Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Hyundai And come on Owners could get a payout of $4.5 million under the settlement announced Tuesday.
minnesotaThe attorney general led efforts by dozens of states, arguing that some vehicles were not equipped with proper anti-theft technology, making them vulnerable to theft.
Under the nationwide agreement, the companies will offer free repairs to all eligible vehicles at a cost of more than $500 million, the Minnesota Attorney General said. keith ellison Said.
Hyundai and Kia will have to equip all future vehicles sold in the US with a vital technology called engine immobilizer and will have to compensate up to $4.5 million to people whose vehicles were damaged by thieves.
The agreement was signed by 35 states including California, new Jersey, new york And pennsylvaniaVehicles eligible for improvements are from 2011 and as recent as 2022, Nearly 9 million eligible vehicles were sold nationwide,
Thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles increased marginally since the beginning of 2021, videos posted tiktok And other social media demonstrated how someone could steal a car with only a screwdriver and a USB cable.
minneapolis Hyundai and Kia thefts recorded an 836% increase from 2021 to 2022. Ellison announced an investigation into the automakers in early 2023.
Allison said both companies installed engine immobilizers on the cars they sold. Mexico And CanadaBut not widely in the US, leading to car theft, crime and accidents that have injured and even killed people, including teenagers.
“This crisis we’re talking about today started in a boardroom, and escalated into Internet And the tragic outcome was when someone stole those cars, Ellison said at a news conference.
They were also joined by Twin Cities officers, a woman whose mother was killed when a stolen Kia collided with her parents’ vehicle and a man whose car had been stolen nine times — as recently as Monday night, and seven times after a previous software fix.
Under the agreement, Hyundai and Kia will install a zinc sleeve to prevent potential thieves from breaking the vehicle’s ignition cylinder and starting the car.
Eligible customers will have one year from the date of the companies’ notice to get the repair done at an authorized dealership. The repairs are expected to be available from early 2026 to early 2027.
Kia said in a statement that the settlement is the latest step it has taken to help customers and prevent theft.
The company said, “Kia looks forward to continuing to work with law enforcement officers and officials at the federal, state and local levels to combat criminal car theft, and the role that social media plays in encouraging it, and we are fully committed to maintaining vehicle safety.”
associated Press Emailed Hyundai for comment.
Hyundai-Kia Multi-State Immobilizer Agreement website Details which models are eligible for payment and repairs.