What Is the Hyundai Lawsuit?
The Hyundai lawsuit is a set of separate cases against Hyundai Motor America and Hyundai Motor Company, not one case. The largest is MDL 3052, a federal multidistrict litigation over Hyundai and Kia vehicles built without engine immobilizers.
MDL 3052 sits in the Central District of California before Judge James V. Selna. The court sorted its cases into three tracks: consumer claims, insurance subrogation claims, and claims by governments.
Other Hyundai cases cover engine failure, electric vehicle charging units, and a dealership dispute. Each is a separate proceeding, and the sections below label which is which.
“In 2020, teenagers in Milwaukee calling themselves the ‘Kia Boyz’ on social media platforms popularized a method for stealing certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles in a matter of seconds. The affected vehicles lacked an engine immobilizer, an anti-theft device that prevents a car from starting without an authorized key.”
Source: In re: Kia Hyundai Vehicle Theft Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation: Insurance Subrogation Appeal, No. 24-5219 (9th Cir. Sept. 14, 2026), opinion by Judge Miller
Why Are People Filing Hyundai Lawsuits?
People are filing Hyundai lawsuits because they say certain Hyundai models left the factory without an engine immobilizer, which made them easy to steal. An engine immobilizer is a chip that stops an engine from starting without the matching key.
The Ninth Circuit's opinion says the insurers' complaint covers Hyundai and Kia models from model years 2011 to 2022. Plaintiffs allege the automakers reserved immobilizers for luxury trims while standard models sold in Canada had them.
Videos on social media then showed thieves starting these cars with a screwdriver and a USB cable. The same opinion says thefts of the affected vehicles skyrocketed nationwide.
Other Hyundai lawsuits rest on different defects. Plaintiffs in the engine cases allege premature engine failure, and plaintiffs in the electric vehicle cases allege sudden loss of power.
Hyundai and Kia said in 2024 that thieves, not the manufacturers, deserve the blame, according to CBS News.
What Injuries Are Included in the Hyundai Lawsuit?
The Hyundai lawsuit includes three distinct categories of injury: vehicle theft losses, engine failure and fire risk, and loss of drive power in electric vehicles. Each category belongs to a different case or group of cases.
No court has found Hyundai liable for any of these injuries in the consumer theft cases. The items below describe what plaintiffs allege.
Vehicle Theft and Attempted Theft
A vehicle theft loss is the financial cost of a stolen or damaged car, including the insurance deductible, higher premiums, and related expenses.
MDL 3052 plaintiffs allege Hyundai and Kia vehicles without immobilizers were far easier to steal. The consumer, insurer, and government tracks each seek recovery for theft losses.
Seattle's city attorney reported 2021 to 2022 theft increases of 363 percent for Kia and 503 percent for Hyundai vehicles, according to KOMO.
Engine Failure and Fire Risk
An engine failure claim alleges that internal engine parts can wear or break, which can stop a car suddenly and sometimes start a fire.
Two class actions alleged defects in Hyundai and Kia gasoline direct injection engines. One of them, Flaherty v. Hyundai Motor Co., No. 8:18-cv-02223, centers on connecting rod bearing failure.
Both engine cases settled. Cash claim windows have closed, while the extended warranties continue, according to Class Action Lists.
Loss of Drive Power in Electric Vehicles
The integrated charging control unit, or ICCU, is an electric vehicle part that charges the 12-volt battery, and its failure can reduce or cut drive power.
Two proposed class actions allege the ICCU in Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis electric vehicles can fail and cut power. Plaintiffs say Hyundai's March 2024 and November 2024 recalls did not fix the problem.
Neither case has a ruling on the merits, and no class has been certified.
Who Qualifies for the Hyundai Lawsuit?
You may qualify if:
- You own or lease a 2011 to 2022 Hyundai or Kia that had no factory engine immobilizer
- Your vehicle received the free anti-theft software upgrade or had an upgrade appointment scheduled
- A theft or attempted theft happened on or after April 29, 2025, and before your zinc sleeve installation or March 31, 2027
You may not qualify if:
- Your theft happened before April 29, 2025, since the multistate settlement covers only later incidents
- You expect to file in the $145 million class settlement, because its claim period closed on April 28, 2025
- Your vehicle came with a factory engine immobilizer
- You want to join the engine settlements for cash, because their claim windows have closed
Eligibility depends on your model year, trim, and incident date. Only the settlement administrator or a qualified attorney reviewing your records can confirm whether you qualify.
