Hyundai and Kia Settle for $9M in 35 States Including California

Car Companies Agree to Pay Millions in Settlement Over Theft Concerns

Two major car manufacturers, Kia and Hyundai, have reached a $9 million settlement after being accused of selling vehicles that were vulnerable to theft. The agreement was made with attorneys general from 35 states, including California, who claimed the companies failed to provide industry-standard anti-theft protections in their cars.

The settlement aims to compensate vehicle owners who experienced theft or damage due to these security vulnerabilities. Owners who had their cars totaled can receive up to $4,500, while those with severe damage will get half that amount. Additionally, individuals who had their cars broken into but not stolen will be eligible for $375.

As part of the agreement, Kia and Hyundai will offer a free retrofit to add a metal sleeve around the ignition system. This modification is designed to make it more difficult for thieves to tamper with the vehicle's ignition.

Real-Life Impact of Car Theft

AJ Rivie, a mechanic from Visalia and owner of a Kia, shared his perspective on the issue. "It does come back to locking it, but at the end of the day, you got to understand, and they need to understand, that it's more than just a car," he said.

Rivie has been fortunate enough to keep his car safe, but he has witnessed multiple recalls and remembers how social media helped create groups like "Kia Boys" that gained popularity. In Visalia alone, 22 teens were arrested in 2023 for stealing Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

In 2024, Kia and Hyundai models topped the list of most stolen cars. Thieves discovered that all it took to steal them was a screwdriver and a USB charging cable, which became a viral trend on TikTok.

A Close Call for One Tulare County Resident

One Tulare County man almost lost his car outside his home. He wished to remain anonymous but shared his experience: "It was probably right between midnight and 1 am. I heard the neighbor's dog making more of a ruckus than he normally does. It just kind of maybe got my attention and got up, went out to the window, looked out and saw somebody by my car messing with the door handle."

Thankfully, he managed to scare off the would-be thief, but the incident left a lasting impression. "To this day, I consider myself lucky," he said. "Many people didn't have that kind of luck. A lot of them got their car stolen, and it was wrecked or totaled. When something like that happens to you, it's just not the same to you anymore."

Tips for Preventing Car Theft

Experts recommend that drivers always lock their car doors and avoid leaving anything visible inside their vehicles. Local mechanics also advise reaching out to them if there are any questions about potential recalls or security measures.

Kia provided a statement regarding the settlement, highlighting their efforts to improve vehicle security. "Today's agreement is the latest in a series of steps that Kia has taken to support our customers who have been impacted by criminals using methods of theft popularized on social media to steal or attempt to steal certain vehicle models," the statement read.

Kia has introduced several measures to combat theft, including a free software security upgrade, steering wheel locks, and a zinc-sleeve hardware modification. The company has also established settlement funds to provide direct support and compensation to affected owners.

Ongoing Efforts to Combat Vehicle Theft

Kia remains committed to working with law enforcement and officials at various levels to address the issue of criminal car theft. The company acknowledges the role that social media has played in encouraging such activities and emphasizes its dedication to improving vehicle security.

For more information about the settlement, interested parties can visit the official websites of Kia and Hyundai. Updates will be provided once a settlement webpage link becomes available.

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