Hyundai / Kia Immobilizer Theft Settlement

You may qualify if you own or lease a covered 2011–2022 Hyundai or Kia that was not factory-equipped with an engine immobilizer — and, critically, your vehicle must already have had the free anti-theft Software Upgrade installed, or you must be able to show you had an appointment booked for it, at the time of the theft. The qualifying theft or attempted theft must have happened on or after April 29, 2025 and before the earlier of your zinc-sleeve installation or March 31, 2027. The settlement was reached with a coalition of state attorneys general led by Connecticut, Minnesota and New Hampshire; check the administrator's claim page to see whether your vehicle and state are covered before filing.

Eligible owners may request reimbursement of up to $4,500 for the total loss of a vehicle, up to $2,250 for a partial loss, or up to $375 for reasonable attempted-theft expenses. The consumer fund is limited and is paid out on a rolling basis as valid claims are approved — once it's exhausted, no further claims are paid regardless of the deadline.

A lawsuit alleged certain Hyundai and Kia models shipped without engine immobilizers, making them unusually easy to steal. Backed by a coalition of state attorneys general, the automakers funded a restitution program providing free security upgrades and theft-related reimbursement, without admitting wrongdoing.

You can file with the settlement administrator yourself, and it is free. The official settlement site is here.

Most people who may qualify for one settlement may qualify for others they have never heard of. Cashout checks the open settlements against a few questions, keeps the official filing page and the requirements for each match in one place, and reminds you before a deadline.