Hyundai And Kia Lawsuit, Multistate Immobilizer Settlement, Who Qualifies & How to Claim Up to $4,500
The Hyundai/Kia Multistate Immobilizer Settlement pays up to $4,500 to owners of 2011-2022 vehicles that experienced theft or attempted theft after installing anti-theft software. Eligible vehicles must have had the software upgrade installed or a scheduled appointment at the time of the qualifying theft or attempted theft, which must have occurred on or after April 29, 2025. File claims at https://www.hkmultistateimmobilizersettlement.com/ before the March 31, 2027 deadline. Funds are limited and distributed on a rolling basis until exhausted.
What Is the Hyundai/Kia Multistate Immobilizer Settlement?
A bipartisan coalition of 35 attorneys general reached a settlement with Hyundai and Kia in December 2025 for selling millions of vehicles nationwide lacking industry-standard anti-theft technology. Hyundai and Kia agreed to provide up to $4.5 million in restitution to eligible consumers whose cars were damaged by thieves.
According to one report, in 2015, only 26 percent of the vehicles Kia and Hyundai sold in the United States were equipped with engine immobilizers, compared to 96 percent of vehicles sold by other manufacturers. This deficiency created a nationwide vehicle theft crisis.
What Immobilizer Defect Does This Settlement Address?
Hyundai and Kia chose not to include anti-theft engine-immobilizer technology in millions of their vehicles sold throughout the United States. An engine immobilizer prevents thieves from starting a vehicle’s engine without the vehicle’s “smart” key, which stores the vehicle’s electronic security code.
Car thieves devised a quick and simple way to access these vehicles’ ignition cylinders and start these cars without a key, which quickly went viral, leading to a drastic, nationwide increase in Kia and Hyundai vehicle thefts. The theft method spread rapidly on social media platforms, particularly TikTok.
In 2022, 3,293 Hyundai or Kia vehicles were stolen in the Twin Cities, compared to just 384 the year before. Minneapolis experienced an 836% increase in thefts of these vehicles from 2021 to 2022.
What Vehicles Are Covered Under This Settlement?
Vehicles that were not factory-equipped with an immobilizer and are one of the following models are eligible:
Hyundai Models:
- 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)
- Venue (2019-2021)
Kia Models:
- Forte (2014-2021)
- K5 (2021-2022)
- Optima (2011-2020)
- Rio (2012-2021)
- Sedona (2011-2021)
- Seltos (2021-2022)
- Sorento (2011-2022)
- Soul (2020-2022)
- Sportage (2011-2022)
Who Is Eligible to Claim Money From the Settlement?
Class members must meet all of the following criteria: They own or lease a 2011-2022 Hyundai or Kia vehicle that the companies did not factory-equip with an engine immobilizer.
Critical Eligibility Requirements:
At the time of the qualifying theft or theft attempt, your vehicle either had the Software Upgrade installed or you had an appointment scheduled for the upgrade.
The qualifying theft or theft attempt occurred on or after April 29, 2025, but before your vehicle received the free zinc sleeve installation or by March 31, 2027.
Your vehicle must be eligible for both the free software upgrade and the zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade.
What Compensation Amounts Are Available?
If your eligible Hyundai or Kia vehicle experienced a Qualifying Theft or Qualifying Theft Attempt, you may receive up to $4,500 for a total loss or up to $2,250 for partial loss.
Compensation Categories:
Total Loss Claims (Up to $4,500): If the vehicle was wrecked, destroyed, sold or donated for less than 30% of its fair market value, declared a total loss by an insurer or not recovered after three months, claimants can receive up to $4,500.
Partial Loss Claims (Up to $2,250): If the vehicle was damaged but not totaled, claimants can claim up to $2,250 for uncompensated repair costs.
Attempted Theft Expenses (Up to $375): For a qualifying theft attempt you may be eligible for up to $375 for reasonable expenses related to the attempt.
How Do I File a Claim Through the Official Settlement Website?
Step 1: Visit the Official Settlement Website
Go to https://www.hkmultistateimmobilizersettlement.com/ to access the claim portal.
Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
All class members must provide documentation to support their claim. Required documents include:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Proof of ownership or lease
- Police report documenting the theft or attempted theft
- Documentation showing the software upgrade was installed or an appointment was scheduled
- Receipts or invoices for out-of-pocket expenses
- Insurance documentation (if applicable)
- For total loss claims: proof the vehicle was declared a total loss, sold for less than 30% of fair market value, or not recovered after three months
- For partial loss claims: repair estimates or invoices showing uncompensated repair costs
Step 3: Complete the Claim Form Online or By Mail
Class members can file a claim online or download, print and complete the Hyundai PDF claim form or Kia PDF claim form to mail to the settlement administrator.
Mailing Address: Hyundai/Kia Multistate Immobilizer Settlement, P.O. Box 369, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Contact Information:
- Hyundai email: [email protected]
- Hyundai toll-free: 1-877-409-4173
- Kia email: [email protected]
- Kia toll-free: 1-844-655-4191
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
The deadline to file a claim is March 31, 2027. Funds are limited and will be disbursed on a rolling basis until the limited fund is exhausted. Submit claims immediately to ensure payment before funds run out.
What Documentation Do I Need to Submit?
Documentation requirements vary based on claim type:
For All Claims:
- Vehicle VIN
- Proof of ownership or lease (title, registration, lease agreement)
- Police report filed for the theft or attempted theft
- Evidence that software upgrade was installed or scheduled appointment confirmation
- Proof the incident occurred between April 29, 2025 and March 31, 2027
For Total Loss Claims:
- Insurance total loss declaration, or
- Bill of sale showing vehicle sold for less than 30% of fair market value, or
- Documentation that vehicle was not recovered after three months
For Partial Loss Claims:
- Repair estimates or invoices
- Proof of payment for repairs
- Documentation of uncompensated expenses
For Attempted Theft Claims:
- Police report documenting the attempted theft
- Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses (repairs to damage from attempted theft, towing, etc.)
If the settlement administrator finds a claim deficient, it will notify the class member in writing and give them 45 days to provide additional information or correct the deficiency.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Claim?
The deadline to file a claim is March 31, 2027. However, funds are limited and will be disbursed on a rolling basis until the limited fund is exhausted, so please do not wait to submit your claim.
The total settlement fund is $4.5 million for all eligible claimants nationwide. Once these funds are exhausted, no further claims will be paid regardless of the deadline date.
How Long Does the Claim Process Take?
The settlement administrator will issue payments within 90 days of claim approval.
Timeline:
- Claim submission through website or mail
- Settlement administrator reviews documentation
- If deficient, 45-day window to provide additional information
- Final determination notice sent to claimant
- Payment issued within 90 days of approval
What Happens After I Submit My Claim?
The settlement administrator will review your claim and supporting documentation. If the settlement administrator finds a claim deficient, it will notify the class member in writing and give them 45 days to provide additional information or correct the deficiency.
Once approved, you will receive a final determination notice followed by payment.
How Will I Receive My Compensation?
Payments are issued via prepaid Mastercard valid for one year from issuance.
What If My Vehicle Was Stolen or Damaged Due to the Immobilizer Defect?
You may be eligible for compensation if your theft or attempted theft meets these requirements:
- At the time of the qualifying theft or theft attempt, your vehicle either had the Software Upgrade installed or you had an appointment scheduled for the upgrade
- The qualifying theft or theft attempt occurred on or after April 29, 2025
- The incident occurred before your vehicle received the free zinc sleeve installation or by March 31, 2027
Document all losses including repair costs, towing fees, rental car expenses, lost wages, and insurance deductibles or premium increases.
What Are the Free Anti-Theft Upgrades Available?
Beyond monetary compensation, the settlement provides free anti-theft upgrades:
Zinc-Reinforced Ignition Cylinder Protector (Zinc Sleeve): A zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector (zinc sleeve) can be installed at no cost at any authorized Hyundai or Kia dealership. This hardware upgrade provides extra protection against theft methods popularized on social media.
Eligible consumers will have one year from the date of notice from the companies to make an appointment to have the zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector installed at their local Hyundai or Kia authorized dealerships.
Software Update: Many vehicles already received or were eligible for a free software update. This is different from the free Software Upgrade, which also helps prevent theft.
