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The nationwide outbreak of thefts involving Kia and Hyundai cars is prompting officials across the country to call for a recall.
Attorneys general in 17 states have asked the federal government to recall millions of the vehicles because they are too easy to steal.
The move aims to counter a sharp rise in thefts fueled by a viral social media challenge.
Videos circulating on TikTok have shown how people can start Kia and Hyundai models using just a screwdriver and a USB cable.
CITIES ARE SUING HYUNDAI, KIA AFTER WAVE OF CAR THEFTS
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, center, flanked by Assistant Attorney General Holly Mariella, left, and Berkeley Police Commissioner Jennifer Louis, right, speaks about the surge during a news conference Thursday, April 20, 2023, in Berkeley, California the … (AP Photo/Terry Chea/AP Newsroom)
Some Kia and Hyundai cars sold in the United States in the last decade don’t have immobilizers, a standard feature on most cars that prevent the engine from starting if the key is not present.
“The bottom line is that Kia and Hyundai’s failure to incorporate standard safety features into many of their vehicles has put vehicle owners and the public at risk,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a press release. “Rather than take responsibility with appropriate corrective actions, these automakers have chosen to shift that risk onto consumers and our communities.”
HYUNDAI AND KIA OWNERS ARE AT RISK OF THEFT DUE TO SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGE
Kia and Hyundai dealers. (iStock / iStock)
The letter was also signed by attorneys general from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia.
In Los Angeles, thefts of Hyundai and Kia cars increased by about 85% in 2022.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the stolen car trend has resulted in 14 accidents and eight fatalities.
Cities like Milwaukee have reported a rise in auto thefts, something police say are targeting Kias and Hyundais. (FOX NEWS / Fox News)
Kia said in a statement that it is focused on the issue, “and we continue to take action to address the concerns that these attorneys general have raised.”
The company says the vehicles meet federal safety standards, so a recall isn’t necessary.
Hyundai and Kia announced in February that they would provide software updates for vehicles that require the key to be in the ignition to turn the car on.
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According to Hyundai, all models produced after November 1, 2021 will be equipped with immobilizers as standard.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.