Hyundai & Kia Theft Immobilizer Class Action Settlement

What is the Hyundai & Kia vehicle defect settlement about?

The Hyundai and Kia theft immobilizer class action settlement (In re: Kia Hyundai Vehicle Theft Litigation) resolves a multistate investigation into allegations that Hyundai and Kia sold millions of 2011–2022 vehicles without engine immobilizers — a standard anti-theft feature included in most other U.S. vehicles and required in Europe for decades. In 2022, a social media trend known as the 'Kia Boyz challenge' spread step-by-step theft instructions that exploited the missing immobilizer, triggering a nationwide spike in vehicle thefts.

Hyundai and Kia responded with a free software upgrade designed to deter theft by requiring the key to remain in the ignition before the engine starts. The $9 million multistate settlement ($4.5 million allocated to consumer restitution) covers vehicles that had already received that software upgrade but still experienced a qualifying theft or attempted theft on or after April 29, 2025. All eligible vehicles are also entitled to two free security upgrades: the software update and a zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware installation.

This settlement is separate from the $145 million national class action settlement approved in 2024, which covered earlier theft claims. If your vehicle was stolen before April 29, 2025, you would have filed under that earlier settlement. The multistate settlement covers theft events that occurred on or after that date, with a claim deadline of March 31, 2027.

Who qualifies to file a claim?

• You own or lease a 2011–2022 Hyundai or Kia vehicle that was not factory-equipped with an engine immobilizer.
• Your vehicle received the free Hyundai/Kia software upgrade, or you had an appointment scheduled for the upgrade.
• Your vehicle experienced a qualifying theft or theft attempt on or after April 29, 2025, and before the date of zinc sleeve installation or March 31, 2027 — whichever comes first.
• For a total loss claim (up to $4,500): provide an insurer 'total loss' letter, proof of deductible payment, and documentation of other theft-related expenses.
• For a partial loss claim (up to $2,250): provide an insurer letter confirming partial loss plus expense documentation.
• For an attempted theft claim (up to $375): provide a police report and receipts for any theft-related expenses.

How to file a claim

1. 1Visit the official settlement website at HKMultistateImmobilizerSettlement.com.
2. 2Confirm your vehicle is eligible: it must be a 2011–2022 Hyundai or Kia without a factory engine immobilizer that received (or was scheduled for) the free software upgrade.
3. 3Select your claim type: total loss (up to $4,500), partial loss (up to $2,250), or attempted theft (up to $375).
4. 4Gather your supporting documents: insurer total-loss or partial-loss letter plus proof of deductible for vehicle loss claims; police report and expense receipts for attempted theft claims.
5. 5Complete and submit the online claim form at HKMultistateImmobilizerSettlement.com before March 31, 2027, and save your confirmation number.

Is the Hyundai & Kia settlement legit?

Yes. The Hyundai & Kia vehicle defect settlement is a court-supervised class action overseen by the In re: Kia Hyundai Vehicle Theft Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation (MDL) (8:22-ml-03052-JVS-KES) and administered by an official settlement administrator. You file your claim directly with the administrator and keep 100% of any payment — Payout never takes a cut. The fastest way to avoid missing this and other settlements you qualify for is to let Payout match and file for you in minutes.