Big problem, big steps: Hyundai and Kia are agreeing to repair millions of cars for free as part of a large settlement aimed at fixing weak anti-theft technologies. The deal, announced by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, ends a multi-state push arguing that many vehicles lacked proper anti-theft safeguards, leaving drivers vulnerable to theft.
Under the nationwide agreement, Hyundai and Kia will provide complimentary repairs for all eligible cars, a process that could total more than $500 million in costs. The companies will also equip all future U.S.-sold vehicles with an engine immobilizer—a critical security feature that prevents the engine from starting without the proper key or code—and they will contribute up to $4.5 million in restitution to individuals whose vehicles were damaged by thieves.
Thirty-five states, including California, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, participated in the settlement. The eligible model years range from 2011 through 2022, and about 9 million vehicles sold in the United States fall under the fixes.
The theft surge was driven in part by online guidance. Beginning in 2021, videos on TikTok and other platforms demonstrated how a car could be stolen with only a screwdriver and a USB cable. Minneapolis saw an 836% rise in Hyundai and Kia thefts from 2021 to 2022, prompting Ellison to launch his investigation in early 2023.
Ellison noted a troubling discrepancy: Hyundai and Kia had installed engine immobilizers on cars sold in Mexico and Canada, but not widely in the U.S. This gap contributed to thefts, crimes, and crashes that injured people and even killed teenagers.
“This crisis began in a boardroom, moved through the internet, and ended in tragic outcomes when someone stole these cars,” Ellison said at a news conference. He was joined by local officials and individuals personally affected by thefts, including a woman who lost her mother in a crash involving a stolen Kia and a man whose car has been stolen nine times, including after a prior software fix.
As part of the remedy, Hyundai and Kia will install a zinc sleeve to prevent would-be thieves from drilling into the ignition cylinder and starting the car. Eligible customers will have one year from the notice date to complete the repair at an authorized dealer, with repairs expected to be available from early 2026 through early 2027.
In their separate statements, the automakers framed the agreement as part of broader anti-theft efforts. Kia pledged ongoing cooperation with law enforcement and authorities at federal, state, and local levels to counter criminal car theft and the role of social media in promoting it, while reaffirming its commitment to vehicle security. Hyundai expressed a similar commitment to action that protects customers and preserves peace of mind.
Would you view this settlement as a meaningful step toward safer cars, or do you think more fundamental changes are needed to prevent thefts in the first place? Share your thoughts in the comments.