What Is the Current Status of the Hyundai Lawsuit?
The current status of the Hyundai lawsuit is that the consumer class settlement is approved but unpaid, the insurer case is back in district court, and newer cases are pending. Each proceeding below moves on its own schedule.
In re Kia Hyundai Vehicle Theft Litigation (MDL 3052)
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation counted 100 pending actions in MDL 3052 on October 1, 2026, out of 117 filed since centralization.
| Proceeding Type | Federal multidistrict litigation |
| Court | U.S. District Court, Central District of California |
| Case Number | 8:22-ml-03052-JVS-KES |
| Judge | James V. Selna (Senior District Judge) |
| Pending Actions | 100 of 117 total (Judicial Panel report, October 1, 2026) |
| Consumer Track | $145 million fund, final approval October 2024, claims closed April 28, 2025 |
| Insurer Track | Ninth Circuit revived claims against the Korean parent companies on September 14, 2026 |
The Ninth Circuit rejected two objectors' appeals of the consumer settlement on January 8, 2026. Hagens Berman reported that objector Donald Birner petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court on May 26, 2026.
Under the settlement agreement, payments follow resolution of that petition. No ruling on it appeared in the sources reviewed.
Multistate Attorneys General Settlement
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and 35 other attorneys general announced a settlement with Hyundai and Kia on December 16, 2025.
| Proceeding Type | State attorneys general settlement (not a class action) |
| Plaintiffs | 36 attorneys general, led by Connecticut, Minnesota, and New Hampshire |
| Defendants | Hyundai and Kia |
| Amount | $9 million ($4.5 million for consumers, $4.5 million for the states) |
| Covered Vehicles | 2011 to 2022 models without a factory engine immobilizer |
| Claim Deadline | March 31, 2027 |
| Admission of Fault | None; the automakers did not admit wrongdoing |
Hyundai and Kia also agreed to equip all future U.S. vehicles with industry-standard immobilizers. Claims are paid on a rolling basis, so a late claim may find the fund exhausted.
Electric Vehicle ICCU Cases
Hagens Berman filed Goldenkranz v. Hyundai Motor America in Seattle on September 23, 2026, after an earlier New Jersey filing.
| Proceeding Type | Proposed class actions (not an MDL) |
| Court | W.D. Washington (Goldenkranz) and D.N.J. (Young v. Hyundai Kefico) |
| Case Number | 2:26-cv-03581 (Goldenkranz) |
| Filed | September 23, 2026 (Goldenkranz); April 2026 (Young) |
| Defect | Integrated charging control unit failure |
| Current Stage | Early pleading stage; no class certified |
Is There a Hyundai Lawsuit Settlement?
Yes. Hyundai has several settlements, and the largest is a $145 million consumer fund in the Hyundai and Kia theft MDL.
Whether any person receives money depends on the case, the vehicle, the incident date, and each settlement's terms. The $145 million class claim period closed on April 28, 2025, so new claimants cannot join it.
The $9 million multistate settlement is still open. It pays up to $4,500 for a total loss, $2,250 for a partial loss, and $375 for an attempted theft, according to Top Class Actions.
The 2023 announcement valued the consumer package near $200 million, counting software upgrades. The approved cash fund is $145 million.
The Hyundai lawsuit payout date for the class fund depends on the objector's Supreme Court petition. No payment date had been announced in the sources reviewed.
Roughly 200 insurers seek more than $1 billion in the insurer track, according to a Los Angeles Times report cited by Yahoo Finance. That figure is a demand, not a settlement.
Hyundai Lawsuit Updates and Case Status
Hyundai lawsuit updates span several separate cases. As of October 2026, the Hyundai and Kia theft MDL has an approved consumer settlement, an open multistate settlement, and a revived insurer case. The timeline below lists every verified development.
Hyundai Lawsuit Timeline of Events
Judge Staton grants final approval of the Theta II engine settlement
Judge Josephine L. Staton approved the Hyundai and Kia Theta II GDI engine class settlement on May 10, 2021, according to Hagens Berman. The settlement carries a total value of about $1.3 billion.
Theft cases are centralized as MDL 3052
Federal courts centralized the Hyundai and Kia theft lawsuits as MDL 3052 in the Central District of California in 2022. Judge James V. Selna presides over the proceeding.
