Hyundai and Kia to Fix Millions of Vehicles in Anti-Theft Settlement

Automakers Agree to Free Repairs for Millions of Vehicles

Automakers Hyundai and Kia have agreed to provide free repairs to millions of vehicles as part of a nationwide settlement. The agreement, announced by Minnesota’s attorney general, involves dozens of states that argued the vehicles lacked proper anti-theft technology, making them susceptible to theft.

According to Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, the settlement requires Hyundai and Kia to offer free repairs to all eligible vehicles at a cost potentially exceeding $500 million. In addition, the automakers must equip all future vehicles sold in the U.S. with an engine immobilizer. They will also pay up to $4.5 million in restitution to individuals whose vehicles were damaged by thieves.

The settlement was reached by 35 states, including California, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Vehicles eligible for repairs range from those manufactured as early as 2011 to as recently as 2022. Approximately 9 million eligible vehicles were sold across the country.

Rise in Vehicle Thefts Linked to Social Media

Vehicle thefts involving Hyundai and Kia increased significantly due to the spread of videos on social media platforms like TikTok. These videos demonstrated how thieves could steal cars using just a screwdriver and a USB cable. In Minneapolis, the number of Hyundai and Kia thefts rose by 836% between 2021 and 2022. Ellison initiated an investigation into the automakers in early 2023.

Ellison pointed out that Hyundai and Kia installed engine immobilizers on vehicles sold in Mexico and Canada but not widely in the U.S., leading to a surge in car thefts, crimes, and accidents that resulted in injuries and even fatalities, including teenagers.

“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 said during a news conference.

Impact on Victims and Community Response

Ellison was joined by Twin Cities officials, a woman whose mother was killed when a stolen Kia crashed into her parents' vehicle, and a man whose car was stolen nine times — as recently as Monday night, including seven times after a previous software fix.

Under the terms of the settlement, Hyundai and Kia will install a zinc sleeve to prevent thieves from accessing a vehicle’s ignition cylinder and starting the car. Eligible customers will have one year from the date of the companies’ notice to get the repair at an authorized dealership. The repairs are expected to be available from early 2026 through early 2027.

Automakers Commit to Enhanced Security Measures

In separate statements, both automakers expressed their commitment to addressing the issue. Kia stated, “We are eager to continue working with law enforcement officers and officials at federal, state, and local levels to combat criminal car theft, and the role social media has played in encouraging it, and we remain fully committed to upholding vehicle security.”

Hyundai added, “We will continue to take meaningful action to support our customers and ensure peace of mind.”

Ongoing Efforts to Combat Car Theft

Despite previous efforts to enhance vehicle security, thefts of Hyundai and Kia models have continued to rise. This settlement marks a significant step toward addressing the vulnerabilities that have led to widespread thefts and tragic consequences.

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