Kia, Hyundai AG settlement: free ignition protectors, immobilizers going forward, up to $4,500 for MN theft victims
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a settlement with Kia and Hyundai requiring the automakers to repair millions of vehicles to fix anti-theft technology, include industry-standard engine immobilizers on all future vehicles, and offer eligible owners a free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector installed at authorized dealers; the companies will also pay up to $4.5 million in consumer restitution and $4.5 million to states to offset investigation costs. Victims of qualifying thefts occurring after April 29, 2025 (or before protector installation but by March 31, 2027) can seek up to $4,500 if the car had received the software upgrade or had a scheduled appointment, a settlement announced amid a surge in Twin Cities Kia/Hyundai thefts â 3,293 in 2022 with Minneapolis and St. Paul seeing 836% and 611% year-over-year increases.
đ Key Facts
- Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a settlement with Kia and Hyundai addressing alleged anti-theft failures.
- Under the settlement, Kia and Hyundai will include industry-standard engine immobilizers on all future vehicles.
- Eligible owners can receive a free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector installed at authorized dealers; the settlement specifies which Kia and Hyundai model years qualify.
- Kia and Hyundai will pay up to $4.5 million in restitution for consumers and up to $4.5 million to states to offset investigation costs.
- Victims of a qualifying theft or attempted theft can seek up to $4,500 if the theft occurred after April 29, 2025 and before installation of an ignition protector (or by March 31, 2027), provided the vehicle had the required software upgrade or a scheduled appointment for that upgrade at the time of the incident.
- Context in the Twin Cities: there were 3,293 Kia/Hyundai thefts in 2022; Minneapolis saw an 836% increase and St. Paul a 611% increase from 2021 to 2022, and police tied stolen vehicles to multiple homicides, shootings, robberies and crashes.
đ Relevant Data
Hyundai and Kia car thefts have increased more than 1000% since 2020 due to the lack of engine immobilizers in certain models.
Hyundai, Kia car thefts up more than 1000% since 2020 â Fox Business
In Minnesota, 24.9% of motor vehicle theft arrests involve juveniles.
2024 BCA Uniform Crime Report â Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
Reported carjacking offenders are disproportionately Black, with the Black offending rate being approximately 8 times higher than the White rate in 2022.
Trends in Carjacking: What You Need to Know â Council on Criminal Justice
Minneapolis has one of the largest Somali communities in North America, with the Black population increasing from 18.3% in 2010 to 18.9% in 2020.
Demographics of Minneapolis â Wikipedia
đ° Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Minnesota AG Keith Ellison announced a settlement with Kia and Hyundai addressing anti-theft failures.
- Automakers will include industry-standard engine immobilizers on all future vehicles.
- Eligible owners can get a free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector installed at authorized dealers; the article lists specific Hyundai and Kia model years eligible.
- Kia/Hyundai will pay up to $4.5 million in restitution for consumers and $4.5 million to states to offset investigation costs.
- Victims of a qualifying theft/attempt can seek up to $4,500 if the theft occurred after April 29, 2025 and before installation of an ignition protector or by March 31, 2027, and if the car had the software upgrade (or a scheduled appointment) at the time.
- Contextual Twin Cities impact: 3,293 Kia/Hyundai thefts in the Twin Cities in 2022; Minneapolis saw an 836% increase and St. Paul a 611% increase from 2021 to 2022; police tied stolen vehicles to multiple homicides, shootings, robberies and crashes.