If you drive 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 victims of a disturbing TikTok trend that began in 2022, which reportedly involved thieves 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.
Back in December 2023, there were almost 200 thefts (104 Hyundais and 99 Kias) reported across the five boroughs, according to NYPD data, but the trend was problematic across the country.
And unfortunately for Hyundai and Kia fans, this trend has continued over the past few years.
Now, drivers across 35 states, including New York and New Jersey, who had their cars broken into after April 29, 2025, are being offered $4,500 for a total loss of a vehicle, $2,250 for partial losses and up to $375 for related expenses.
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).
Eligible 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 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.
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