A car theft gang standing on top of a vehicle (left) and demonstrating their method of operation (right). (Captured image
from TikTok)
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16 (Korea Bizwire) — Hyundai Motor and Kia will install enhanced anti-theft devices on more than 4 million vehicles in the United States, agreeing to sweeping remedial measures after a multistate investigation found their cars were particularly vulnerable to theft.
According to Reuters, the automakers reached a settlement with attorneys general from 35 states, committing to provide reinforced ignition cylinder guards — free of charge — to owners of affected vehicles, including models that previously received only software upgrades. The companies also pledged to equip all future U.S. vehicles with engine immobilizers, a standard anti-theft technology widely used across the industry.
In addition, Hyundai and Kia will pay up to $9 million to consumers and state governments to cover investigative and compensation costs.
A view of Tustin Hyundai, a Hyundai dealership located in California, USA. (Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group)
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, citing company estimates, said installing the protective hardware on all eligible vehicles could cost more than $500 million.
The move follows a surge in thefts beginning in 2022, fueled by viral social-media videos demonstrating how to steal certain Hyundai and Kia models lacking immobilizers — a feature that prevents ignition without a properly coded key. Vehicles built before November 2021 were especially targeted.
While the companies introduced software-based countermeasures last year, several state governments deemed them insufficient and launched consumer-protection investigations, prompting this broader agreement.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
