BREAKING: Hyundai and Kia are set to provide free repairs for up to 9 million vehicles as part of a landmark settlement announced today by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. This urgent move addresses critical anti-theft technology flaws that have left these popular models vulnerable to thefts, prompting a significant rise in vehicle crimes nationwide.
The settlement, reached by 35 states including California, New Jersey, and New York, comes after alarming theft statistics revealed an 836% spike in thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles in Minneapolis alone between 2021 and 2022. The automakers will incur costs exceeding $500 million for repairs, which are expected to be available from early 2026 to early 2027.
Ellison highlighted that the crisis was exacerbated by viral videos on platforms like TikTok, demonstrating how thieves could easily steal vehicles using just a screwdriver and a USB cable. “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 stated during a press conference.
Under the terms of the settlement, Hyundai and Kia will implement a crucial engine immobilizer in all new vehicles sold in the U.S. and provide repairs for eligible models dating back to 2011. Additionally, the companies will pay up to $4.5 million in restitution to victims whose vehicles were damaged by thefts.
As part of the repair process, Hyundai and Kia will install a zinc sleeve to prevent thieves from accessing the ignition cylinder. Customers will have one year from the notification date to have their vehicles serviced at authorized dealerships.
This settlement follows an extensive investigation launched in early 2023, which revealed that while Hyundai and Kia had equipped vehicles sold in Mexico and Canada with the necessary anti-theft technology, similar measures were not widely implemented in the U.S., leading to increased car thefts and associated accidents.
The implications of this settlement are profound, with personal stories emerging from the community. For example, a woman shared the tragic tale of her mother, who was killed when a stolen Kia crashed into their vehicle. Meanwhile, another individual recounted that his car had been stolen a staggering nine times, highlighting the human impact of this ongoing crisis.
Kia has expressed commitment to improving vehicle security and working alongside law enforcement to combat escalating car thefts. “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.
As this story develops, vehicle owners of Hyundai and Kia should remain vigilant and watch for updates on the repair process and eligibility criteria. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, as millions of drivers await crucial information to safeguard their vehicles and prevent future thefts.
