Kia / Hyundai Theft Settlement — $145M + $4.5M Two-Settlement Tracker
Settlements covering 2011–2022 Hyundai/Kia vehicles without engine immobilizers vulnerable to the “TikTok challenge” USB-cable theft method. Consumer class action ($145M Common Fund, claims closed April 28, 2025) + Multistate AG settlement ($4.5M, ACTIVE through March 31, 2027).
How much will I actually get? It depends on which settlement applies. Under the multistate AG settlement (claims open until March 31, 2027): up to $4,500 for total loss, $2,250 for partial loss, or $375 for attempted-theft expenses. Under the closed consumer class action (claim deadline April 28, 2025; payments still on hold as of September 2026): up to 60% of the vehicle’s Black Book value for total loss, up to $3,375 or 33% of Black Book value (whichever is greater) for damage, up to $375 for an insurance deductible or premium increase, up to $250 for other theft expenses, up to $300 for anti-theft device reimbursement (ineligible-for-upgrade vehicles), $50 for pre-upgrade steering-wheel-lock purchases, or $250 for lost income / childcare obtaining the software upgrade. All amounts are caps and require documentation.
ℹ️ Two distinct settlements. The $145M consumer class action accepted claims through April 28, 2025 (now closed; as of September 2026 payments are still on hold because appeals are unresolved). The $4.5M multistate AG settlement is ACTIVE for qualifying thefts that occurred on or after April 29, 2025 and before March 31, 2027 — file at the official multistate-AG claim site.
Your Case Details
Answer a few questions to see your estimated range.
Heavier use = larger share of distribution funds.
Estimated Per-Claimant Payout
$63 — $117
Class action distributions depend on how many people claim. The fewer claimants per fund, the higher each payout. This estimate uses average claim rates.
Editorially Reviewed — Content reviewed for accuracy using published legal research, government data, and verified court records. See our methodology
Reviewed by Leonard Goldberg, Editor
The Hyundai/Kia TikTok-Challenge Theft Settlements — What Happened
🔔 September 2026 update — a NEW claims program is OPEN (deadline March 31, 2027): The original $145M class settlement closed for claims on April 28, 2025. But in December 2025, a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general announced the separate Hyundai/Kia Multistate Immobilizer Settlement, covering thefts and theft attempts on or after April 29, 2025 — for owners who had the anti-theft software upgrade installed (or an appointment scheduled) at the time. Reimbursement: up to $4,500 (total loss), $2,250 (partial loss), $375 (theft-attempt expenses). ⚠️ The consumer fund is capped at $4.5M and pays on a rolling basis until the fund is exhausted — file early. Check your VIN and file at the official portal: hkmultistateimmobilizersettlement.com · Kia hotline 1-844-655-4191, Hyundai 1-877-409-4173. Also schedule the free zinc-sleeve ignition protector at your dealer — but note: once installed, FUTURE incidents are no longer claimable (past ones stay claimable until the deadline).
Theft rates exploded in many US cities; insurance carriers refused to write new policies on the affected models in some markets. In May 2023, Hyundai Motor America and Kia America reached a consumer class action settlement — valued by class counsel at more than $200 million; the court-approved Common Fund for out-of-pocket losses is at least $80 million and up to $145 million — in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (In re Kia Hyundai Vehicle Theft Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, No. 8:22-ml-03052-JVS). The court granted final approval on October 1, 2024, and class members had until April 28, 2025 to submit reimbursement claims — that window is closed.
Separately, in December 2025, Hyundai and Kia reached a multistate Attorney General settlement with a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general (led by Connecticut, Minnesota and New Hampshire) that includes up to $4.5 million in restitution for consumers. This newer settlement covers thefts occurring on or after April 29, 2025 and before March 31, 2027 (or before a free zinc sleeve is installed on the vehicle) — explicitly aimed at owners who installed the anti-theft software (or had it scheduled) but were still victimized. The official claim site named in the attorneys general’s press releases is hkmultistateimmobilizersettlement.com.
