Victims Injured or Killed From Hyundai and Kia Thefts Seek Justice
A viral social media trend of stealing Hyundai & Kia cars due to the Hyundai and Kia’s failure to install anti-theft immobilizers has caused at least eight deaths and countless other injuries according to 18 state attorneys general. The victims and their families are now seeking to hold Hyundai and Kia accountable for their serious injuries and family member’s deaths.
If you or a family member were injured or killed during a Hyundai or Kia car theft
Contact Us To Seek Justice And Accountability For Hyundai And Kia’s Corporate Greed
Hyundai and Kia’s Negligence Leads To Car Theft Trend
Hyundai and Kia made cars that could be easily stolen using a screwdriver and a USB cable. Hyundai and Kia made these cars without engine immobilizers, which are in 96% of cars produced over the last 20 years and cost less than $200 per car.
Due to the car companies’ negligence and attempt to save money on costs, all thieves have to do is rip off the steering column cover, remove the ignition cylinder, and turn the rectangular nub behind it to start the engine. In casual parlance, that's what's called hot-wiring a car. What's worse, the trick to stealing the cars is hiding in plain sight on social media.
What is an Engine Immobilizer
An engine immobilizer is a crucial security feature designed to prevent unauthorized access and theft of a vehicle. It operates by disabling the engine's ignition system or fuel supply until a valid key or electronic transponder is used to unlock and start the car.
Without a car immobilizer, a vehicle becomes significantly more vulnerable to theft, as traditional theft methods like hotwiring become much easier for criminals to execute. Consequently, the absence of a car immobilizer increases the risk of car theft, leading to potential financial losses, increased insurance premiums, and, in some cases, even personal safety concerns as stolen vehicles may be used in criminal activities. It’s a vital component in modern vehicle security systems.
State Attorneys General Acknowledge Danger & Request Help
The negligence was so apparent and the thefts so widespread and dangerous that in April, eighteen state attorneys general wrote to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration asking that all vulnerable Hyundai and Kia vehicles manufactured from 2011 to 2022 be recalled and retrofitted with immobilizers to keep them from being stolen.
"Thefts of these Hyundai and Kia vehicles have led to at least eight deaths, numerous injuries and property damage, and they have diverted significant police and emergency services resources from other priorities," The Attorneys General Wrote.
The After-Effects of the Social Media Viral Theft Challenge
It all started in 2021, when the “Kia Boyz” began taking advantage of a security flaw in some cars in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Kia Challenge began when a video became popular in the summer of 2022. This led teens to steal certain Kia and Hyundai models, causing harm and death in the process. So many of these Hyundai & Kia cars have been stolen that some people have had to wait months for repairs to their stolen and recovered cars due to the back order of parts. Insurers are refusing to cover certain Kia and Hyundai models, or significantly increasing insurance rates.
What Can Those Injured Do
If you or someone you love was injured or killed during a Hyundai or Kia car theft, you can file a lawsuit against Hyundai or Kia demanding justice for their negligence of not including standard immobilizers.
