How can I join the Kia theft class action lawsuit?
Between 2011 and 2022, many Kia and Hyundai vehicles were manufactured without factory-installed immobilizers, a key security feature that helps prevent theft.
This design flaw has led to a significant increase in vehicle thefts involving these models.
The ongoing class-action lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai revolves around the alleged negligence in equipping these vehicles with adequate anti-theft measures, resulting in thousands of cars being stolen.
As of October 31, 2023, the court granted preliminary approval of a revised settlement agreement worth approximately $200 million, intended to compensate affected vehicle owners for their losses and damages.
Affected vehicle owners are primarily those who purchased or leased specific Kia and Hyundai models from 2006 through 2021 that were identified as lacking an engine immobilizer.
The settlement will enable eligible owners to file claims for various benefits, including reimbursement for stolen vehicles, repairs, and even funding for enhanced anti-theft devices.
Class members will be notified of their eligibility around March 4, 2024, when notice letters will be sent out outlining the claims process and eligibility requirements.
Potential claimants need to ensure they file claims before the deadline established by the settlement agreement to receive any benefits.
This includes proving that they owned or leased an affected vehicle.
The suing plaintiffs successfully argued that the lack of an immobilizer rendered their vehicles significantly more susceptible to theft, which led to physical and financial distress.
The engine immobilizer is integral to a vehicle’s security system, preventing unauthorized users from starting the engine without the correct key or key fob.
Its absence in many Kia and Hyundai models raises questions about the manufacturers' commitment to consumer safety.
Legal experts suggest that this class action lawsuit is significant because it could set a precedent for how auto manufacturers address vehicle security issues in the future.
Class members' eligibility will likely be determined based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), which will be used to verify the model year and whether it was included in the settlement.
Research indicates that vehicles equipped with immobilizers are far less likely to be stolen, highlighting the critical nature of this technology in preventing car theft.
After the final approval of the settlement, the distribution of benefits will begin, meaning eligible members may have to wait several months to receive compensation, depending on the claims processing timeline.
This lawsuit is part of a broader trend where consumers are becoming more aware of their rights regarding product safety and are willing to seek legal recourse when manufacturers fail to meet safety standards.
There are significant variations in state laws regarding consumer protection and class-action lawsuits, which can impact how settlements are structured and enforceability.
If you missed the notice due to a change of address or potentially being uninformed about these developments, it is essential to keep track of any updates for the settlement process.
Participation in the class action does not exclude individuals from pursuing additional legal actions against Kia and Hyundai should they choose to do so after the settlement process.
Systems of consumer protections, like those foregoing the settlement in this class action, act as a corrective measure to address corporate negligence and incentivize improvements in future vehicle security systems.
As concerns over vehicle theft rise, manufacturers may be compelled to adopt more advanced security technologies, such as GPS tracking and biometric systems.
Understanding how immobilizers work involves recognizing that they rely on transponder keys, which communicate with the vehicle's onboard computer; without the correct key, the car's engine will not start, effectively limiting unauthorized access and enhancing vehicle security.