Many cars are built with an electronic anti-theft device known as an engine immobilizer that prevents the engine from being started when the key is not present. Kia and Hyundai chose to sell millions of vehicles in the United States over the past decade with traditional keys that lacked engine immobilizer technology.
Those vehicles are vulnerable to being easily stolen using nothing more than a screwdriver and a USB cable. Online videos quickly spread the knowledge of how to steal these cars and thefts skyrocketed in certain cities in 2021 and 2022. For example, almost 4,000 Kias and Hyundais were stolen in St. Louis in 2022, exceeding the total number of all stolen cars in the city the year before.
Stolen Kias and Hyundais have harmed thousands. Owners have been left with substantial repair bills and losses due to having to find replacement transportation. Others have been seriously injured by thieves recklessly driving stolen cars or using them to commit crimes. The problem is so significant that some insurance companies stopped writing new insurance policies on certain Kia and Hyundai models altogether.
Kia and Hyundai deny their vehicles are defective or that they are liable for any harm. But multiple lawsuits have been filed seeking to hold these manufacturers accountable. These include cases filed on behalf of people whose cars have been stolen, on behalf of people who have been hurt in accidents involving stolen vehicles, and on behalf of municipalities, including St. Louis, to recover for the significant costs and damages caused by these stolen vehicles.
What Models of Kia and Hyundai are at Increased Risk of Theft?
The vehicles at an increased risk of theft include certain Kia vehicles between model years 2011-2021 and certain Hyundai vehicles between model years 2015-2021 that lack engine immobilizers.
What Should I Do If I Have Been a Victim of a Stolen Kia or Hyundai?
Jason Sapp of Sapp Law has assisted hundreds of individuals and businesses who have been harmed by products and unfair or deceptive business practices. He is actively investigating claims for individuals who have incurred losses because their Kia or Hyundai vehicle was stolen or who have been injured in an accident involving a stolen Kia or Hyundai. If you have been harmed by the theft of a Kia or Hyundai, contact Jason Sapp or via phone at 314-782-3500. Initial consultations are free of charge.