Multi-state settlement addresses vehicle security failures
Hyundai and Kia will provide free anti-theft repairs to millions of vehicle owners under a nationwide settlement announced Tuesday by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. The agreement follows an investigation led by 35 states that concluded certain models lacked proper anti-theft technology, leaving them highly vulnerable to theft.
Repairs could exceed $500 million in cost
Under the settlement, the automakers will offer free repairs to all eligible vehicles, a move Ellison said could cost more than $500 million. In addition, Hyundai and Kia must ensure that all future vehicles sold in the United States are equipped with engine immobilizers, a key security feature long used in other markets.
The companies will also pay up to $4.5 million in restitution to consumers whose vehicles were damaged as a result of thefts linked to the security flaw.
Millions of vehicles affected
The settlement covers vehicles sold between 2011 and 2022, with roughly nine million eligible models sold nationwide. States involved in the agreement include New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, among others.
Social media fueled surge in thefts
Thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles spiked after 2021, when videos circulated on TikTok and other platforms showing how certain models could be stolen using basic tools such as a screwdriver and a USB cable. Minneapolis alone reported an 836 percent increase in Hyundai and Kia thefts from 2021 to 2022.
Consequences included injuries and deaths
Ellison said the automakers had installed engine immobilizers in vehicles sold in Canada and Mexico but not widely in the United States, a decision that contributed to crimes, crashes and fatalities. He described the situation as a chain reaction that began in corporate decision-making and ended in real-world tragedy.
At the announcement, Ellison was joined by local officials and victims, including a woman whose mother was killed in a crash involving a stolen Kia and a man whose vehicle has been stolen nine times, including multiple times after a prior software update.
Details of the repair program
Hyundai and Kia will install a zinc sleeve designed to prevent thieves from breaking open the ignition cylinder. Eligible owners will have one year from the date they receive notice to obtain the repair at an authorized dealership.
Repairs are expected to be available from early 2026 through early 2027.
Automakers pledge continued cooperation
In separate statements, both companies said the settlement is part of broader efforts to combat vehicle theft. Kia said it will continue working with law enforcement at all levels, while Hyundai emphasized its commitment to supporting customers and improving vehicle security.
