CRIME & LAW

States Secure Hyundai, Kia Settlement Over Theft Failures

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

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Sources: 11

60-Second Summary

Washington — On Tuesday, Dec. 16, automakers Hyundai and Kia agreed with 35 state attorneys general to retrofit millions of U.S. vehicles and install anti-theft engine immobilizers on future models to address a surge in thefts. They will offer free zinc‑reinforced ignition cylinder protectors, provide hardware fixes, and pay up to $9 million for consumer and state costs. Authorities cited sharp increases in Kia and Hyundai thefts linked to social-media techniques. Nationwide notices will soon follow. Eligible vehicles date from about 2011 through 2022, and companies estimate retrofit costs may exceed $500 million. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

About this summary

This 60-second summary was prepared by the JQJO editorial team after reviewing 11 original reports from INFORUM, CNA, WMAR, WTAJ - www.wtaj.com, WWAY TV, AZfamily.com, Urban Milwaukee, ValdostaToday.com, ABC30 News, KTAR News and abc11 News.

Timeline of Events

2020–2022: Reports of growing vehicle thefts of certain Hyundai and Kia models increase nationally.
Mid-2023: Local jurisdictions report sharp spikes (Baltimore, St. Paul), and media highlight social-media theft techniques.
2023–2025: A bipartisan coalition of 35 state attorneys general investigates and sues Hyundai and Kia.
Dec. 16: States announce a multistate settlement requiring retrofits, free ignition protectors, future immobilizers, and financial payments.
Post-settlement: Notices, scheduling of retrofits at dealerships, and implementation of immobilizers on new U.S. vehicles proceed.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 11

Who Benefited

Eligible Hyundai and Kia owners will receive free hardware retrofits, scheduled installations at authorized dealerships, and potential cash restitution; states and consumers also receive reimbursement for investigative costs per the settlement terms.

Who Impacted

Owners who experienced thefts and vehicle damage, communities facing increased crime and related public-safety costs, and law-enforcement resources strained by the theft surge bore most of the immediate harm before the settlement.

Expert Opinion

After reading and researching latest news.... Automakers agreed with 35 state attorneys general on Dec. 16 to retrofit millions of vehicles, provide free ignition-protector hardware, and install immobilizers on future models; settlement includes up to $9 million for consumers and states, and companies estimate retrofit costs may exceed $500 million.

Media Bias