Hyundai Engine Immobilizer Lawsuit (Oct 2024 Update)

Car Owners File Class Action Lawsuits Over Hyundai, Kia Thefts

In a recent class-action lawsuit filed in federal court in Minnesota, a man claims that certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles were "defectively designed" without engine immobilizers, electronic devices meant to prevent theft by hot-wiring. This defect allows thieves to start the car by stripping the ignition column and inserting a USB drive, knife, or other small tools, according to Lead Plaintiff Steve Zanmiller, who previously owned a 2020 Kia Sportage.

Compounding the problem is the fact that some of the class vehicles' windows are not properly connected to their security systems, allowing the windows to be broken without triggering alarms, Zanmiller stated in the complaint.

Numerous other similar class action lawsuits have recently been filed against Hyundai and Kia (which are both owned by Hyundai Motor Company) in courts across the U.S. over their vehicles' lack of an engine immobilizer, including a two-plaintiff class-action suit in Iowa, a class-action in Wisconsin, and two class-action suits centering Ohio theft victims.

Class members assert claims including violation of consumer laws, breach of warranty, and unjust enrichment. They seek remedies including damages and an order preventing Defendants from selling the defective class vehicles and ordering them to fix or replace them.

Which Vehicles are Affected?

It’s still unclear exactly how long Hyundai and Kia have made vehicles without immobilizers; however, the proposed class action seeks to include owners of 2011-2021 Kias (models Optima, Soul, Sorento, Forte, and Sportage) and all 2016-2021 Hyundai vehicles that use a steel key, not a fob and push-button start.

Related Article: Kia Engine Immobilizer Lawsuit

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How Does an Engine Immobilizer Work?

The engine immobilizer is an anti theft device called an immobilizer system, which is built into the engine's electronic control unit (ECU).

The device prevents the engine from starting without using the vehicle's authorized key. Instead, the immobilizer uses a unique digitally coded key or a Smart Key fob that contains a transponder chip. It stores the electronic security code or the vehicle's password.

Why Were the Hyundai & Kia Vehicles Sold Without Engine Immobilizers?

The class action lawsuits against Hyundai allege that the company intentionally manufactured Kia and Hyundai vehicles without engine immobilizers in order to save money. The anti-theft device called an immobilizer should be standard equipment in all modern vehicles, the suits contend.

How Do I Know if My Car Has an Immobilizer?

There are a few things that can assist you in figuring out whether your Hyundai or Kia vehicle has an immobilizer or not. First, you can read your car's handbook to see if it has a factory-installed immobilizer. This manual should contain all the information on your vehicle, including whether or not it is equipped with an immobilizer.

If you purchased a used vehicle, it's possible that the immobilizer was disabled or removed by a former owner. If, on the other hand, your automobile is used, the previous owner may have installed a new or replacement immobilizer. So, even if the manufacturer didn't install it, the car could still contain an immobilizer.

Progressive Won't Insure Some Hyundais, Kias Because They're Easy to Steal

Due to the large number of Hyundai and Kia thefts, the Progressive Corporation has declined to offer coverage to customers who own vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers. Customers who request a quote are told that based on the vehicle information they provided, Progressive cannot offer a policy at that time.

What Should I Do if I Own a Defective Hyundai or Kia?

Beginning in October 2022, Hyundai customers who want to protect their vehicle may purchase a specialized security kit that targets the method of entry thieves are using, Hyundai said in a statement. Alternatively, Hyundai has started offering a software upgrade to improve the security of affected vehicles.

Kia says it is not offering a security kit at this time. If you own one of the affected Kia vehicles, you may want to consider purchasing a steering wheel lock or "Club" device to protect your car.

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FAQs

Who can file a claim in the Hyundai Engine Immobilizer lawsuit?

Owners or lessees of Kia and Hyundai vehicles who experienced theft or financial losses due to the lack of an engine immobilizer in their vehicle may be eligible to file valid and timely claims.

What compensation might plaintiffs receive in the Hyundai Engine Immobilizer lawsuit?

Class members may be entitled to compensation for vehicle damage, replacement costs, increased insurance premiums, and other financial losses resulting from the theft or vulnerability of their class vehicles. This could be part of a proposed settlement.

Which Hyundai models are affected by the engine immobilizer defect?

Several Hyundai models, including some Elantra, Sonata, and Santa Fe vehicles, may be affected by the lack of an engine immobilizer, making them more susceptible to theft. You can check specific models through Hyundai or recall notices.

Has Hyundai issued any recalls related to engine immobilizers?

While Hyundai has not issued a formal recall for all models, the company has taken steps to address the issue by offering software upgrades or security fixes for affected vehicles to reduce theft risk.

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