UPDATE: Hyundai and Kia are set to repair millions of vehicles as part of a significant settlement announced by Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison on Tuesday. This urgent measure addresses rampant vehicle thefts linked to inadequate anti-theft technology, impacting approximately 9 million vehicles sold nationwide from 2011 to 2022.
The settlement, reached by 35 states, mandates that Hyundai and Kia provide free repairs, potentially costing the automakers over $500 million. In addition, they must install an essential anti-theft feature, the engine immobilizer, in all future models sold in the U.S. The companies will also pay up to $4.5 million in restitution to victims whose vehicles were stolen.
The urgency of this announcement cannot be overstated. Following viral TikTok videos demonstrating how to steal these vehicles using only a screwdriver and a USB cable, thefts surged dramatically. In Minneapolis, thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles skyrocketed by 836% from 2021 to 2022. Ellison stated that the automakers implemented engine immobilizers in vehicles sold in Mexico and Canada, but failed to do so widely in the U.S., leading to a crisis that has resulted in significant crimes and injuries.
“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,” Ellison said during a press conference, highlighting the human cost of this issue. He was joined by victims, including a woman whose mother was killed when a stolen Kia crashed into her parents’ vehicle, and a man who has experienced his car stolen nine times, even after previous software fixes.
As part of the settlement, Hyundai and Kia will install a zinc sleeve to prevent thieves from cracking open the ignition cylinder, providing a crucial layer of protection for vehicle owners. Eligible customers will have one year from the date of the companies’ notification to receive the repairs at authorized dealerships. The repairs are expected to be available from early 2026 through early 2027.
In response to the settlement, Kia expressed its commitment to enhancing vehicle security and working with law enforcement to combat the epidemic of car thefts exacerbated by social media. “Kia is eager to continue working with law enforcement officers and officials at federal, state, and local levels to combat criminal car theft,” the company stated.
This is a developing story as further details emerge. Vehicle owners are urged to stay informed about their eligibility for repairs and the timeline for these critical upgrades. The swift action taken by Hyundai and Kia aims to restore safety and peace of mind to millions of affected drivers.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation.
