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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 want to join the class action lawsuit for the rovo of my Kia truck but I don’t speak English
My car was stolen March 12, 2023 by using an USB charger
I trying to file a claim settlement for my car being stolen then recovered. Damages out of pocket for transportation and other out of pocket expenses and stress. I want a claim form so I can file to get a settlement
My 2020 Kia rio s was stolen 6/12/23. back window was smashed and removed without the alarm going off, it was stolen 30 minutes before I came out from the movie theater, I have no reliable transportation and I’m hoping get reimbursement for property since I locked it, severe emotional distress, I struggle to eat sleep and not think about it…I even had my first time randomly getting stress rashes , my car has still not been found and I had all my stuff in there. I would like to sue KIA
My 2020 Kia rio s was stolen 6/12/23. The back window was smashed and removed without the alarm going off, it was stolen 30 minutes before I came out from the movie theater, I have no reliable transportation and I’m hoping sue and get reimbursement along for severe emotional distress, I struggle to eat sleep and not think about it…I even had my first time randomly getting stress rashes , my car has still not been found and I had all my stuff in there. I would like to sue KIA
My 2015 Kia Soul was stolen 6/5/23 in Philadelphia. Back windows busted from the glass on the street and contents inside gone. It was gone in a matter of 7 hours. My car has not been found. Hoping the police will be able to locate it soon.
I had a 2019 kia sportage that was stolen from my driveway on 5/14/23. My car has not been found yet. I am hoping that I get some kind f reimbursement from Kia for the rental. I have to pay 20% daily up to 1000.
No glass broken I had the anti theft update in April 2023.
I Owned a 2013 Kia Optima that was stolen from in front of my door two weeks ago and the alarm on the vehicle never went off and the vehicle was able to start without a USB connection.
My so s Kia Soul was stolen by the Tik Tok Boys. Multiple damages. Started with usb. Would like to join lawsuit.
I live in Houston, Texas. My 2015 Kia Optima was recently stolen on 04/19/23. i was without my car for about two weeks with a new child in the home was stressful. Just recoverd my car on the 28th and it wouldnt start due to dead battery and the ignition was torn out, I also had to a busted rear window. Unfortunately it was unexpected expeses I had to pay just so I can have a car for me and my child.
2016 kia sorentk stolen 4/30/2023
August 2021 I purchased a 2022 Kia K5 with key entry. September 11, 2021 my car was stolen. November 2021 my car was recovered and ignition was ripped apart. I didn’t get my car from out of the shop until the end is December 2022. I notified Kia and have receipts of them not attempting to reimburse me for my out of pocket expenses. I explained to them that my car was vulnerable to theft. February 2023 my was attempted to be stolen again for the 2nd time but was unsuccessful. I had to pay for repairs to windows etc. Kia finally set me a letter to put a software update in my car to help prevent theft and stickers on my windows to to scare of thieves. This was done in march 2023. I am going through so much stress and pain and suffering and still stress that my car may not be outside when I walk out my house.
I live in PA and I would like to Sue KIA
I live in Philadelphia PA Kia soul stolen last night or early morning of April 23 2023 . Police found my car today . Back window busted . Trashed The interior. broken ignition on steering wheel. With multiple USB chargers left in my car . Luckily they left them so I could use it to drive my car back home instead of paying for a tow . Ridiculous.