A settlement was reached in federal court docket in Santa Ana over litigation introduced by Hyundai and Kia automotive homeowners involving a safety weak spot that made the rounds on social media, the automakers introduced Thursday, Might 18.
Automobile thefts final summer season adopted a TikTok problem that outlined a option to bypass security measures to make it simpler to steal the autos.
The settlement might be valued round $200 million, nevertheless it is determined by what number of automotive homeowners take part within the settlement, which is able to supply money for some prospects who’ve theft-related claims. U.S. District Decide James Selna will take into account preliminary approval of the settlement in July.
A part of the settlement will embody software program upgrades on autos in addition to presents of wheel locks for autos incompatible with the pc replace.
The settlement covers about 9 million Hyundai and Kia autos.
“We respect the chance to supply further help for our homeowners who’ve been impacted by rising and chronic legal exercise concentrating on our autos,” Jason Erb, chief authorized officer of Hyundai Motor North America, mentioned in a press release.
“Buyer safety stays a prime precedence, and we’re dedicated to persevering with software program improve installations and steering wheel lock distribution to assist stop thefts and providing insurance coverage choices via AAA for individuals who have had problem securing and sustaining protection,” he mentioned.
John Yoon, chief authorized officer for Kia, mentioned the corporate is “very happy” by the settlement.
“This settlement is the newest step in a collection of vital actions, along with offering a free safety software program improve and distributing over 65,000 steering wheel locks, that Kia has taken to assist prospects whose autos have been focused by criminals utilizing strategies of theft popularized on social media,” Yoon mentioned. “Kia stays dedicated to helping our prospects and upholding automobile safety.”
When a automotive proprietor brings in a automobile for servicing the software program improve can be routinely put in. For these with autos unable to take the improve, homeowners will obtain as much as $300 to purchase an anti-theft machine like a steering-wheel lock.
The automobiles lined are:
— 2011-2022 Accent;
— 2011-2022 Elantra;
— 2013-2017 Elantra GT;
— 2013-2014 Elantra Coupe;
— 2011-2012 Elantra Touring;
— 2011-2014 Genesis Coupe;
— 2018-2022 Kona;
— 2020-2021 Palisade;
— 2011-2012, 2019-2022 Santa Fe;
— 2013-2018, 2019 Santa Fe; Santa Fe XL;
— 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport;
— 2011-2019 Sonata;
— 2011-2022 Tucson;
— 2012-2017, 2019-2021 Veloster;
— 2020-2021 Venue;
— 2011-2012 Veracruz;
— 2011-2021 Forte;
— 2021-2022 K5;
— 2011-2020 Optima;
— 2011-2021 Rio;
— 2011-2021 Sedona;
— 2021-2022 Seltos;
— 2010-2022 Soul;
— 2011-2022 Sorento; and
— 2011-2022 Sportage.
