Hyundai, Kia theft no recall overview:ย
- Who: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the reason behind a wave of Hyundai and Kia thefts does not meet its criteria for a nationwide recall, rejecting a request for one made by a total of 18 attorneys general.ย
- Why: The NHTSA said vehicles are not federally required to be equipped with an engine immobilizer, and that it does not take the actions of criminal actors hotwiring vehicles into account when determining whether a recall is necessary.ย
- Where: Nationwide.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has determined that a TikTok trend resulting in a wave of thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles does not meet the agencyโs criteria for a nationwide recall.ย
The NHTSAโs acting associate director of enforcement, in a letter to attorney generals from a total of 18 states, said the agency found the car theft issue does not constitute โeither a safety defect or noncompliance requiring a recall,โ reports NBC News.ย
Hyundai and Kia agreed to pay more than $200 million in May to resolve claims the automakers sold model year 2011-2022 vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer, making them vulnerable to theft.ย
The NHTSA, meanwhile, said the federal standard for automotive safety does not require a vehicle to be equipped with an engine immobilizer, and that criminal actions taken to hotwire a vehicle are not taken into account when determining whether a recall is needed.ย
Attorneys general request Hyundai, Kia vehicles be retrofitted with engine immobilizer
Led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, the attorney generals wrote to the NHTSA in April to request the agency announce a recall for model year 2011-2022 Hyundai and Kia vehicles not equipped with an engine immobilizer, reports NBC News.ย
The attorneys general, as part of their recall request, also asked the NHTSA to require that the vehicles be retrofitted with engine immobilizers to prevent them from being vulnerable to theft going forward.ย
โThefts of these Hyundai and Kia vehicles have led to at least eight deaths, numerous injuries and property damage, and they have diverted significant police and emergency services resources from other priorities,โ the attorneys general wrote, reports NBC News.ย
Earlier this month, a trio of cities โ including Columbus, Ohio; Milwaukee, and Seattle โ joined a sprawling multidistrict litigation that is currently in a California federal court over claims Hyundai and Kia left their vehicles vulnerable to theft.ย
The cities argue a rash of Hyundai and Kia vehicle thefts qualifies as a public nuisance as it has forced them to siphon off resources from local law enforcement and first responders to address the issue.ย
The MDL also contains around 60 lawsuits brought by consumers and a number of complaints from insurers.ย
Do you own a model year 2011-2022 Kia or Hyundai vehicle? Let us know in the comments!
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194 thoughts onNo recall for theft-prone Hyundai, Kia vehicles, NHTSA says
I have two Kias a Kia soul and Kia Sorento my insurance has gone up so highly because of the kias Ben stolen please add me
I own a 2020 Hyundai Elantra and was targeted in my employers parking lot. Came out to a busted back window and my ignition chamber broken.
Yes. I own a 2020 Kia. Attempted theft was mad in January of 2023.
I have a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. My car was parked in my apartment parking lot. The right rear window was broken out and the steering wheel cover was broken off. The car was still locked and could not be stolen, but enough damage was done, but didnโt meet my deductible. I had to pay out of pocket to have the window replaced and get a new steering wheel cover. And a few days after the car was broken into, someone went into the car again and went all thru the console and glove box. I do not keep anything in the car of value so once again nothing was taken. I called police on both incidents and reported it to my apartment management. It has been a big expense for me. I missed a day from work and did not get paid for it, time and money in gas trying to get a window and cover for steering column.
Yes I have a 2022 kia rio
I have a 2019 Hyundai Elantra it was stolen from my job.Please add me to the lawsuit .I had to come out of pocket $2700.00 for a rental due to the high demand for Hyundai Elantra parts because of cars being stolen. My vehicle was stolen in January 2023 and I didnโt receive my vehicle back until April 28,2023 my insurance only covered $900.00 for my rental.I had to pay $2700.00 for a rental until my car was fixed.
2011 Hyndiu
We have a 2013 Sonata, and the only negative weโve experienced in ten years has been an engine seizure in 2019, which Hyundai paid for. We havenโt had a problem with thefts in our area, praise God!
My kia was stolen and it was a nightmare!! It is definitely a problem and I would love to be compensated. I live in Seattle. Anything in the works!?
I own a Kia Rio. My car was stolen and the steering column busted, tire busted, alignment off, etc. Etc. No insurance all out of pocket. $3000
I have a Kia Sportage that was stolen on Friday, June 30. Itโs definitely a problem. Every Kia in my neighborhood has been hit at least once.