agent Entrepreneur logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Hyundai, Kia Settle Over Vehicle Thefts

Class-action payouts to total more than $200M among nine million owners.

May 19, 2023
Hyundai, Kia Settle Over Vehicle Thefts

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

2 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

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.

Ad Loading...

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

Photo of MINI nameplate on the hood of a white MINI Cooper
Industryby Hannah MitchellJuly 23, 2026

Autos More Appealing

Consumers gave new cars better scores again this year for design, performance and more as mass-market brands kept gaining on premium lineups, JD Power found in an annual poll.

Read More →
red car parked in front of a sunset, The Used Market Divide, Agent Entrepreneur
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJuly 23, 2026

Used EVs Defy Overall Market

While the used-car market saw three months of price declines or stagnation, the used EV segment did the opposite – rising for three straight months.

Read More →
Photo of a retriever dog looking out of an open SUV window with a yellow Peugeot headrest on the top of the window below it
Industryby Hannah MitchellJuly 16, 2026

Gone to the Dogs

A Stellantis brand decided to have some fun with one of its SUVs’ design to address growing emphasis on family pets.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Aerial shot of a car dealership
Industryby Hannah MitchellJuly 13, 2026

OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution

Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.

Read More →
Foreign Cars Italia dealership store in front of sunset
Industryby Hannah MitchellJuly 2, 2026

Luxe N.C. Dealerships Change Hands

A collection of Italian and English brand franchises were handed off to the owner’s friend in the business and include the Carolinas’ only Ferrari retail stores.

Read More →
inside of car, person with hands on black steering wheel
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJuly 2, 2026

Exposure Drives Interest in Chinese Cars

At a recent demonstration, consumers had the chance to ride in a Chinese-branded vehicle, a firsthand experience that improved their perceptions and purchase intent.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Woman's hands holding an wallet empty of cash
Industryby Hannah MitchellJuly 1, 2026

Automotive Consumers Sink Further in Debt

Most financing metrics hit records in the second quarter as more buyers locked themselves into long terms and high monthly payments.

Read More →
Rob Mancuso sitting in a chair on stage
Industryby Hannah MitchellJuly 1, 2026

Agent Advocate

Rob Mancuso, who comes from a long line of auto dealers, values general agents’ place in the industry and makes a case for them taking an even bigger seat at the table.

Read More →
Photo of a touchscreen on a car's dashboard
Industryby Hannah MitchellJune 25, 2026

Driving Under Distraction

Though consumers gave higher marks to new vehicles in JD Power’s most recent initial-quality poll, high-tech interference worsened, pointing to craving for simplicity.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
split background green and blue. 2019 to 2025 with car going from starting location to end point. $37,310 and $48,402. Agent Entrepreneur logo
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJune 25, 2026

Affordable New Cars a Thing of the Past

More than one out of five new vehicles sell for more than $60,000, according to Edmunds. That's up 7% compared to prepandemic 2019.

Read More →
Ad Loading...