Questions and answers

Who runs this site?

Affected owners, starting with one whose EV6 was stolen twice in three weeks. Nobody is paid. We are not solicitors, not a claims company, and not connected to Kia, Hyundai or any dealer.

Does it cost anything?

No. We will never ask you for money. If a law firm takes on a group claim, it will set out its own terms, usually no-win-no-fee, and joining will be your decision.

My car is a Hyundai, not a Kia. Can I register?

Yes. The Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 share the same platform and the same weakness.

My car has not been stolen. Should I register?

Yes, if it is an affected model built before Kia’s change. You are paying for this weakness whether or not a thief has found your car yet: in resale value, in insurance premiums or refused cover, in locks, immobilisers and trackers, and in where you can safely park. A group claim about what these cars are worth needs every owner, not only those who have lost a car. Register under “Not stolen, but affected” and say what it has cost you.

My car was recovered. Is it still worth registering?

Yes. Recovered cars often come back damaged, stripped or with systems disabled, and the owner still has a car that can be stolen again. Every case counts towards the numbers.

I bought my car new. Does that matter?

No. Register either way. Whether a car was bought new or used, and from whom, affects which legal arguments apply, which is why we ask.

I have already claimed on insurance. Can I still register?

Yes. An insurance payout does not cover everything, and your experience is still evidence of the scale of the problem.

Isn’t this covered by Kia’s seven-year warranty?

Kia’s warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship: a part that fails to work as it was designed to. Kia’s position is that the keyless system on affected cars works exactly as designed, and that the problem is a criminal tool that defeats that design. On that view there is nothing for the warranty to repair. Many owners find that hard to accept when Hyundai has offered a £49 fix for the same weakness on the same platform. We think every owner should ask Kia in writing to address the vulnerability under warranty, and keep the reply. If Kia refuses, that refusal is evidence, and we ask about it on the form.

Will Kia or the dealer find out I registered?

Not from us. Your details go nowhere unless you tick the box allowing them to be passed to a law firm, and we will tell you which firm before anything is sent.

What should I do about my car in the meantime?

Keep it off the street if you can. Use a physical steering lock and consider an aftermarket immobiliser. Keep your key in a Faraday pouch anyway, as it protects against other methods. Report every theft or attempt to the police and get a crime reference.

Is there a deadline?

Not for registering. There are time limits for bringing legal claims, generally six years from the date of purchase for contract claims, but that is a matter for a solicitor and will depend on your circumstances.

How will I hear from you?

By email, and only when there is something to say. We will not send newsletters.

Can I help?

Yes. Share the site with other owners, post it in owners’ groups and forums, and if you are willing to speak to a journalist, tick the box on the form.