Motor vehicle theft and an update on litigation involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles

Last month, a federal judge granted preliminary approval to an amended settlement agreement with Hyundai and Kia in the class action suit covering about 9 million Hyundai and Kia vehicles. Cars made in 2011-2022 are not equipped with push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices, which allows them to be easily stolen. The proposed settlement would provide cash compensation to customers who suffered theft-related losses or damage not covered by insurance and a software upgrade to eligible owners or a reimbursement for anti-theft devices. Notice to Hyundai and Kia owner class members will begin in March of 2024, with settlement payments likely to begin in mid to late summer 2024.

There are several active cases against Hyundai and Kia, including one brought by the City of Seattle.

In March of this year, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson joined 22 state’s attorney generals demanding that Hyundai and Kia institute measures to make their cars harder to steal and asking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to recall the vehicles.

Motor vehicle theft is on the rise in Washington, with 49,642 reported stolen cars in Washington in 2022 alone.

Source: FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS)

Want more on auto theft in Washington? Check out Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority resources.