Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia have reached an agreement with 35 U.S. attorneys general in an effort to address the safety crisis triggered by a theft method that went viral on TikTok. To facilitate the investigation, both companies have committed to installing new zinc ignition protectors for free, as well as software updates on a total of 7 million vehicles.
Additionally, they will equip all future models with standard anti-theft technology. The agreement also includes the payment of $9 million in restitution, aiming to compensate for the damages and the lack of basic security systems in models manufactured between 2011 and 2022. Keith Ellison emphasized the importance of this measure, noting that the absence of basic technology in these cars not only caused millions in losses to citizens but also cost lives due to incidents resulting from the thefts.
The TikTok challenge
The conflict dates back to the spread of videos on social media, specifically TikTok, where it was shown how easy it was to steal certain models of Hyundai and Kia using only a USB cable. This security flaw affected vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2022, as they did not have engine immobilizers, a technology that prevents the car from starting if it does not detect the genuine key.
According to U.S. regulators, this trend was not just a private property issue; there were also reports of thefts resulting in at least 14 crashes and 8 deaths across the country in 2023. Pressure from authorities increased as they considered that the companies had omitted a safety standard that most of their competitors already included by default.
Hardware and software solutions
The new bipartisan agreement stipulates that Hyundai will offer hardware updates in nearly 4 million vehicles, while Kia will cover approximately 3.1 million. The main solution consists of the completely free installation of zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder guards, intended to prevent criminals from removing the cylinder to forcefully start the car.
Kia explained in a statement that this metal reinforcement “combats the social media-inspired theft method by strengthening the ignition cylinder body and preventing its removal.” Hyundai, for its part, described this step as a necessary advance in its “ongoing efforts to improve vehicle security in response to a theft method popularized on social media”.
Costly prices
The agreement not only covers modifications to the vehicles and software but also requires the companies to pay $9 million to cover the costs of state investigations and compensate consumers. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison mentioned that the companies’ own estimates could exceed $500 million. “By not including standard industry anti-theft technology in their vehicles, Hyundai and Kia unleashed a wave of car thefts that cost Minnesota residents their cars, their hard-earned money, and sometimes even their lives,” he stated.
When will the improvements take place?
Eligible consumers will begin receiving notifications in early 2026. Once informed, they will have until the end of March 2027 to visit their local dealerships and have the installation done completely free of charge. With this, it is expected to close one of the most difficult chapters for the reputation of both brands in the North American market.
Frequently asked questions
Which cars are affected and what is the fix?
Hyundai and Kia models (2011-2022) without an immobilizer. The brands will install a zinc protector on the ignition for free and update the software to prevent thefts using USB cables.
When can the free fix be requested?
Owners will receive notices in early 2026. From then, they will have until March 2027 to go to a dealership and get the installation at no cost.
Why was this agreement reached?
Due to a viral wave of thefts on TikTok that caused 14 crashes and 8 deaths. Prosecutor Keith Ellison noted that the brands omitted basic technology, causing millions in losses and personal tragedies.