Korean manufacturers Kia and Hyundai have good news for vehicle owners who have had to deal with issues in these cars. They are set to pay up to $145 million as compensation to people who meet the requirements. This will be a one-time payment of up to $3,375 for cars that were sold to buyers with safety defects. It’s important to note that the deadline to claim this payment is approaching. In this news, we explain where you can claim and how to know if you can be a beneficiary.
Which Kia and Hyundai cars are affected by a security system defect?
The affected cars are Hyundai and Kia models made before 2021. These vehicles were released with defects in their anti-theft security systems, leaving millions of drivers vulnerable to theft. Now, the Korean company will compensate these affected individuals with over $3,000. This wave of car thefts went viral when thieves realized how easy it was to steal these vehicles. Older models lacked an electronic immobilizer, which prevents a car from starting without the key.
These thieves became known as the “KIA boys” in the United States and even showcased their skills for stealing Kia and Hyundai cars on social media using a USB cable. This situation led car owners to incur increased insurance costs and material losses. For this reason, Kia and Hyundai will pay out $145 million to all affected owners of these cars.
Until when can I claim this money?
Please note that the deadline to make a claim is January 11, 2025, and after this date, it will no longer be possible to request the compensation. To complete this process, visit the Kia and Hyundai website, where you can check if your vehicle meets the requirements and submit your documents.
Both Kia and Hyundai have made efforts to prevent these issues from happening again. In recent years, they have improved the anti-theft systems in their latest models, equipping all new vehicles with electronic immobilizers and other protective features. Hyundai explained that its new models meet international security standards, including additional measures to make any theft attempt more difficult.
