What the Hyundai settlement covers
Hyundai reached a settlement with owners of certain 2011–2019 vehicles over engine problems that could cause stalling, loss of power, or engine seizure. The settlement created a fund to compensate owners whose vehicles experienced these issues. The compensation depends on what happened to your vehicle: whether the engine failed completely, whether you had it repaired before the settlement was announced, and how many miles were on it when the problem occurred.
This is not a recall. A recall fixes a defect for free. This settlement pays money to people who already owned and experienced problems with these vehicles. The settlement covers specific Hyundai and Kia models with 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engines, though not every model year or engine size is included.
The settlement was reached in federal court and is administered by a claims administrator, not by Hyundai directly. You do not contact Hyundai to file a claim — you contact the administrator handling the case.
Key Takeaways
- The settlement pays owners of certain 2011–2019 Hyundai and Kia vehicles that experienced engine stalling, loss of power, or seizure.
- Payment amounts vary based on whether your engine failed completely, whether you paid for repairs yourself, and your vehicle's mileage at the time of the problem.
- You must have owned the vehicle when the engine problem occurred, and you must have documentation of the problem or repair.
- Claims are filed through the settlement administrator, not through Hyundai, and the important date to file is set by the court.
- Owners who had repairs done at a Hyundai dealer before the settlement was announced may receive reimbursement for those repairs.
Who can file a claim
You can file a claim if you owned a vehicle covered by the settlement when the engine problem happened. You do not have to own it now — if you sold it or traded it in after the problem occurred, you can still file. The vehicle must be one of the specific model years and engine sizes included in the settlement.
You will need to prove that the engine problem actually happened. This means you need documentation: a repair invoice from a Hyundai dealer, a diagnostic report, photos of the engine damage, or a police report if the vehicle stalled while you were driving. If you never had the vehicle serviced and straightforward stopped driving it because the engine failed, you will need some other form of evidence — a mechanic's inspection report, for example, or correspondence with Hyundai about the problem.
If you paid for repairs out of your own pocket at a Hyundai dealer, you are also a claimant. The settlement will reimburse you for those repairs, up to the full cost of the repair.
How much money you may receive
The settlement divides claimants into groups based on what happened to their vehicle. Owners whose engines failed completely and could not be repaired typically receive more than owners whose engines were repaired and continued to work. The amount also depends on your vehicle's mileage when the problem occurred — vehicles with lower mileage generally receive higher payments.
If you paid a Hyundai dealer to repair the engine problem, you may receive reimbursement for that repair cost instead of a flat payment. The reimbursement is capped at the actual amount you paid, up to a maximum set by the settlement.
The total settlement fund is fixed, which means the more claims filed, the smaller each individual payment becomes. The claims administrator will calculate your share based on how many valid claims are received. You will not know the exact dollar amount until claims are processed and the fund is divided.
How to file your claim
First, locate the settlement administrator's website or claims portal. The administrator's name and contact information should be in any notice you received from Hyundai or the court. If you did not receive a notice, you can search online for "Hyundai engine settlement claims" along with your vehicle's model year to find the current administrator.
Gather your documentation before you start. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), proof of ownership at the time the problem occurred (a title, registration, or bill of sale), and proof that the engine problem happened (repair invoices, diagnostic reports, or other evidence). If you are claiming reimbursement for repairs, bring the original repair invoice showing the date, cost, and what was repaired.
Submit your claim through the administrator's online portal or by mail, depending on what options they offer. Follow their instructions exactly — missing information or documents will delay your claim. Keep copies of everything you submit.
important date and what happens after you file
The court sets a important date for filing claims, and this important date has already passed for most Hyundai engine settlements. If you missed the original important date, you may still be able to file a late claim, but you will need to show good cause for the delay — for example, that you did not receive notice of the settlement. Contact the claims administrator to ask whether late claims are being accepted.
After you file, the administrator will review your claim to make sure you provided all required documents and that your vehicle is covered by the settlement. This review process typically takes several weeks to several months. If the administrator needs more information, they will contact you.
Once your claim is approved, you will receive payment by check or direct deposit, depending on the administrator's process. If your claim is denied, you will receive a written explanation of why. You may have the right to appeal a denial, though the process and important date for appeal vary by settlement.
If your claim is denied
A claim is usually denied because the vehicle is not covered by the settlement, the documentation does not prove an engine problem occurred, or the important date to file has passed with no exception granted. The denial letter will explain which reason applies to your claim.
If you believe the denial was wrong, read the appeal instructions in the denial letter carefully. You may be able to submit additional documentation or a written explanation of why you think your claim should be approved. The appeals process is handled by the administrator, not by the court, and you typically have 30 to 60 days to appeal.
Other vehicles in your household
If you own more than one vehicle covered by the settlement, you can file a separate claim for each one. Each claim is evaluated independently based on that vehicle's problem, repair history, and mileage. You will need separate documentation for each vehicle.
If someone else in your household owns a covered vehicle, they can file their own claim. The settlement does not limit the number of claims per household — only one claim per vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim if I already had the engine replaced under warranty?
Yes. If Hyundai replaced your engine for free under the warranty before the settlement was announced, you may still be able to file a claim. You will need documentation of the replacement, such as the warranty repair invoice. The settlement may compensate you even though Hyundai already paid for the repair.
What if I sold my car after the engine problem but before I heard about the settlement?
You can still file a claim. Ownership at the time the problem occurred is what matters, not current ownership. Bring your title or bill of sale showing you owned the vehicle when the engine failed, plus documentation of the engine problem.
Do I need a lawyer to file a claim?
No. The claims process is designed for owners to file on their own. You submit documents directly to the administrator. Some law firms advertise help with settlement claims, but you are not required to use one, and doing so may reduce your payment through attorney fees.
What if I never got a notice about the settlement?
Contact the claims administrator directly and ask about filing a late claim. Explain that you did not receive notice. The administrator can tell you whether you can still file and what documentation you will need to show why the delay was not your fault.
How long does it take to get paid after my claim is approved?
Payment typically arrives within 4 to 8 weeks after your claim is approved, though this varies by administrator. Some pay by check, which may take longer to arrive than direct deposit. The administrator's website should show estimated payment timelines.