An Independence, Missouri, attorney filed a federal class action lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai in Missouri and Kansas. The lawsuits filed on behalf of residents of both states allege that automakers intentionally failed to install an anti-theft device on many of their latest models. vehicles to save money. “Frankly, we were surprised that a modern manufacturer, particularly one that sells so many cars, didn’t include the common safety features found on other models,” Ken McClain, the attorney who filed the lawsuits. , He said. Specifically, the lawsuits allege that Kia and Hyundai failed to install immobilizers in their vehicles, Kia in the 2011-2021 model years and Hyundai in the 2015-2021 model years. Immobilizers read a computer chip on a key or key fob to allow the engine “Because of this lack of an immobilizer problem that exists on both Kia and Hyundai, they have become a target for criminals because they are easy to steal McClain said. The lawsuit claims that many of those vehicles provide thieves with part of the equipment they can use to steal them, a USB cable. “Considering how many people charge their cell phones in their cars, the tool needed to steal a defective vehicle is generally available to any thief,” the lawsuits state. “Basically, it’s modern live wiring,” McClain said. While none of the plaintiffs in the lawsuits have had their vehicles stolen so far, McClain cites a string of thefts from Kia and Hyundai across the country, including in St. Louis. He says that all owners of the vehicle models in question could be affected. “This will impact the resale of these cars and also the insurance rates for these cars,” McClain said. Both Kia and Hyundai issued statements admitting that there is a theft problem with their vehicles. Both statements also say that 2022 models are equipped with immobilizers. “Kia America is aware of an increase in vehicle thefts from a subset of trim levels in your area. All 2022 models and trims have an immobilizer applied either earlier in the year or as a running change. All Kia vehicles for sale in the US meet or exceed federal motor vehicle safety standards,” Kia’s statement said. “Hyundai Motor America is concerned about the increase in local auto thefts. The safety and well-being of our customers and the community is and will continue to be our top priority. These vehicles meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and engine immobilizers are standard equipment on all new Hyundai vehicles,” Hyundai’s statement said. The lawsuits ask Kia and Hyundai to repair or replace the models without the immobilizers. reluctant to make withdrawals due to cost and generally avoid them until mandated by governments. These problems can be fixed and should be fixed,” McClain said. In addition to the statements, Kia and Hyundai provided toll-free phone lines for customers to ask questions or express concerns. For Kia: 1 (800) 333-4542 For Hyundai: 1 (800) 633-5151
An Independence, Missouri, attorney filed a federal class action lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai in Missouri and Kansas.
The lawsuits filed on behalf of residents of both states claim that automakers intentionally failed to install an anti-theft device on many of their late-model vehicles to save money.
“Frankly, we were surprised that a modern manufacturer, particularly one that sells so many cars, didn’t include common safety features found on other models,” said Ken McClain, the attorney who filed the lawsuits.
Specifically, the lawsuits allege that Kia and Hyundai failed to install immobilizers in their vehicles, Kia in the 2011-2021 model years and Hyundai in the 2015-2021 model years.
Immobilizers read a computer chip in a key or key fob to allow the engine to start.
“Because of the lack of an immobilizer problem that exists on both Kia and Hyundai, they have become a target for criminals because they are easy to steal,” McClain said.
The lawsuit claims that many of those vehicles provide thieves with part of the equipment they can use to steal them, a USB cable.
“Considering how many people charge their cell phones in their cars, the tool needed to steal a defective vehicle is generally available to any thief,” the lawsuits state.
“It’s essentially today’s active wiring,” McClain said.
While none of the plaintiffs in the lawsuits have had their vehicles stolen so far, McClain cites a string of thefts from Kia and Hyundai across the country, including in St. Louis.
He says that all owners of the vehicle models in question could be affected.
“This will impact the resale of these cars and also the insurance rates for these cars,” McClain said.
Both Kia and Hyundai issued statements admitting that there is a theft problem with their vehicles.
Both statements also say that 2022 models are equipped with immobilizers.
“Kia America is aware of an increase in vehicle thefts from a subset of trim levels in your area. All 2022 models and trims have an immobilizer applied either earlier in the year or as a running change. All Kia vehicles for sale in the US meet or exceed the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards,” Kia’s statement said.
“Hyundai Motor America is concerned about the increase in local auto thefts. The safety and well-being of our customers and the community is and will continue to be our top priority. These vehicles meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and engine immobilizers are standard equipment on all new Hyundai vehicles,” Hyundai’s statement said.
The lawsuits ask Kia and Hyundai to repair or replace the models without the immobilizers.
“Carmakers are reluctant to do recalls because of the cost and generally avoid them until governments order them. These issues are fixable and need to be fixed,” McClain said.
In addition to the statements, Kia and Hyundai provided toll-free phone lines for customers to ask questions or voice concerns.
For Kia:
For Hyundai: