NEW YORK – New York State Attorney General Letitia James today issued a consumer alert alerting New Yorkers to recent thefts targeting Hyundai and Kia Motors, offering key tips for protecting consumers. Attorney General James also told Hyundai and Kia to immediately fix safety deficiencies such as failed ignition switches and missing engine immobilizers that make vehicles built between 2011 and 2022 vulnerable to theft. Attorney General James also asked the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to recall these unsafe vehicles. Today’s warning comes in light of a surge in Hyundai and Kia car thefts sparked by a dangerous viral video trend on social media platform TikTok. On TikTok, people are uploading videos showing how to hotwire these cars and challenge others to steal them.
“When we learn about fraud and design flaws that harm New York consumers and car owners, it’s important to put the brakes on these issues.” Attorney General James“Manufacturers have a responsibility to address safety deficiencies in their vehicles, so to better protect New York car owners and renters, Hyundai and Kia have anti-theft devices and other We urge all New Yorkers, especially those with affected Hyundai and Kia vehicles, to stay vigilant and follow these important safety tips. It is recommended.”
Kia and Hyundai vehicles built between 2011 and 2022 are vulnerable to theft because the ignition switch is easily bypassed and they are not equipped with engine immobilizers. Exploitation of these vulnerabilities was made public by his TikTok videos of people demonstrating how to steal Hyundai and Kia cars using simple tools such as USB cables and screwdrivers. As these vulnerabilities spread through challenge videos on the Internet, thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles have skyrocketed, causing serious public safety risks and property loss. For example, in Rochester, nearly 75% of the cars stolen this year were manufactured by Hyundai and Kia. Similarly, in New York City, the New York City Police Department has expressed alarming concern, with more than 100 Hyundai and Kia thefts in December alone. The theft of Hyundai and Kia vehicles resulted in millions of dollars in property loss or damage, diverting emergency and police resources away from other pressing issues.
These thefts also pose a direct risk to public safety. In New York, at least four people have died and many others have been injured in car accidents following the theft of these vehicles. Hyundai and Kia are implementing software patches to fix the vulnerabilities in their vehicles, but the patches are being rolled out in stages and are not available for all vehicle models.
“So far this year, Rochester has had 403 Kias and 386 Hyundai stolen from residents.” US Congressman Joe Morrell“These thefts not only pose a danger to our children, families and businesses, they also place an undue burden on law enforcement agencies, tying up their resources and in an already overburdened age.” We thank Attorney General James for taking steps to end this crisis and remain committed to the government’s collaborative and all-encompassing approach to strengthening public safety. increase.”
“In the last five months, more than 1,400 Kias and Hyundais have been stolen in Monroe County, partly thanks to TikTok promoting a how-to guide to auto theft.” Monroe County Commissioner Adam Bello“This puts people and businesses at risk and depletes law enforcement resources. Kia and Hyundai must also be held accountable for vehicle vulnerabilities that facilitate theft. We support Attorney General James’ call for a nationwide recall of safe vehicles, provision of anti-theft devices, and faster software updates to prevent future thefts.”
“This surge in vehicle theft is having a negative impact on the quality of life of Rochester residents and the livelihoods of Rochester business owners, and costs taxpayers skyrocketing,” it said. Mayor of Rochester Malik D. Evans“Thus, not only do we hold the perpetrators of these thefts accountable, but we also hold these manufacturers accountable for selling vehicles without anti-theft technology and failing to address the issue.” We thank the Attorney General for continuing to raise awareness, admonish consumers and ask NHTSA to issue a recall.”
“Thank you Attorney General Letitia James for standing up for the New Yorkers again.” State Senator Jeremy Cooney“Kia and Hyundai thefts are rampant in Monroe County, and the judiciary has sent a strong message to these automakers that action must be taken to correct system flaws and security glitches.” I applaud the Secretary and the Attorneys General across the country, I stand ready to do all I can at the state level to ensure that these public safety threats that endanger lives and livelihoods are stopped. I will do my best to do so.”
“This prevalence of fire problems in Hyundai and Kiaz is a leading cause of crime in Rochester.” Senator Jen Lansford“I applaud the Attorney General for addressing this issue as a larger attempt to address public safety statewide.”
As part of her ongoing efforts to combat theft and protect New Yorkers, Attorney General James and a coalition of 17 other attorneys general called for a nationwide recall of these dangerous vehicles. In addition, Attorney General James and the coalition will accelerate efforts on Hyundai and Kia to install software patches that prevent their vehicles from being easily stolen, and all affected individuals who own vehicles that are not covered by the software. Requested owners to provide free anti-theft handle devices. patch.
Attorney General James also recommends New Yorkers who own Hyundai and Kia vehicles built between 2011 and 2022 immediately take the following steps to protect themselves against theft:
- If you are a Kia Motors owner or lessee, check the Kia Motors website or call Kia Motors directly to check the status of your vehicle eligible for a software upgrade or free steering wheel lock please. You can contact Kia’s Customer Care team toll-free at 1-800-333-4542 or contact them online through the Owners Portal.
- If you are a Hyundai owner or lessee, please check the Hyundai website or call Hyundai directly to check the status of your vehicle for a software upgrade or free steering wheel lock. For more information, please call a Hyundai Customer Care Agent toll-free at 1-888-498-0390 or visit our website.
- Contact your Hyundai/Kia dealer immediately and ask them to upgrade your vehicle’s software to fix the vulnerabilities that have made your vehicle uniquely subject to car theft.
- If you cannot immediately apply a software patch to fix the vulnerability, request an anti-theft handle device from Hyundai or Kia.
- Check your mail regularly and keep an eye out for notices from Hyundai, Kia, or government agencies regarding mandatory or voluntary vehicle recalls or additional safety measures that may apply to your vehicle.
- If your vehicle has been stolen, or if you believe that someone has tried to steal your vehicle, contact your local police station to report the incident.