Hyundai and Kia will repair millions of vehicles under a deal to fix anti-theft technology
Automakers Hyundai and Kia will offer free repairs to millions of models under a deal announced Tuesday by the Minnesota attorney general’s office, which is leading efforts by dozens of states that claim the vehicles are not equipped with proper anti-theft technology, leaving them vulnerable to theft.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said that as part of the nationwide agreement, the companies will offer free repairs to all eligible vehicles worth up to $500 million. Hyundai and Kia must also equip all future vehicles sold in the United States with a key technology called engine immobilizers and pay up to $4.5 million in compensation to people whose vehicles were damaged by thieves.
The agreement was reached by 35 states, including California, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Vehicles eligible for the fixes date back to 2011 and 2022. Approximately 9 million eligible vehicles have been sold nationwide.
Theft cases of Hyundai and Kia vehicles have increased in part because videos posted on TikTok and other social media starting in 2021 have shown how someone can steal a car with just a screwdriver and USB cable. Minneapolis reported an 836% increase in Hyundai and Kia thefts from 2021 to 2022. Ellison announced that an investigation into automakers would be launched in early 2023.
Ellison said the two companies install engine immobilizers in cars sold in Mexico and Canada, but they are not widely used in the U.S., leading to car thefts, crimes and crashes that injure or even kill people, including teenagers.
“This crisis we’re talking about today started in a boardroom, went viral, and ended with tragic consequences when someone stole those cars,” Ellison said at a news conference.
He was joined by Twin Cities authorities, a woman whose mother was killed when a stolen Kia crashed into her parents’ vehicle, and, as recently as Monday night, a man whose car was stolen nine times, including seven times after a previous software fix.
According to the agreement, Hyundai and Kia will install a zinc casing to prevent thieves from opening the vehicle’s ignition cylinder and starting the vehicle.
Eligible customers will have one year from the date of the company’s notice to have the repair performed at an authorized dealer. Repairs are expected to be available from early 2026 to early 2027.
Kia said in a statement that the deal was its latest step to help its customers and prevent theft.
“Kia is eager to continue working with law enforcement and authorities at the federal, state and local levels to combat criminal auto theft and the role social media plays in encouraging it, and we are fully committed to protecting vehicle safety,” the company said.
The Associated Press emailed Hyundai for comment.
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Dura reported from Bismarck, North Dakota.
