Kia, Hyundai Theft Deal Gets Favorable Reaction on Second Try

Kia, Hyundai, and drivers who allege the lack of security features made some 9 million cars unusually prone to theft got a favorable reaction from a judge on their renewed proposal for a class settlement, valued by the plaintiffs at $200 million.

Judge James V. Selna of the US District Court for the Central District of California said at a hearing Monday he is prepared to tentatively approve the deal, which includes a fund up to $145 million and software upgrades.

Drivers alleged certain 2011–2022 Kia and Hyundai models don’t have an engine immobilizer—an electronic security device that makes it ...