Hyundai and Kia announce a roughly $200 million consumer settlement
Hyundai Motor America and Kia America announced a class settlement on May 18, 2023, covering about 9 million vehicles without push-button ignitions or immobilizers. The package was valued near $200 million.
Judge Selna declines to approve the first settlement version
Judge Selna rejected the first proposed consumer settlement in the Hyundai and Kia theft MDL, citing reimbursement caps of $6,125 and $3,375 that ignored vehicle value, according to Bloomberg Law.
Engine II settlement receives final approval
Judge Staton granted final approval of the Engine II settlement on April 9, 2024, according to Hagens Berman. It extends coverage for connecting rod bearing failure to 15 years or 150,000 miles.
Court finally approves the $145 million theft class fund
Judge Selna granted final approval in October 2024 to a non-reversionary $145 million fund for owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles without immobilizers, over several objectors' arguments.
Hyundai issues recall 24V-868 for electric vehicle ICCU failures
Hyundai's November 2024 recall 24V-868 replaced an earlier March 2024 recall of the integrated charging control unit. Plaintiffs in later lawsuits say neither remedy fixed the problem.
Claim period closes in the $145 million class settlement
Owners could no longer file claims in the Hyundai and Kia theft class settlement after April 28, 2025, according to Class Action Lists.
Thirty-six attorneys general announce a $9 million settlement
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and 35 other attorneys general reached a settlement with Hyundai and Kia on December 16, 2025. It offers free ignition cylinder protectors and cash for qualifying thefts.
Ninth Circuit rejects both objectors' appeals of the class settlement
A Ninth Circuit panel upheld the $145 million consumer settlement on January 8, 2026, agreeing with Judge Selna that the objectors' arguments had already been addressed.
Pennsylvania judge sanctions Hyundai $9.78 million for destroying vehicles
A March 13, 2026 report described an Allegheny County, Pennsylvania order requiring Hyundai to pay $9,784,075 to dealerships Knight Motors and Doman Auto after it crushed recalled vehicles. A judge stayed the order and Hyundai appealed.
New Jersey plaintiffs file the first ICCU class action
Hayes Young and Roy Williams filed Young v. Hyundai Kefico in the District of New Jersey in April 2026, alleging the charging control unit recall repairs failed.
Objector petitions the U.S. Supreme Court
Objector Donald Birner, representing himself, petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court on May 26, 2026, to review approval of the $145 million Hyundai and Kia theft settlement. Payments wait on that petition.
Ninth Circuit revives insurers' claims against Hyundai Motor Company
A Ninth Circuit panel of Judges Wardlaw, Berzon, and Miller held on September 14, 2026 that Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation face personal jurisdiction in California. The district court must still decide whether that is reasonable.
Hagens Berman files Goldenkranz v. Hyundai Motor America
Hagens Berman filed a proposed ICCU class action in the Western District of Washington on September 23, 2026, as Case No. 2:26-cv-03581, covering Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis electric vehicles.
Judicial Panel reports 100 pending actions in MDL 3052
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation's October 1, 2026 report listed MDL 3052 with 100 pending actions and 117 total actions since centralization.
How to File a Hyundai Lawsuit
Below are the 6 steps involved in filing a Hyundai lawsuit.
- Confirm your model year and immobilizer status: Check that your 2011 to 2022 Hyundai had no factory engine immobilizer, using the vehicle list on the settlement website.
- Write down the date of the theft or attempt: The multistate settlement covers only incidents on or after April 29, 2025.
- Gather your records: Collect a police report, your insurer's total loss or partial loss letter, and receipts for your deductible and other costs.
- Book the free zinc sleeve: Schedule the free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector at a Hyundai dealer, since coverage ends once it is installed.
- Submit your claim before March 31, 2027: File at HKMultistateimmobilizersettlement.com under penalty of perjury, and file early because payments run on a rolling basis.
- Consult an attorney about other Hyundai cases: A lawyer can review whether an engine, electric vehicle, or insurance claim applies to you and what deadlines apply.
Answer a few questions to see if you can still file a claim. Claims deadline: March 31, 2027. Free, no obligation.
A case reviewer will follow up soon.
What Evidence Do You Need for a Hyundai Lawsuit Claim?