Example Eligibility Profiles
Match your situation to one of these scenarios.
Profile 1 — 2019 Kia Sportage Stolen 2023
Owned a 2019 Kia Sportage (no push-button start). Vehicle stolen via TikTok USB-cable method in summer 2023. Insurance paid $14,000; deductible $1,000.
Eligible under the $145M Consumer Class Action. Could claim the part of the loss the $14,000 insurance payment did not cover (Black Book value minus insurance payment), capped at 60% of the vehicle’s Black Book value, plus up to $375 toward the $1,000 deductible. Claim deadline passed April 28, 2025 — if not filed by then, cannot recover here.
Check if this is your situation →Profile 2 — Theft After Software Upgrade (April 2025+)
Owned a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. Got the free software upgrade in March 2024. Despite upgrade, vehicle was successfully stolen in November 2025.
Eligible under the $4.5M Multistate AG Settlement. Claim up to $4,500 for Total Loss, provided proof of upgrade (or a scheduled upgrade appointment) + theft on or after April 29, 2025 and before any zinc-sleeve installation. Window open through March 31, 2027.
Check if this is your situation →Profile 3 — Steering Wheel Lock Purchased Before Upgrade
Owned a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. Bought a $40 steering wheel lock in late 2022 after seeing TikTok videos. Got the software upgrade in early 2024.
Eligible under the Consumer Class Action for a steering-wheel-lock reimbursement of up to $50 — here the $40 purchase price (purchase 30+ days before software upgrade made available). Deadline passed April 28, 2025.
Check if this is your situation →Profile 4 — Vehicle Ineligible for Software Upgrade
Owned a 2012 Kia Soul that the dealership confirmed cannot accommodate the software upgrade. Bought a $260 aftermarket alarm + steering lock.
Eligible for up to $300 reimbursement per Class Vehicle for anti-theft device purchases — Consumer Class Action only. Deadline closed April 28, 2025.
Check if this is your situation →Profile 5 — 2024 Hyundai Sonata Owner, No Theft
Bought a brand-new 2024 Hyundai Sonata. Never experienced theft.
Not eligible. 2023+ model years ship with engine immobilizers and are excluded from both settlements.
Check if this is your situation →Current Settlement Status (September 2026)
Snapshot of where each of the two settlements stands.
Sources: kiatheftsettlement.com and hyundaitheftsettlement.com (consumer class settlement admin Angeion), hkmultistateimmobilizersettlement.com (multistate claim site), state-AG press releases (Illinois, D.C., New Jersey, Vermont, et al.), federal court docket Central District of California (No. 8:22-ml-03052) incl. Ninth Circuit rulings, Class Counsel Hagens Berman’s case updates.
Eligibility — Which Settlement Applies to You
Match your situation to the right settlement:
- $145M Consumer Class Action (claims closed April 28, 2025): You owned or leased a 2011–2022 Hyundai or Kia vehicle without push-button ignition and without an engine immobilizer. You experienced a Qualifying Theft, Attempted Theft, or were eligible for the free software upgrade. Affected models include Kia Sportage, Forte, Optima, Soul, Rio, Sedona; Hyundai Elantra, Sonata, Tucson, Santa Fe, Accent, Veloster, Kona, and others. Vehicles bought or leased in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam are included in this class; they were treated as not eligible for the software upgrade.
- $4.5M Multistate AG Settlement (covers incidents on or after April 29, 2025; claims until March 31, 2027): 2011–2022 Hyundai/Kia vehicles without a factory engine immobilizer that are eligible for the software upgrade; the theft or attempted theft must have occurred on or after April 29, 2025 and before March 31, 2027 (or before the zinc-sleeve install date). The AG settlement specifically covers owners who already had the anti-theft software installed (or had it scheduled) but were still stolen from.
Excluded: 2023+ model-year vehicles (both settlements cover model years 2011–2022 only).
$145M Consumer Class vs $4.5M Multistate AG — Don’t Confuse Them
Both involve Hyundai/Kia. Different claim windows, different theft-date eligibility, different claim websites.
| $145M Consumer Class | $4.5M Multistate AG | |
|---|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Owners/lessees of affected 2011–2022 Hyundai/Kia vehicles | Software-upgrade-eligible 2011–2022 Hyundai/Kia vehicles — post-upgrade theft victims (on or after April 29, 2025) |
| Fund size | $80M–$145M Common Fund (size depends on approved claims) | $4.5M cap (multistate AG) |
| Distribution status | Claims closed April 28, 2025; payments frozen pending appeal resolution — official payment date: TBD | Active through March 31, 2027 |
| Defendants | Hyundai Motor America + Kia America (consumer class) | Same — but multistate AG-led |
| Filing deadline / window | Claim deadline April 28, 2025 — PASSED | Theft must be on or after April 29, 2025 and before March 31, 2027 |
| Where to claim | kiatheftsettlement.com (Kia) / hyundaitheftsettlement.com (Hyundai) | hkmultistateimmobilizersettlement.com (named in the state-AG press releases) |
Reimbursement Amounts by Loss Type
The two settlements use different reimbursement rules. You can only recover under one settlement for a given theft incident; the multistate AG settlement is specifically for newer incidents not covered by the closed consumer class action.
- Multistate AG settlement (claims open until March 31, 2027): up to $4,500 for a total loss, up to $2,250 for a partial loss, up to $375 for reasonable expenses from a theft attempt. Paid on a rolling basis until the $4.5M fund is exhausted.
- Consumer class action — total loss (vehicle stolen and not recovered, or totaled): up to 60% of the vehicle’s Black Book value.
- Consumer class action — damage to the vehicle and/or stolen or damaged personal property: up to $3,375 or 33% of Black Book value, whichever is greater, per incident.
- Consumer class action — insurance deductible / premium increase: up to $375 per incident; other theft expenses (rental, towing, tickets): up to $250 per incident.
- Anti-theft device reimbursement: up to $300 for steering wheel lock / glass-break alarm / similar (consumer class action, for vehicles ineligible for software upgrade); $50 for steering-wheel-lock-only (vehicles eligible for upgrade, purchase 30+ days before upgrade made available).
- Lost income / childcare obtaining software upgrade: up to $250 per Class Vehicle (consumer class action).
Consumer class action theft-loss and upgrade-expense claims are paid from the $80M–$145M Common Fund and can be reduced pro rata if approved claims exceed the fund. The $300 and $50 anti-theft device reimbursements are paid by Hyundai and Kia separately from the Common Fund and are not subject to an aggregate cap.
| Loss Type | Mechanism | Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Total Loss (vehicle stolen / totaled) | Multistate settlement: fixed cap per qualifying claim | Up to $4,500 |
| Partial Loss (recovered with damage) | Multistate settlement: fixed cap per qualifying claim | Up to $2,250 |
| Attempted Theft (vehicle not taken) | Multistate settlement: fixed cap per qualifying claim | Up to $375 |
Hyundai/Kia Theft Settlement Timeline
- 1
2011–2022: Affected Vehicles Manufactured Without Engine Immobilizers
Hyundai and Kia ship millions of vehicles across model years 2011–2022 without engine immobilizers — a standard anti-theft component on virtually every other manufacturer’s lineup. Includes Kia Sportage, Forte, Optima, Soul, Rio, Sedona; Hyundai Elantra, Sonata, Tucson, Santa Fe, Accent, Veloster, Kona, and others.
- 2
2022: TikTok Challenge Goes Viral
Videos demonstrating the USB-cable theft method spread across TikTok and other social platforms. Theft rates for affected Hyundai/Kia models spike dramatically in many US cities; some insurers refuse to write new policies on these models.
- 3
Early 2023: Free Software Upgrade Released
Hyundai and Kia release a free software upgrade designed to prevent the USB-cable theft method on eligible vehicles (Campaign 993 and equivalents). Hyundai notifies majority of affected customers by May 2023; Kia notifies 3M+ owners by end of May 2023.
