Drivers to get piece of $4.5m payout & free repairs under massive $500m Hyundai and Kia ‘anti-theft’ settlement
Hyundai and Kia will provide $4.5 million in payouts and free repairs to drivers affected by a software glitch that led to increased vehicle thefts.Summary
Hyundai and Kia have reached a settlement potentially worth $500 million, including a $4.5 million payout and free repairs, due to a widespread anti-theft vulnerability in their vehicles. The issue stemmed from a software glitch that went viral on social media, demonstrating how easily the cars could be stolen with simple tools. Attorney General Keith Ellison confirmed that approximately nine million vehicles, spanning models from 2011-2022 across 35 states, are affected. The settlement requires the automakers to offer free repairs, compensate drivers for damages, and equip all future US vehicles with engine immobilizers. The companies had previously included engine immobilizers in vehicles sold in Mexico and Canada but not consistently in the US, leading to a surge in thefts, crashes, injuries, and even deaths. Eligible customers will have one year from the date of the companies’ notice to get their free repairs, expected to be available from early 2026 through 2027.
(Source：The Sun)