Evidence for a Hyundai lawsuit claim centers on proof of your vehicle, the incident date, and the loss you suffered. The settlement administrator reviews these records to decide whether a claim qualifies.
Useful records include your registration or title showing the model year, a police report, and your insurer's total loss or partial loss letter. Keep receipts for your deductible and any theft-related expenses.
Proof that you installed the software upgrade, or booked an appointment for it, also matters. For an engine or electric vehicle claim, keep repair orders and recall notices.
What Did Hyundai Allegedly Know About Its Vehicle Defects?
The insurers' complaint alleges Hyundai and Kia knew standard U.S. models lacked immobilizers that the same models carried in Canada. The Ninth Circuit's opinion describes that allegation as part of plaintiffs' theory.
Hyundai and Kia did not admit wrongdoing in the multistate settlement. The electric vehicle plaintiffs allege Hyundai knew of ICCU failures before its recalls.
| Event | Actor | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Standard U.S. models allegedly built without immobilizers sold abroad | Hyundai and Kia (alleged) | Per September 14, 2026 opinion |
| Consumer class settlement announced | Hyundai Motor America and Kia America | May 18, 2023 |
| ICCU recall 24V-868 replaces March 2024 recall | Hyundai | November 2024 |
| Multistate settlement announced | 36 attorneys general | December 16, 2025 |
These are allegations and public announcements, and no court has ruled on what Hyundai knew.
How Does the Hyundai Lawsuit Compare to Related Cases?
The Hyundai lawsuit differs from related Hyundai cases in defect, court, and claimant group. The theft MDL concerns missing immobilizers, while the engine, electric vehicle, and dealership cases concern unrelated conduct.
| Case | Court | Theory and status |
|---|---|---|
| MDL 3052 (theft) | C.D. Cal. | Missing immobilizers; consumer class settled, insurer case revived |
| Theta II GDI engine class action, No. 8:17-cv-00838 | C.D. Cal. | Engine failure; final approval May 10, 2021 |
| Flaherty v. Hyundai Motor Co., No. 8:18-cv-02223 | C.D. Cal. | Connecting rod bearing failure; final approval April 9, 2024 |
| Goldenkranz v. Hyundai Motor America, No. 2:26-cv-03581 | W.D. Wash. | ICCU power loss; filed September 23, 2026, pending |
| Young v. Hyundai Kefico | D.N.J. | ICCU power loss; filed April 2026, pending |
| Knight Motors dealership case | Allegheny County, Pa. | Evidence destruction; $9,784,075 sanction, on appeal |
Kia vehicles are covered by the same theft MDL, but the engine, electric vehicle, and dealership cases name Hyundai specifically. A shared brand name does not make two cases the same case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hyundai lawsuit about?
The Hyundai lawsuit is about several separate cases, led by a federal MDL over Hyundai and Kia vehicles built without engine immobilizers. Plaintiffs say the missing anti-theft chip made 2011 to 2022 models easy to steal.
Is the Hyundai lawsuit a class action or an MDL?
The Hyundai theft lawsuit is both a class action and an MDL. MDL 3052 centralized the cases in the Central District of California, and the consumer track settled as a class action.
Can I still join the Hyundai class action lawsuit?
You can no longer join the $145 million Hyundai class action settlement, because its claim period closed on April 28, 2025. The separate multistate settlement accepts claims until March 31, 2027 for thefts on or after April 29, 2025.
Is there a Hyundai lawsuit payout date?
No Hyundai lawsuit payout date has been announced for the $145 million class fund. Payments follow resolution of an objector's U.S. Supreme Court petition, filed May 26, 2026.
What is the Hyundai destroyed evidence lawsuit?
The Hyundai destroyed evidence lawsuit is a dealership dispute in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, not a consumer class action. A judge sanctioned Hyundai $9,784,075 for crushing recalled vehicles, and Hyundai has appealed.
Is there a Hyundai engine lawsuit?
Yes. Two Hyundai engine class actions settled, one approved in 2021 and one in 2024, and their extended warranties still apply to qualifying repairs. Cash claim windows for both have closed.
Is the Hyundai lawsuit the same as the Kia lawsuit?
The Hyundai lawsuit and the Kia lawsuit overlap in the theft MDL but are not identical. Hyundai Motor America and Kia America are defendants in the same MDL, while the engine and dealership cases differ by brand.