Hyundai and Kia to Repair 9 Million Vehicles Amid Theft Crisis

UPDATE: Hyundai and Kia will repair 9 million vehicles nationwide following a groundbreaking settlement announced today by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. This urgent decision responds to alarming theft rates linked to inadequate anti-theft technology in these vehicles.

Under the settlement, which includes participation from 35 states, the automakers will provide free repairs to affected models, potentially costing them over $500 million. A critical addition will be the installation of an engine immobilizer in all future U.S. vehicles, aimed at preventing thefts that have escalated dramatically since 2021.

Ellison revealed that thefts of Hyundai and Kia models surged due to viral TikTok videos demonstrating how to steal cars using just a screwdriver and a USB cable. Minneapolis alone reported an astonishing 836% increase in thefts from 2021 to 2022. “This crisis that we’re talking about today started in a boardroom, traveled through the Internet and ended up in tragic results,” Ellison stated during a press conference.

The settlement mandates that Hyundai and Kia install a zinc sleeve to thwart criminals from cracking the ignition cylinder, enhancing vehicle security. Customers eligible for the repairs will have one year from the notification date to get their vehicles serviced at authorized dealerships. Repairs are anticipated to begin from early 2026 to early 2027.

The initiative comes after Ellison’s investigation into the automakers, which began in early 2023, revealing that while engine immobilizers were installed on vehicles sold in Mexico and Canada, they were not widely implemented in the U.S. This oversight has led to widespread thefts, resulting in numerous crimes and accidents, including fatalities.

Ellison was joined by community members impacted by the crisis, including a woman whose mother was killed when a stolen Kia crashed into her family’s vehicle. “We need to take action now to protect our communities,” he emphasized.

In response to the settlement, Kia expressed its commitment to preventing car thefts and stated, “Kia is eager to continue working with law enforcement… to combat criminal car theft, and the role social media has played in encouraging it.”

As this story develops, consumers with affected vehicles should stay alert for further notifications regarding the repair process. This settlement not only aims to enhance vehicle security but also addresses the emotional and physical toll car thefts have had on communities nationwide.

Stay tuned for more updates on this critical issue affecting millions of drivers across the country.