The Attorneys General pressed Hyundai and Kia to do more to protect consumers and their communities after alleging that the software update could be, and in fact was, easily bypassed by thieves. The zinc sleeve installation provides additional physical protection.
What Is the Total Settlement Amount?
Under the settlement, Hyundai and Kia have agreed to provide up to $4.5 million in restitution to eligible consumers whose cars were damaged by theft and pay $4.5 million to the states to defray the costs of the investigation.
The $4.5 million restitution fund covers all theft-related compensation claims nationwide. The settlement also covers the cost of free zinc sleeve installations for all eligible vehicles.
How Was This Settlement Reached?
Minnesota Attorney General Ellison announced in December 2025 that he led a bipartisan coalition of 35 attorneys general in reaching a settlement with automobile manufacturers Hyundai and Kia.
Connecticut, Minnesota, and New Hampshire led the multistate settlement, with assistance from California, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, Nevada, and Washington. The final settlement was joined by 35 states and the District of Columbia.
The settlement requires Hyundai and Kia to:
- Equip all future vehicles sold in the United States with industry-standard, engine immobilizer anti-theft technology
- Offer free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors to all eligible vehicle owners
- Provide up to $4.5 million in restitution to theft victims
- Pay $4.5 million to states for investigation costs
What Are My Rights If I Disagree With a Claim Decision?
If the settlement administrator denies your claim or determines it to be deficient, you will receive written notification. You have 45 days to provide additional information or correct the deficiency.
Review the reasons for denial or deficiency carefully. Common issues include:
- Missing documentation (police reports, proof of ownership, repair receipts)
- Theft occurred outside the eligible timeframe (before April 29, 2025 or after March 31, 2027)
- Software upgrade not installed or no scheduled appointment at time of theft
- Vehicle already had zinc sleeve installed at time of theft
Gather any missing documentation and resubmit within the 45-day window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still file a claim if my vehicle was stolen before April 29, 2025?
No. The qualifying theft or theft attempt must have occurred on or after April 29, 2025. Thefts before this date are not eligible under this specific multistate settlement.
Q: Do I need the software update AND the zinc sleeve to qualify for compensation?
No. At the time of the qualifying theft or theft attempt, your vehicle either had the Software Upgrade installed or you had an appointment scheduled for the upgrade. You do not need the zinc sleeve installed to qualify for theft compensation—in fact, the theft must occur before zinc sleeve installation.
Q: What if I no longer own the vehicle that was stolen?
You can still file a claim if you owned or leased the vehicle at the time of the qualifying theft or attempted theft and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Q: Are rental car expenses covered?
Yes, reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to the theft may be reimbursable, including rental car costs while your vehicle was stolen or being repaired. Include receipts with your claim.
Q: What if my insurance already paid for some of the damage?
You can claim uncompensated expenses—the amounts you paid out-of-pocket after insurance reimbursement, such as deductibles, premium increases, or expenses insurance didn’t cover.
Q: How do I prove I had a scheduled appointment for the software upgrade?
Provide documentation such as appointment confirmation emails, text messages from the dealership, or service records showing the scheduled appointment date.
Q: Can I get both the monetary compensation and the free zinc sleeve installation?
Yes. These are separate benefits. You can file a claim for theft-related losses and schedule the free zinc sleeve installation at an authorized dealership.
Take Action Now
Funds are limited and will be disbursed on a rolling basis until the limited fund is exhausted. To maximize your chances of receiving compensation:
- File Your Claim Immediately: Visit https://www.hkmultistateimmobilizersettlement.com/ today
- Gather All Documentation: Compile police reports, receipts, repair invoices, and proof of software upgrade installation or scheduled appointment
- Schedule Your Free Zinc Sleeve Installation: Contact your local authorized Hyundai or Kia dealership to schedule the free hardware upgrade
- Keep Copies: Retain copies of all submitted documentation for your records
- Follow Up: Monitor your claim status and respond promptly to any requests for additional information
The settlement represents a significant victory for consumers affected by Hyundai and Kia’s failure to include industry-standard anti-theft technology. Act now to secure your share of the limited compensation fund before it’s exhausted.
This article provides general information about the Hyundai/Kia Multistate Immobilizer Settlement. For specific legal advice about your situation, consult with a qualified attorney. All information is current as of December 2025.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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