Kia, Hyundai settle class-action lawsuit after a rash of thefts due to security flaw

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hyundai Motor America and Kia America said Friday they have reached a settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit prompted by a surge in vehicle thefts.

The settlement could be valued at $200 million and covers about 9 million 2011-2022 model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles in the U.S., the companies said.

The cars are not equipped with push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices. That has allowed thieves to easily steal them using just a screwdriver and a USB cord, creating a recent rash of auto thefts across the country.

The settlement will provide cash compensation to customers who suffered theft-related losses or damage not covered by insurance — as well as reimbursement for insurance deductibles, increased insurance premiums and other losses, Kia and Hyundai said.




Read more: https://apnews.com/article/kia-hyundai-theft-settlement-fe1e6546ec0d4d2b339885d90423d0ed

[bucolic_frolic]

1. Amazing

I have no idea what "push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices" means

[question everything]

8. You enter the car and instead of inserting a key to start it, you push a button

that's all I know.

Spouse's Toyota Rav4 has it. I once entered it first, with one key in my pocket. Spouse, apparently, did not grab a key but entered the car and started it by pushing the button. We stopped at one place for me to just run in and out so the engine kept running.

As soon as I left the car a message came on the dash board - no key!

Spouse was quite scared. What if I just continued to drive? I would not be able to start it again!

Well... this is why the messages flashed.

My Kia, on the other hand..

[COL Mustard]

10. We have Kia sedans

Three of the same model. Two have push button ignition and the third (the newest) has a key. It's interesting, that.

[Demsrule86]

12. My Daughter's car was stolen...5000 damage and her insurance said no insurance as long as

there was no fix. Hyundai and Kia have behaved disgracefully. This didn't happen in Canada as they were not allowed to sell cars without the anti-theft features.

[COL Mustard]

13. Seems like once again

American consumers get the shitty end of the stick.

[EarthFirst]

2. The rash of Kia thefts in our city (Rochester NY)

Has surpassed 800 this year alone at last update.

Many of them are being used in ‘smash and grab’ thefts on area retailers; typically 1-3 a week recently.

[natetheskate]

4. Information of the lawsuit who to contact

Does anyone have the information on the lawsuit as to whom to contact if you need to file a claim. In the article it does not give that information. If anyone can past that information on, I would appreciate thanks.

[dalton99a]

6. Here's one:

https://www.hbsslaw.com/press/hyundai-kia-car-theft-defect/hyundai-kia-theft-class-action-lawsuit-reaches-settlement-valued-at-more-than-200-million

[cstanleytech]

16. Question, does this effect traditional key system vehicles or just the ones with push button start?

[Locrian]

18. sounds like ones with "traditional insert steel key and turn"

Supposedly there is a "software update".
Have a 2103 optima and have not heard anything yet from the dealer.

[SouthernDem4ever]

3. They should have included anti-theft devices for these vehicles

State Farm will not write new policies on any of those vehicles unless they have the anti-theft alarm system installed which will cost $800 - $1000. The software upgrade is not an acceptable alternative.

[judesedit]

5. Some law enforcement agencies are giving away steering wheel locks.

It also states a rebate of $300 toward any theft control device purchased.

[SouthernDem4ever]

7. So I'll only have to pay $700 instead of a $1000

Last edited Sat May 20, 2023, 11:18 AM - Edit history (1)

Not a very good outcome. Also, that doesn't solve the problem of being uninsurable.

[judesedit]

9. Read the full article

[SouthernDem4ever]

11. Just what do you think I am missing?

[judesedit]

14. Sorry. I have to use my phone for everything. Can't text the whole thing

but, saying Kia and Hyundai giving out 10's of thousands of steering wheels locks via local police departments or direct mail. I have to get one myself. Let me know if I'm reading it wrong. Thanks. Didn't mean to sound snarcky. I have to invest in a new laptop.

[SouthernDem4ever]

15. It takes 2 minutes to saw the steering wheel and remove those steering wheel locks

To me they are worthless. I have to get the actual alarm system and kill switch for the insurance company to write my policy. The software upgrade only works if you lock the door with your FOB. If you happen to forget to lock the door, the car is still vulnerable to the same theft. I do understand it's dumb to leave your car unlocked, but obviously State Farm isn't going to leave it to chance. I expect other insurance carriers to follow suit. They will keep your car insured as long as you don't change companies or let it lapse. They will also raise the rates. I don't see 200 million as a good settlement. They should place the upgrades in the vehicles and at least split the cost which they aren't going to do.

[judesedit]

17. Of course you're right, but I'll probably try to get one of those steering wheel locks for now

2 minutes longer is 2 minutes longer. My car's not pristine any more. lol. I lived on a ranch for a year and a half. Have a couple scratches from the goats trying to jump on my car. The thieves will move on to a better prize.