Hyundai and Kia to repair millions of vehicles to enhance anti-theft technology.

In a significant settlement reached on Tuesday, automakers Hyundai and Kia will provide free repairs to millions of vehicles within the United States. This decision comes after a collective effort by Minnesota’s Attorney General, Keith Ellison, along with 34 other states, which contended that these vehicles lacked essential anti-theft technology, thus rendering them susceptible to theft.

Under the new settlement agreement, Hyundai and Kia will offer complimentary repairs for all affected vehicles, which could carry a financial burden surpassing 0 million, according to Attorney General Ellison. Additionally, the manufacturers are required to incorporate a crucial security feature called an engine immobilizer in all future models sold in the U.S. They will also allocate up to .5 million in restitution for individuals whose vehicles sustained damage due to theft.

The states involved in this settlement include notable jurisdictions such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, California, and New York. The range of eligible vehicles stretches from those manufactured in 2011 to models as recent as 2022, amounting to an estimated nine million vehicles across the country.

A notable contributor to the surge in thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles stems from social media platforms like TikTok, where instructional videos revealed how to steal these cars using a screwdriver and a USB cable. In Minneapolis, the figures are particularly alarming, showcasing an 836% increase in thefts from 2021 to 2022. In response to this surge, Ellison initiated an investigation into the automakers in early 2023.

Ellison has pointed out that while Hyundai and Kia equipped their vehicles in markets like Canada and Mexico with engine immobilizers, they failed to do so in the U.S. This oversight has led to a dramatic rise in car thefts, contributing to various crimes and accidents that have resulted in injuries and fatalities, including among teenagers.

In the settlement, both Hyundai and Kia have committed to installing a protective zinc sleeve designed to prevent thieves from compromising the ignition cylinder and starting the vehicle. Customers eligible for these repairs must act within one year of notification from the companies and can expect to access repairs beginning in early 2026 through early 2027.

In a statement regarding the agreement, Kia expressed its dedication to helping customers and mitigating theft incidents. However, both companies emphasized their commitment to enhancing vehicle security and actively combating the growing trend of car theft, which has been notably incited by social media channels.

The resolution marks a critical step in addressing the pressing issue of automotive theft and enhancing consumer trust in Hyundai and Kia vehicles, signaling a move towards better security features and accountability in the automotive industry.