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 bought a 2020 Kia optima about two years ago, I was so excited and heard from so many people how they are very reliable and safe cars and then come to find out in 2023. These cars are the easiest vehicles to steal a child could figure it out. This is ridiculous and Kia and Hyundai need to fix this, or give us our money back. How do you expect people to invest in your product when your product will not meet promising standards.
I stayed up for months keeping eye on my kia soul out of fear of being stolen. I caught 9 people trying to steal in that time. So I put it up for sale to find out my value dropped tremendously with people willing to take risk buying it. My $6k value car sold for $2500 !! Total loss !!! I am so angry. I never received any letters or help from Kia either. I think they should pay the difference in my loss or TikTok should !!!! Tik Tok is also liable but nothing being done to them.
I own a 2011 hyundai sonata that has been stolen and not found
I own a 2019 Kia sportage. HAD the update installed by local dealer and it was stolen in may 2023
Does not make sense to cut cost on vehicles ,especially security items.we just bought a 2016 Hyundai Tucson from dealer ship and we getting problems already. This would be icing on cake. NOT SURPRISED
I have 2014 Hyundai Sonata, they broke back window and it didnโt even trigger alarm to go off. Ripped out steering column and broke ignition switch. Really upsetting that law enforcement state this is not life threatening, so it isnโt a priority.
I was a (2) year owner of a 2019 Kia Optima. First time being able to finance a car a gift to myself. My vehicle was stole a week before my birthday. Once recovered my vehicle was used in 5 hit and runs and later destroyed. As a result only misdemeanors were charged against the minors. I have to get an attorney in order to receive the Parents last names. Iโm still without a vehicle and I have to start All Over again and this has been brushed off.. I worked hard to built just the courage to finance a car. Iโm Left without a vehicle and itโs okay for no one to be at fault just a technicality that happened to pop up on one of the most leading streaming app. This has hit across America this just isnโt in certain states. I live in an apartment complex and EVERY Owner including the Grounds Keeper Kia has been stolen nothing done just all having to replace their vehicle and the crime is continuing as we speakโฆ. This is so ridiculous
This also happened to me. It was devastating. My rear window broke no alarm went off and they ripped out steering column. Broke the ignition switch. I just got back window fixed. I canโt believe it. I was in shock and was told by Renton Police Dept that filing a report would be a waste of time.
My 2013 Hyundai Sonata was just stolen on 9/14/23.
I am an original owner of my 2015 Kia Sorento.
Yes, I own a Hyundai 2016, and it has not been pleasant.
Wendy Meares