Oakland Mayor Thao and City Attorney Parker urge affected Oaklanders to file claims for compensation ahead of March 31, 2025 deadline 

Contact: mediainquiries@oaklandcityattorney.org

Oakland, Calif. – Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and City Attorney Barbara J. Parker are urging Oakland consumers who bought or leased certain model-year 2011 to 2022 Kia or Hyundai vehicles with traditional turn-key ignition systems to file a claim to receive compensation for their losses from a recently approved class action settlement. Until March 31, 2025, Kia owners can file a claim for compensation here; Hyundai owners can file a claim here. Kia and Hyundai owners also can take their car to their local dealership to get the free anti-theft software upgrade. 

Carmakers Kia and Hyundai settled a class-action lawsuit with consumers, which is valued at over $200 million, over a fault in many of their cars that makes it easy to steal them. Affected vehicles include some 2011 to 2022 Kia and Hyundai models with traditional turn-key ignition systems. Because these vehicles were not equipped with an engine immobilizer, it was possible for thieves to steal the cars using only a screwdriver and a USB cord. The lawsuit was spurred by a wave of auto thefts starting in 2021 that were fueled by social media posts showing how to steal these car models. Many Kia and Hyundai cars were stolen or broken into in Oakland as part of this rash of thefts. 

“People deserve to be compensated for direct losses and related expenses they may have experienced due to this fault in manufacturing,” said Mayor Sheng Thao. “We want to make sure people are aware they have options and a chance to file a claim.” 

People who owned or leased eligible models may receive the free anti-theft software upgrade and compensation provided by the settlement terms, which were granted final approval in federal court on October 1, 2024.

Oakland City Attorney Barbara J. Parker noted, “Per the terms of the settlement, eligible owners and lessees  must file a claim to receive the compensation they are entitled to no later than March 31, 2025. I urge every Oaklander who might be eligible to file a claim before the deadline  I am hopeful that this public service announcement will alert eligible owners and lessees so they can receive the compensation and free anti-theft software upgrades they are entitled to under the settlement.”

Eligible car owners should have received notification in the mail or by email with information about how to submit a claim. Car owners can also check the Kia or Hyundai websites for information about eligibility and claim submission information.

• All eligible cars can receive a free anti-theft software update simply by bringing their car to a Hyundai or Kia dealership.
• Cars that are not compatible with the software update are eligible for up to $300 to cover other anti-theft devices.
• If a car was stolen or broken into, owners may be eligible for compensation of up to several thousand dollars in reimbursements for costs for loss or damage to their car, stolen personal property, insurance deductibles and premiums, and transportation, towing, lost income, childcare, and other related expenses. 

All eligible car owners and lessees should submit a claim for compensation before the deadline andcontact their local Kia or Hyundai dealership to receive FREE software updates with the anti-theft protections.

For more information, see the consumer settlement website.