In an unexpected twist, a California federal judge paused on Tuesday before green-lighting a whopping $145 million settlement over claims that Kia and Hyundai churned out vehicles practically begging to be stolen. Judge James V. Selna likened the proposed deal to a car with a questionable engine — it looks good, but does it really work?
The Core of the Dispute
In the sprawling legal battlefield of Santa Ana federal court, consumers spearheaded a class-action charge. Their aim? To reclaim damages for a surge in stolen Kia and Hyundai cars, some aging back to 2011. Imagine a decade of vehicles, tempting to thieves like honey to bears, and you’re on the right track.
The $145 million carrot dangles, promising cash payments for those who had their wallets pinched due to theft. And for the techies, a software update pledged to plug the theft-attracting void. Those left in the tech dust, with incompatible car models, get up to $300. Enough for a steering wheel lock or an alarm. But the judge wonders: is it really enough to compare a vintage 2011 model with its 2022 cousin?