- 4
May 2023 + 2024: $145M Consumer Class Action Settlement
Hyundai and Kia agree to a class action settlement valued by class counsel at more than $200M; the amended settlement agreement sets a Common Fund of $80M to $145M (depending on approved claims). Court grants preliminary then final approval (October 1, 2024); opt-out / objection deadline May 3, 2024. Claim-filing deadline: April 28, 2025. In an April 2024 fee motion, Class Counsel reported claims filed to date of over $230 million and said the parties anticipated that the full $145M would be paid in valid claims.
- 5
December 2025: $4.5M Multistate AG Settlement
On December 16, 2025, a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general led by Connecticut, Minnesota and New Hampshire announced a settlement in which Hyundai and Kia agree to provide up to $4.5M in restitution to eligible consumers, pay $4.5M to the states for investigation costs, and offer free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors. Covers thefts on/after April 29, 2025 and before March 31, 2027 (or before zinc-sleeve install). Caps: $4,500 total / $2,250 partial / $375 attempted — different from the consumer class action’s Black Book-based amounts. Claim deadline: March 31, 2027.
Why This Case Matters
The Hyundai/Kia theft litigation is an auto-defect class action built around a theft method spread on social media — the settlement’s free software upgrade targets “a method of theft popularized on TikTok and other social media channels.” It was followed by a multistate AG settlement specifically aimed at theft incidents after the software upgrade. Related auto-defect / fleet-defect cases: Volkswagen Dieselgate, Takata Airbag MDL, GM Ignition Switch, Ford Power Steering.
Hyundai/Kia Theft Settlement Scams — What to Watch For
Auto-theft settlements with millions of affected vehicles attract heavy scam activity. These are the most common patterns reported.
⚠️ Fake “Get your Kia/Hyundai settlement payout” emails or texts
The Consumer Class Action is closed for new claims. Any email or text saying you have unclaimed Kia/Hyundai settlement money — especially one asking you to click a link — is a phishing attempt.
⚠️ Calls demanding SSN, full bank info, or VIN re-verification
The settlement administrator already has the info from your claim form. They will never cold-call you asking for SSN or full bank/routing numbers post-filing. Hang up and contact the administrator directly via kiatheftsettlement.com (Kia) or hyundaitheftsettlement.com (Hyundai).
⚠️ Advance-fee scams (“pay $X to release your check”)
Real settlements never charge recipients a fee to receive funds. Any such request is fraud.
⚠️ Bogus “software upgrade is fake” claim handlers
Some scammers tell owners the official free software upgrade is fake and they need a paid “real upgrade.” The official upgrade is free from any authorized Hyundai or Kia dealership; no third-party charge is required.
⚠️ Steering-wheel-lock “mandatory purchase” cold calls
Some scams cold-call Kia/Hyundai owners claiming they must buy a “mandatory” $100+ steering wheel lock to retain settlement eligibility. The consumer class settlement reimbursed steering wheel locks owners bought themselves (claim deadline April 28, 2025, now passed); there is no mandatory purchase requirement.
Hyundai/Kia Theft Settlement FAQs
I missed the April 28, 2025 deadline for the $145M class action — can I still file?
Generally no. The Consumer Class Action’s claim window has passed; the administrator’s FAQ says that sending in a Claim Form late “will be the same as doing nothing.” However, if your theft occurred on or after April 29, 2025, you may qualify under the separate $4.5M Multistate AG Settlement — that window remains open through March 31, 2027.
Which vehicles are eligible?
2011–2022 Hyundai and Kia models without push-button ignition and without an engine immobilizer. Common models include: Kia Sportage, Forte, Optima, Soul, Rio, Sedona; Hyundai Elantra, Sonata, Tucson, Santa Fe, Accent, Veloster, Kona, and others. 2023+ models are excluded (engine immobilizers added). Vehicles in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam are not eligible for the software upgrade.
How much will I actually get?
