Atlanta

Rise in Kia/Hyundai thefts comes at the same time as local woman’s class action lawsuit

By Courtney Francisco, WSB-TV
By Courtney Francisco, WSB-TV

ATLANTA — As Atlanta police continue to combat the high number of Kia and Hyundai thefts, one woman is also trying to sue the companies.

The number of Kia and Hyundai thefts in Atlanta this year has grown to nearly 900.

Anthony Crosby’s daughter was visiting home during her college spring break when her car was stolen in March.

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“It’s almost like a hobby or epidemic now,” Crosby said.

Crosby first spoke to WSB Tonight’s Courtney Francisco in April, when the theft count was 511 compared to 52 the year before.

In the last month and a half, thieves have stolen at least 375 more. A number Crosby said is going up by the hour.

“It just happened to someone else, maybe a couple hours ago, that posted on Nextdoor that their Hyundai was just stolen,” said Crosby.

The number is climbing so fast that Atlanta police held its third steering wheel lock giveaway event Friday.

At the same time, the car companies settled an Atlanta woman’s class action lawsuit.

Mary Horne’s attorneys said for 11 years, Kia and Hyundai knew they were selling cars without engine immobilizers that prevent you from taking off without the key.

The companies agreed to pay $200 million to theft victims like Crosby’s daughter, whose car was trashed and crashed.

“Car was totaled,” said Crosby. “She just graduated from college, got that behind her. So, she’s looking now for a new car now.”

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Families like his across the nation could more than $9,000 each for losses.

“We’re just trying to get some more information, do some research too, and see how this is actually going to work out,” said Crosby.

The settlement provides various benefits, outlined below:

  • This tier of payments includes compensation for a range of out-of-pocket damages, including total loss of vehicles up to $6,125, damage to the car and personal property up to $3,375, insurance-related expenses and other related expenses, including car rental, taxi costs, ride share costs or public transit payments not otherwise covered by insurance.
  • The settlement will also reimburse affected owners for towing costs, other fees, and taxes related to replacement vehicles if the affected car was lost or stolen.
  • The settlement also includes payments to those whose vehicles suffered crashes or were stolen and never recovered and coverage for speeding tickets, red light tickets or other penalties or fines incurred from a stolen vehicle.
  • Software Upgrades. At no cost, affected vehicle owners are eligible for a software upgrade to address the cars’ lack of an immobilizer effectively. The software is designed to prevent the vehicles from starting without the key.
  • Hyundai vehicles eligible for the software upgrade include 2018-2022 Accent, 2011-2022 Elantra, 2013-2020 Elantra GT, 2018-2022 Kona, 2013-2022 Santa Fe, 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, 2011-2019 Sonata, 2011-2022 Tucson, 2012-2017, 2019-2021 Veloster, 2020-2021 Venue, 2013-2014 Genesis Coupe and 2020-2021 Palisade.
  • Kia vehicles eligible for the software upgrade include 2011-2022 Kia Sportage, 2011-2022 Kia Sorento, 2021-2022 Kia K5, 2011-2021 Kia Sedona, 2014-2021 Kia Forte, 2012-2021 Kia Rio, 2021-2022 Kia Seltos, 2011-2020 Kia Optima and 2020-2022 Kia Soul.
  • Payments instead of Software Upgrades. Owners of models that cannot receive the software upgrade will be eligible for reimbursement of up to $300 for installing a glass breakage alarm or anti-theft system, purchasing a steering wheel lock, or other aftermarket modifications designed to deter or prevent theft.

To find out your rights for potential compensation, click here, and fill out the form on the right side of the page.

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