Kia and Hyundai have reached a substantial settlement with dozens of US states, agreeing to provide free anti-theft software upgrades and physical repairs for millions of vehicles susceptible to a viral theft trend. This agreement addresses a critical security flaw in numerous models that made them easy targets for thieves, a vulnerability widely exploited through social media.

Under the terms of the multi-state agreement, the automakers will offer free installations of anti-theft software or hardware for approximately nine million eligible vehicles sold in the United States between 2011 and 2022. The core issue stems from the absence of an engine immobilizer, a standard security feature in many other modern vehicles, which prevents an engine from starting without the correct key or transponder.

Owners of affected vehicles will receive a software upgrade that extends the alarm sound from 30 seconds to one minute and requires the key to be in the ignition to turn the car on. For models that cannot accommodate the software update, a physical zinc sleeve will be installed around the ignition cylinder to deter unauthorized access. These measures aim to significantly reduce the ease with which these vehicles can be stolen.

The widespread vulnerability gained notoriety through the “Kia Challenge” on social media platforms like TikTok, where videos demonstrated how to hotwire certain Kia and Hyundai models using only a USB cable. This simple method, targeting cars without engine immobilizers, led to a dramatic surge in thefts across the nation, creating a public safety crisis and widespread frustration among vehicle owners.

The financial implications of the settlement are substantial, with repair costs estimated to reach up to $500 million. In addition to the technical fixes, Kia and Hyundai will also establish a restitution fund totaling several million dollars to compensate owners whose vehicles were damaged or totaled due to these thefts. This fund is intended to cover losses not typically covered by insurance or to offset increased premiums.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who initiated a 2023 investigation that culminated in this settlement, characterized the situation as a “crisis” originating in corporate decisions and amplified by the internet, leading to tragic real-world consequences. The settlement underscores the responsibility of automakers to ensure basic security features are integrated into their products, protecting consumers and public safety.

The absence of engine immobilizers in these specific models has been a significant point of contention, especially given their prevalence in other manufacturers’ vehicles during the same period. The settlement mandates that all future Kia and Hyundai vehicles sold in the US will include engine immobilizers as a standard feature, preventing similar security oversights from recurring.

This resolution aims to restore consumer confidence in Kia and Hyundai brands, which suffered reputational damage amidst the theft epidemic. It also serves as a critical reminder to the automotive industry about the evolving landscape of vehicle security and the rapid spread of information, both legitimate and illicit, through digital platforms. The implementation of these fixes is expected to begin promptly, with affected owners being notified by the manufacturers.

Beyond the immediate fixes, the settlement highlights broader issues concerning automotive security standards and the potential for social media to inadvertently facilitate criminal activity. Authorities hope this agreement will not only protect current vehicle owners but also set a precedent for proactive security measures across the entire automotive sector, preventing future vulnerabilities from escalating into nationwide crises.

This comprehensive action by Kia and Hyundai, driven by legal pressure from state attorneys general, represents a significant step towards rectifying a widespread security flaw. It provides tangible relief for millions of vehicle owners and reinforces the importance of incorporating robust anti-theft technology as a fundamental aspect of modern vehicle design and manufacturing.

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