It depends on which settlement applies. Multistate AG settlement (open until March 31, 2027): up to $4,500 for total loss, $2,250 for partial loss, $375 for attempted-theft expenses. Closed consumer class action (payments still on hold as of September 2026): up to 60% of Black Book value for total loss, up to $3,375 or 33% of Black Book value (whichever is greater) for damage, up to $375 for an insurance deductible or premium increase, up to $250 for other theft expenses, $300 for anti-theft device reimbursement (ineligible-for-upgrade vehicles), $50 for pre-upgrade steering-wheel-lock purchases, or $250 for lost income / childcare obtaining the software upgrade. All amounts are caps and require documentation.
I had the software upgrade and was still stolen — what now?
If your theft (or attempted theft) occurred on or after April 29, 2025, you may file under the $4.5M Multistate AG Settlement through March 31, 2027. Caps: up to $4,500 (total loss), $2,250 (partial loss) or $375 (attempted-theft expenses); the incident must also have happened before any zinc-sleeve installation on your vehicle. Provide proof of vehicle ownership, proof of upgrade install date (or of a scheduled upgrade appointment), and proof of qualifying theft.
Is the free software upgrade really free?
Yes. Hyundai and Kia provide it at no cost through authorized dealerships. Any third-party charging you for the “real” upgrade or a “mandatory” paid upgrade is a scam.
What if my vehicle isn’t eligible for the software upgrade?
Some models cannot accommodate the upgrade — per the settlement notices, for example certain 2011–2021 Kia Soul and Rio, 2011–2015 Kia Forte and 2011–2017 Hyundai Accent vehicles. Under the Consumer Class Action you were eligible for up to $300 reimbursement for purchase / installation of a steering wheel lock, glass-breakage alarm, or similar aftermarket anti-theft device — provided you filed by April 28, 2025.
Is the settlement payout taxable?
Reimbursement of out-of-pocket theft loss (vehicle damage, insurance gap) is generally not taxable when treated as a return of damaged value. Increased-insurance-premium portions or lost-income reimbursements may be ordinary income. Not tax advice — consult a tax professional.
How do I find the official settlement website?
The Consumer Class Action administrator (Angeion) runs kiatheftsettlement.com for Kia vehicles and hyundaitheftsettlement.com for Hyundai vehicles. The Multistate AG settlement’s claim site, named in the participating attorneys general’s press releases (the coalition was led by Connecticut, Minnesota and New Hampshire), is hkmultistateimmobilizersettlement.com — verify via your state AG’s press release page and avoid any unrelated lookalike domain.
What is the Kia theft settlement payout date?
There is no single payout date, because two separate settlements are involved and they run on different clocks. The consumer class action ($145M Common Fund) closed to claims on April 28, 2025; as of September 2026 its administrator lists payment issuance as “TBD” and says payments cannot be made until the appeals are resolved — Class Counsel reports that an objector’s request for U.S. Supreme Court review is pending. The multistate attorney-general settlement is a different track with its own schedule and its own eligibility, and it is the one still active; its FAQ says any reimbursement will be issued within 90 days of your final determination notice. Check the status against the official administrator for the specific settlement you filed under; any site quoting one universal Kia payout date for 2026 is guessing.
What’s Still Uncertain
Whether additional AG follow-on settlements will emerge for thefts beyond March 31, 2027 depends on theft-pattern trends and AG priorities. Individual claim approvals depend on documentation strength — police reports, insurance records, repair receipts, etc. The consumer class Common Fund is capped at $145M; in an April 2024 fee motion Class Counsel reported claims filed to date of over $230 million, and the settlement agreement provides for pro-rata reductions if approved claims exceed the fund. The $4.5M multistate AG fund pays on a rolling basis until it is exhausted — once it runs out, no further claims are paid. Track the latest at kiatheftsettlement.com / hyundaitheftsettlement.com, hkmultistateimmobilizersettlement.com and your state AG’s consumer-protection page.
Related Class Actions
Latest on This Case
What changed most recently — approvals, payment dates, deadlines, and the questions people keep asking.