Owners of cars that lack immobilizing anti-theft devices have agreed to resolve a class action litigation with Hyundai and Kia. The agreement could be valued at approximately $200 million, depending on how many customers elect to participate. Owners of the vehicles, which do not have push-button ignitions, will receive cash compensation if they incurred theft-related vehicle losses or damage not covered by insurance, in addition to money for insurance deductibles, increased insurance premiums, and other theft-related losses.

"We appreciate the opportunity to provide additional support for our owners who have been impacted by increasing and persistent criminal activity targeting our vehicles," said Jason Erb, chief legal officer, Hyundai Motor North America. "Customer security remains a top priority, and we're committed to continuing software upgrade installations and steering wheel lock distribution to help prevent thefts and offering insurance options through AAA for those who have had difficulty securing and sustaining coverage."

John Yoon, chief legal officer, Kia America, said Kia is pleased that consumers will receive additional benefits through this settlement. "This agreement is the latest step in a series of important actions, in addition to providing a free security software upgrade and distributing over 65,000 steering wheel locks, that Kia has taken to help customers whose vehicles have been targeted by criminals using methods of theft popularized on social media,” he said.

As part of this settlement, the software upgrade will be automatically installed in conjunction with any service or maintenance appointment that brings the owner of an eligible vehicle into the dealership.

For the subset of customers whose vehicles cannot accommodate the software upgrade, the agreement will provide reimbursement up to $300 for the purchase of various anti-theft devices. Hyundai and Kia have also provided consumers with tens of thousands of free steering wheel locks, either through local law enforcement or through direct shipment to impacted owners.

The settlement includes approximately 9 million Hyundai and Kia vehicles.