Hyundai and Kia to Repair Millions of Vehicles for Theft Issues
Automakers Hyundai and Kia will repair millions of vehicles across the United States as part of a settlement announced by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. This nationwide agreement addresses concerns that many of their models lack adequate anti-theft technology, leading to a significant rise in vehicle thefts.
Under the terms of the settlement, which involves 35 states, the companies are required to provide free repairs for all eligible vehicles, a cost that could exceed $500 million. The settlement also mandates that all future vehicles sold in the U.S. must be equipped with an engine immobilizer, a crucial anti-theft device. Additionally, Hyundai and Kia will pay up to $4.5 million in restitution to customers whose vehicles have been damaged by theft.
The eligible vehicles span models manufactured from 2011 through 2022, with an estimated 9 million vehicles sold nationwide. The thefts of Hyundai and Kia cars surged dramatically after videos demonstrating how to steal these vehicles using a screwdriver and a USB cable went viral on social media platforms, particularly TikTok. In Minneapolis alone, the theft rate of these vehicles escalated by 836% from 2021 to 2022.
Ellison initiated an investigation into the automakers in early 2023, highlighting the disparity in anti-theft measures between vehicles sold in the U.S. and those sold in Canada and Mexico, where engine immobilizers were more commonly installed. He emphasized the consequences of this oversight, stating, “This crisis that we’re talking about today started in a boardroom, traveled through the Internet and ended up in tragic results when somebody stole those cars.”
The announcement included statements from officials in the Twin Cities, as well as personal accounts from victims of car theft. One woman recounted the tragic loss of her mother when a stolen Kia crashed into her family’s vehicle. Another man shared his experience of having his car stolen nine times, including incidents following previous software fixes.
As part of the settlement, Hyundai and Kia will implement a zinc sleeve to prevent thieves from easily accessing the ignition cylinder and starting the vehicle. Eligible customers will have a one-year window from the companies’ notification to receive the repair at an authorized dealership. These repairs are expected to become available between early 2026 and early 2027.
In a statement, Kia expressed its commitment to enhancing vehicle security and collaborating with law enforcement to tackle the issue of car theft. The company stated, “Kia is eager to continue working with law enforcement officers and officials at federal, state, and local levels to combat criminal car theft, and the role social media has played in encouraging it, and we remain fully committed to upholding vehicle security.”
The response from Hyundai remains pending, as the company has not yet issued a comment regarding the settlement. The resolution aims to address the widespread concerns over vehicle thefts and improve safety measures for consumers across the country.
