Nevada and 35 other states, along with Washington D.C., have reached a settlement with Hyundai and Kia over the sale of millions of vehicles lacking industry-standard anti-theft technology. The absence of engine immobilizers in these vehicles led to a nationwide surge in car thefts, often fueled by viral social media videos demonstrating how to steal these cars using simple tools.
Attorney General Aaron Ford’s office stated that the automakers’ failure to include appropriate technology created a public safety crisis. Under the settlement, Hyundai and Kia will provide free anti-theft upgrades for current owners and lessees of eligible vehicles. This includes vehicles that were previously only eligible for software updates. The companies will also pay up to $4.5 million in restitution to victims whose vehicles were damaged by theft, and the free repairs could cost up to $500 million. All future models must be equipped with an engine immobilizer.
Owners and lessees of eligible vehicles will be notified directly and will have one year from the notice date to schedule installation of a zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector at authorized dealerships. Those who updated their vehicle’s software but still experienced a theft or attempted theft on or after April 29 can file a restitution claim.
For information on eligibility and submitting a claim:
- Hyundai owners: www.HKMultistateimmobilizersettlement.com
- Kia owners: https://customercare.kiausa.com/SWLD or 800-333-4542
The settlement was announced the same day that two men, Jesus Ayala and Jzamir Keys, were sentenced to life in prison for a fatal hit-and-run that followed a car theft spree in Las Vegas. Prosecutors said they used the so-called “TikTok method” to steal a Hyundai Elantra, then filmed themselves as they struck and killed Andreas Probst, a retired police chief, in August 2023.
A wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Probst’s family against Hyundai, Ayala, and Keys is ongoing in Clark County court.