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Kia theft class action lawsuit overview:
- Who: Mary Jane Whalen filed a class action lawsuit against Kia America Inc. and Hyundai America Technical Center Inc.
- Why: Whalen claims Kia and Hyundai failed to put engine immobilizers in model year 2011 to 2021 Kia vehicles and 2015 to 2021 Hyundai vehicles, claiming the alleged omission leaves them vulnerable to theft.
- Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in California federal court.
Certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles have from a design flaw that makes them prone to theft by allowing anyone with a USB cable to steal them, a new class action lawsuit alleges.
Plaintiff Mary Jane Whalen claims Kia and Hyundai failed to put engine immobilizers in their vehicles. These are electronic devices she argues would prevent the cars from being started without the correct key in the ignition.
Whalen argues that, because model year 2011 to 2021 Kia and 2015 to 2021 Hyundai vehicles allegedly do not have an engine immobilizer, a potential car thief must only “pop off a plastic cover on the steering column, plug a USB cable into the column and turn it like any other key to start the engine.”
“Once thieves discovered this vulnerability, it set off a rash of vehicle thefts across the country,” the Kia class action states.
Hyundai and Kia theft has increased across the country since people discovered the technique, including allegedly up by 85% in Los Angeles and as much as 800% in Chicago, according to the lawsuit.
Kia class action claims teenagers as young as 11 steal, joyride in vehicles
“Kia and Hyundai’s vehicles are so easy to steal, teenagers and children as young as 11 years old are stealing and joyriding cars and posting their exploits on social media, including one TikTok video that has over 33 million views,” the Kia class action states.
Whalen wants to represent a nationwide class and New York subclass of consumers who have purchased or leased a Kia or Hyundai vehicle built without an engine immobilizer.
Kia and Hyundai are accused of breach of express warranty and of violating the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act and the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, among other things.
Whalen demands a jury trial and requests declaratory and injunctive relief along with an award of compensatory, exemplary and statutory damages for herself and all class members.
A consumer filed a similar class action lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai in August, arguing the companies failed to disclose that its model year 2011 to 2021 vehicles contain a defect that makes it easier for them to be stolen.
Have you purchased or leased a Hyundai or Kia vehicle that does not contain an engine immobilizer? Let us know in the comments!
The plaintiff is represented by Kevin Ruf and Brian P. Murray of Glancy Prongy & Murray LLP.
The Kia theft class action lawsuit is Whalen v. Kia America Inc., et al., Case No. 8:22-cv-01987, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
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319 thoughts onKia class action claims vehicles can be stolen with USB cable as shown on TikTok
I have a 2012 Kia Forte
Is there a lawsuit still open? My KIA 2019 Soul was stolen and totalled. Are my personal items covered by the suit?
I just want to know why I haven’t been contacted or anything? I’m literally driving my car the way it was stolen last August (2022) I have a child that have appointments often and it’s not safe to drive. Would have never chosen this car if I knew all of the issues that came with it. I’ve lost money. Has anyone been contacted yet? Do I need to take anymore action myself?
My name is Arturo Rivero, I live in hacienda heights california. My vehicle was stolen in March 2023 for the second time, the first time it was stolen in Las Vegas and turned up with no issues, the second time it was stolen, parts were removed and insurance declared it a total loss and did not cover the cost vehicle. I have been paying the installment for my Kia vehicle that I do not have for all these months, and I have been very affected because there are still 40 installments to pay for the vehicle.
Our 2013 optima was parked at my wife’s work. Somehow they opened only the drivers side door and she must must have interrupted them and when she got in car her driver door was unlocked but all other doors were still locked
The lock function with fob does not allow this to happen
She got in and immediately noticed her fuse cover panel was in floorboard
Our insurance company recently cancelled our full coverage on her car