Kia and Hyundai settle for $200M over viral car theft challenge.
Kia and Hyundai will pay $200 million in a class-action lawsuit settlement to compensate roughly 9 million people for their losses after a 2022 social media trend revealed how relatively simple it was to steal certain models. Many Kias made between 2011-2021, and Hyundais from 2015-2021, lacked electronic engine immobilizers, which would prevent a car from starting unless an electronically matched key was present. Customers whose cars were totaled are eligible for up to $6,125, while damaged vehicles and property can receive a maximum of $3,375, along with costs for raised insurance, car rental, towing, tickets, and others.
