Hyundai, Kia theft no recall overview:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 agency’s criteria for a nationwide recall.
The NHTSA’s 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 “either a safety defect or noncompliance requiring a recall,” reports NBC News.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“Thefts 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,” the attorneys general wrote, reports NBC News.
Earlier this month, a trio of cities — including Columbus, Ohio; Milwaukee, and Seattle — joined a sprawling multidistrict litigation that is currently in a California federal court over claims Hyundai and Kia left their vehicles vulnerable to theft.
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.
The MDL also contains around 60 lawsuits brought by consumers and a number of complaints from insurers.
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
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2018 Hyundai
I owe a 2011 Kia Soul Base model I would like to be added to this
I have a 2013 Hyundai Elantra Ltd.
My car was stolen and at the time I lived in Indiana, Fort Wayne in particular, and my 2019 Hyundai Sonata car was in a carport, well lit, with a lot of other cars all around it, but they still chose to break the back drivers side window and steal my car using that wonderful USB cable which was left in my vehicle as well as Drugs and other paraphernalia. My car still isn’t fixed right thanks to AllState Insurance ripping me off & only doing bare minimum. I had excellent coverage but they still managed to screw me over! Can we even trade our vehicles in & get their worth? This whole situation is not right & my entire world was shook due to this, I use my car for employment & once it was stolen that all changed, no money, or income coming in, it just sucked!
I’m grateful that Kia and the others are stepping up and trying to help. I did buy a club for my 2018 Kia Forte and had a passenger window replaced. Now I have the club that Kia sent out to the Police Departments ( I think its better than mine). I read those that had their car stolen will be reimburse for damages and cost. My car was in front of my house when a theft was about to occur. I made a police report; repaired my window and purchased a club since my area had not given them out yet. Within a short time a Hyundai was stolen from my block and was recovered instantly; although damaged. I was lucky and the theives were interrupted. I’m out of 160.00 for the window and 50.00 something for the club ( although I did get the one they were giving out afterwards. I’m out of $200.00. I don’t get reimbursement???? I’ve been a loyal Kia customer since 2008 . Purchased 3 cars and never had a problem. It was a good run though!!!
I have a 2029 Elantra. Please add me to any lawsuit.
I have a 2016 Hyundai Sonata that was stolen and now it’s considered salvaged I had to pay so much to register it this year. My driver rearview mirror is cracked and I have scratches and dents on my car from it being stolen
I have a 2016 kia sorento that was stolen
Oh!! Ddub again. The extra 10.00 was for the glass man trying to get all the tiny broken up glass out of the car. Although he left a considerable amount up under the front seats. I was charged 150.00 for the passenger window behind the driver. I took my car to an automated car wash. I vacumed the car myself ( can’t afford detail ) And its still pieces of glass in the car! SMH
Own 2020 hyundai Santa fe
I have a 2016 Elantra. I have seen reports on other boards that the cars are still being stolen after they get the update done from Hyundai. Something needs to be done about this issue. It’s affecting our insurance premiums.