Attorneys General Request Hyundai, Kia Recalls Due To Prevalent Thefts

Seventeen state attorneys general have called on the federal government to recall millions of Kia and Hyundai cars due to their susceptibility to theft, which has been amplified by a viral social media challenge.

Some models of these cars lack engine immobilizers, a feature that prevents the car from starting unless the key is present. Videos on TikTok have demonstrated that a screwdriver and USB cable are enough to start some models, leading to an 85% increase in thefts of these cars in Los Angeles and an estimated 20% of all car thefts in the city.

These thefts have resulted in fatal accidents, leading to 14 crashes and eight deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The attorneys general have written to the NHTSA, requesting a national recall. Both companies maintain that their vehicles comply with federal anti-theft requirements, and they have issued software upgrades, but this has not satisfied regulators or some cities that have taken legal action.

The attorneys general who signed the letter represent the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.