Two major automakers are set to disburse millions of dollars to vehicle owners following accusations that they sold cars susceptible to theft. Kia and Hyundai have reached a $9 million settlement agreement with attorneys general representing 35 states, including California. The core of the complaint alleged that the companies sold vehicles lacking industry-standard anti-theft protections, making them easier targets for car thieves.
The settlement outlines a tiered compensation structure for affected owners:
- Totaled Vehicles: Owners whose cars were declared a total loss due to theft could receive up to $4,500.
- Severely Damaged Vehicles: Those whose vehicles sustained significant damage but were not totaled may receive half of that amount ($2,250).
- Break-ins Without Theft: Individuals who experienced a break-in where the car was not stolen but had items or the vehicle itself tampered with could receive $375.
In addition to monetary compensation, the companies have committed to providing a free hardware modification. This retrofit involves adding a metal sleeve around the ignition, designed to deter the specific theft methods that gained notoriety.
AJ Rivie, a mechanic in Visalia who owns a Kia, emphasized the emotional and practical impact of vehicle theft. “It does come back to locking it but at the end of the day, you got to understand, and they need to understand, that it’s more than just a car,” he stated. While his own vehicle has remained safe, Rivie has witnessed the consequences of multiple recalls and recalls the period when social media platforms amplified the “Kia Boyz” phenomenon, making the cars a viral target.
The problem is not confined to a few isolated incidents. In Visalia alone, 22 teenagers were arrested in 2023 for stealing Hyundai and Kia vehicles. The trend continued into 2024, with these brands topping the list of most stolen cars. This surge in thefts is attributed to a viral trend on TikTok, which revealed how easily these cars could be stolen using just a screwdriver and a USB charging cable.
A Near Miss in Tulare County
The threat is a stark reality for many. A resident of Tulare County, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted a terrifying experience where his car was targeted right outside his home. “It was probably right between midnight and 1 am. I heard the neighbor’s dog making more of a ruckus than he normally does. It just kind of maybe got my attention and got up, went out to the window, looked out and saw somebody by my car messing with the door handle,” he described.
Fortunately, his quick action in confronting the individual scared off the would-be thief. However, the experience left a lasting impact. “To this day, he considers himself lucky,” he said, adding, “Many people didn’t have that kind of luck. A lot of them got their car stolen, and it was wrecked or totaled. When something like that happens to you, it’s just not the same to you anymore.”
Proactive Measures and Manufacturer Response
While the settlement addresses past issues, authorities continue to encourage basic security practices. Vehicle owners are consistently advised to lock their car doors and refrain from leaving valuables inside their vehicles. Local mechanics also offer assistance and can provide information regarding potential recalls.
Kia issued a comprehensive statement addressing the situation:
“Today’s agreement is the latest in a series of steps that Kia has taken to support our customers who have been impacted by criminals using methods of theft popularized on social media to steal or attempt to steal certain vehicle models. Kia has worked tirelessly to find new, creative, and – most importantly – effective ways to make these vehicles more difficult for criminals to steal beyond their already existing theft protections. These include the development and introduction of a free software security upgrade that has been found to significantly reduce theft rates, the distribution of hundreds of thousands of steering wheel locks to our customers at no cost, and the rollout of a zinc-sleeve hardware modification that combats this social media-inspired theft method by reinforcing the ignition cylinder body and preventing its removal through the technique that was made popular online. The company has also established settlement funds providing direct support and compensation to eligible owners of impacted vehicles. Kia is eager to continue working with law enforcement officers and officials at federal, state, and local levels to combat criminal car theft, and the role social media has played in encouraging it, and we remain fully committed to upholding vehicle security.”
Further details regarding the settlement, including a dedicated webpage, will be made available. For ongoing updates on this story and other news from the South Valley region, follow Kassandra Gutierrez on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
