Attorneys general from 18 states this week asked the federal government to order Hyundai and Kia to recall millions of cars that have become favorite targets for car thieves.
“Kia’s and Hyundai’s failure to install standard safety features on many of their vehicles have put vehicle owners and the public at risk,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement.
A Nationwide Problem
In late 2021, a series of videos on social media taught viewers how to steal some older Hyundai and Kia vehicles. The spreading knowledge triggered a theft wave in many cities. A 2022 insurance industry report showed that loss claims for Hyundai and Kia models from those years were nearly twice as common as claims for vehicles made by any other manufacturer.
Some major insurance companies have begun declining coverage on certain models in some states because the theft risk is high enough to throw off actuarial calculations. Hyundai has since negotiated an agreement with some AAA insurers to offer coverage to owners.
Hyundai and Kia share part ownership and use many common parts in their cars.
But it’s the lack of a part at issue here.
Base models of some 2015-or-newer Hyundai and 2011-or-newer Kia cars lack an engine immobilizer. This common anti-theft device prevents a vehicle from starting unless the correct transponder is built into the smart key.
More expensive trims of older Hyundai and Kia models tend to have immobilizers. But base models don’t, making them easier prey than most vehicles for car thieves.
Both Hyundai and Kia say all their 2022 and 2023 models now use immobilizers.
Companies Rolling Out Software Updates
Both companies have begun installing software updates intended to minimize the theft risk.
The software disables the ignition unless the driver unlocks the car with the key fob – an alternative way of ensuring the fob is in the car.
The companies have also offered free steering wheel locks to many owners.
But the attorneys general say the solution isn’t enough. They’ve written to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ask the agency to order a massive recall to fix the problem.
It’s not clear, however, that the agency has any authority to step in. In a statement, Kia says, “These specific models comply fully with all applicable federal standards. A recall is neither appropriate nor necessary under federal law.”
NHTSA can force companies to recall cars that fail to meet safety standards. But there appears to be no federal anti-theft standard for the agency to cite in forcing a solution.
