Hyundai and Kia Owners Can Now Claim Cash After Years of Theft Chaos

Hyundai and Kia owners have lived with the fallout of the viral theft wave for years. Certain models were notoriously easy to break into, and social media did the rest, turning a design flaw into a nationwide crisis. While that chapter is well-documented, as is its fix, affected drivers can finally see real financial relief. A multistate class action settlement is now paying out, offering compensation to owners and lessees whose vehicles were stolen or damaged after anti-theft fixes were introduced.

How a Design Flaw Turned Into a Catastrophe

The issue started with a batch of Hyundai and Kia vehicles that left the factory without engine immobilizers, probably the most basic anti-theft feature a car could have. Once thieves figured that out, the method spread fast online, and by 2022 thefts involving both brands had surged across multiple states. In 2025 alone, Hyundai and Kia models made up nearly half of the top 10 most stolen cars in America list, with the Elantra topping the rankings. Pressure eventually forced action. Software updates rolled out first, followed by a reinforced ignition protector. By the end of 2025, roughly seven million Hyundai and Kia vehicles in the US had finally received anti theft upgrades. For many owners, though, the fixes came only after the damage was already done.

How Much is The Settlement Paying?

Under the multistate immobilizer settlement, a $9 million fund has been created to compensate eligible drivers. Owners whose cars were written off in a qualifying theft can claim up to $4,500, while partial losses are capped at $2,250. Even attempted thefts count, with reimbursements of up to $375 for related expenses. To qualify, the incident must have happened after April 29, 2025, and before the vehicle received the free hardware upgrade or before the March 31, 2027 deadline. The car also needed to have the software update installed, or at least an appointment scheduled, at the time of the theft or attempt. Funds are paid on a rolling basis, so waiting too long could mean missing out entirely. To submit a claim, press here.

Hyundai and Kia's Sales Unconditional Success

Despite all the theft risks these two brands faced, they enjoyed record momentum in the US, with Kia America posting its best annual sales ever in 2025, selling 852,155 vehicles, and Hyundai continuing with an 8% growth margin. On paper, it shouldn't make sense, but this just again proves that buyers are prioritizing value over everything else. Hyundai and Kia offer some of the best bang-for-your-buck vehicles the market has to offer, and their sales success proves that.

Full List of Models Affected

The settlement applies to a wide range of Hyundai and Kia models built between roughly 2011 and 2022 that were not originally equipped with immobilizers. The full list is as follows, grouped by brand, ranked in alphabetical order:

2018 - 2022 Hyundai Accent
2011 - 2021 Hyundai Elantra
2013 - 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT
2013 - 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
2018 - 2022 Hyundai Kona
2020 - 2021 Hyundai Palisade
2013 - 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
2013 - 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL
2011 - 2019 Hyundai Sonata
2011 - 2022 Hyundai Tucson
2012 - 2017 Hyundai Veloster
2019 - 2021 Hyundai Venue
2014 - 2021 Kia Forte
2021 - 2022 Kia K5
2011 - 2020 Kia Optima
2012 - 2021 Kia Rio
2011 - 2021 Kia Sedona
2021-2022 Kia Seltos
2011 - 2022 Kia Sorento
2020-2022 Kia Soul
2011-2022 Kia Sportage