NYPD data, but the trend was problematic across the country.
Fast forward two years, and drivers across 35 states, including New York and New Jersey, who had their cars broken into, are finally being offered $4,500 for a total loss of a vehicle or $2,250 for partial losses.
To know if you qualify for this reimbursement, you must be an owner or lessee of a specific 2011 to 2022 Kia and Hyundai model that drove off the lot without an engine immobilizer (an anti-theft feature) and did not receive a software update, but experienced a theft or attempted theft before the vehicle received a free cylinder protector (a locking bracket that protects vehicles without push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices from thieves).
Three years later, vehicle owners are finally able to earn some well-deserved cash. APEligible Hyundai vehicles include: Accent (2018 – 2022), Elantra (2011 – 2022), Elantra GT (2013 – 2020)
Genesis Coupe (2013 – 2014), Kona (2018 – 2022), Palisade (2020 – 2021), Santa Fe (2013 – 2022), Santa Fe Sport (2013 – 2018), Santa Fe XL (2019), Sonata (2011 – 2019), Tucson (2011 – 2022)
Veloster (2012 – 2017) and Venue (2019 – 2021).
Eligible Kia vehicles include: Forte (2014 – 2021), K5 (2021 – 2022), Optima (2011 – 2020), Rio (2012 – 2021), Sedona (2011 – 2021), Seltos (2021 – 2022), Sorento (2011 – 2022), Soul (2020 – 2022) and Sportage (2011 – 2022).
Eligibility can be confirmed on the settlement website by entering your car’s VIN.
Drivers have until March 31, 2027, to submit their claims for reimbursement, which will be distributed on a “rolling basis.”
This shocking stealing cars trend began once word got out to thieves that many Hyundai and Kia vehicles were sold to drivers without anti-theft protection. As a result, the car brands quickly rose to the top of the 10 most stolen cars in America list, according to Auto Blog.
Reportedly, by the end of last year, approximately seven million Hyundai and Kia vehicles received anti-theft upgrades, which is great for new owners.
English (US)