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The recent wave of thefts targeting specific Hyundai and Kia models has become a prominent issue in recent months, leaving owners seeking a resolution to no avail. City attorneys and law enforcement officials in Columbus, Ohio have taken a stand and are taking legal action against the Korean automaker due to the inadequate security measures in their vehicles.
Zach Klein, the City Attorney of Columbus, announced on Tuesday that legal proceedings would be initiated against Hyundai and Kia to address the damages caused by the escalating thefts, which have surged by 450% for these vehicles, amounting to a total of 17 thefts per day over the past year. The lawsuit specifically aims to hold the automakers accountable for the absence of “industry-standard anti-theft technology” in their vehicles, which directly contributes to the recent surge in thefts plaguing the Korean automaker.
“Kia and Hyundai have prioritized profits over safety for years, by selling vehicles they knew were alarmingly vulnerable to theft even by a teenager armed with basic tools and access to a TikTok account,” stated Klein in a released statement. “Their negligent conduct in pursuit of corporate gains is morally reprehensible. It is time to make these automakers answer for deceiving consumers and avoiding responsibility in rectifying the mess they caused.”
A spokesperson for Kia declined to comment, while a Hyundai representative stated: “We express concern regarding the escalating thefts involving specific Hyundai models as part of an organized social media strategy. Presently, Hyundai is supplying steering wheel locks, as feasible, to law enforcement agencies in affected regions. Moreover, Hyundai will provide two additional choices for owners of these older model vehicles that have been targeted by thieves.” These options include a software update scheduled for early next year and a glass break sensor kit priced at $170 excluding installation fees.
An easily accessible TikTok hack has exposed the vulnerability of these cars, requiring nothing more than a simple screwdriver and a USB cord to enable car ignition once inside. Certain Kia and Hyundai models utilizing a physical key instead of a push-button start lack an immobilizer, allowing thieves to start the vehicle without the key.
The city of Columbus alleges that Hyundai and Kia have consciously aimed to manufacture, promote, and sell vehicles lacking adequate, industry-standard security features, such as engine immobilizers and various other safety and anti-theft mechanisms. Columbus also highlights that the automakers have resisted recalling the affected vehicles and have only proposed paid solutions, thereby transferring the responsibility to customers rather than taking accountability themselves.
“Kia and Hyundai have been requested to cooperate with us without any substantial response to date. These automakers should share the same level of concern as we do regarding the easy accessibility of their products being utilized for criminal activities,” expressed Columbus Chief of Police Elaine Bryant in a statement.
Columbus is pursuing a court order to halt the sale of these “unsafe” vehicles, recall the affected cars, and seek unspecified financial compensation. This marks one of the initial substantial actions by a local authority to hold Hyundai and Kia accountable, and as more cities in the U.S. report an increase in theft incidents, Columbus may be just the beginning.
Update 11/10: This story has been updated to include comment from Hyundai.
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