Hardware Fixes and Immobilizers
Hyundai and Kia have agreed to retrofit more than 7 million vehicles in the United States to address widespread theft vulnerabilities, closing a multistate investigation led by a bipartisan coalition of 35 attorneys general, Reuters reports.
Under the agreement, both automakers will provide free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors for eligible vehicles and commit to equipping all future U.S. models with engine immobilizers, a long-standard anti-theft feature missing from many Hyundai and Kia vehicles built between 2011 and 2022.
The settlement also includes up to $9 million in restitution to consumers and states to help cover investigation costs. Owners of eligible vehicles will begin receiving notices in early 2026 and will have until March 2027 to complete the retrofit at authorized dealerships. The deal formally resolves regulatory scrutiny that intensified as thefts surged nationwide and Hyundai and Kia vehicles became frequent targets.
Four of America’s Most Stolen Vehicles in 2025 Come From the Two Brands
The agreement comes as theft data continues to paint an unflattering picture for the two brands. In 2025, four of the 10 most stolen vehicles in the U.S. are either Hyundai or Kia models, underscoring how deeply the issue has penetrated the market. Models such as the Hyundai Elantra and Sonata, along with the Kia Optima and Soul, regularly appear near the top of national theft charts.
Unlike traditional auto theft trends, which favor high-value trucks or luxury vehicles, this wave has disproportionately affected mass-market sedans and crossovers. That shift expanded the problem beyond isolated regions, driving up insurance premiums, straining law enforcement resources, and leaving millions of owners exposed to repeated break-ins.
Drew Phillips
Viral Theft Videos Triggered a Nationwide Spike
The theft problem accelerated sharply after videos circulated on TikTok and other social platforms showing how certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles without immobilizers could be stolen in minutes. The clips spread rapidly, turning a technical weakness into a widely copied theft method and fueling what became known as the “Kia Challenge.”
Regulators previously linked the trend to multiple crashes and fatalities, pushing the issue from a consumer inconvenience into a public safety concern. As thefts mounted, state officials argued that software updates alone were insufficient, increasing pressure on the automakers to pursue a hardware-based solution.
Hardware Fixes and Consumer Deadlines
The settlement requires Hyundai and Kia to install zinc-reinforced sleeves around ignition cylinders, designed to prevent the physical manipulation used in viral thefts. The fix applies even to vehicles that previously only qualified for software updates, significantly expanding the scope of the remedy.
Minnesota officials estimate the total cost of installing the hardware could exceed $500 million, making it one of the largest theft-related corrective actions undertaken by automakers in the U.S. Owners must complete the installation within the specified window to receive coverage.
Immobilizers Become Non-Negotiable
Beyond the immediate retrofit, the agreement cements a major structural shift: all future Hyundai and Kia vehicles sold in the U.S. will now include engine immobilizers as standard equipment. Just three years ago, Hyundai drew backlash after offering to add immobilizers only for a substantial fee. This movefurther angered owners already dealing with rising thefts and insurance costs. This time, the fix applies broadly to affected vehicles at no charge, bringing both brands in line with industry norms and finally closing the loophole that left earlier models easy targets.
For Hyundai and Kia, the settlement marks a turning point after years of recalls, lawsuits, and reputational fallout. With their vehicles still overrepresented in theft statistics, regulators, insurers, and consumers alike will closely watch the effectiveness of this fix.
