An Independence, Missouri attorney has filed a federal class action lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai in Missouri and Kansas. vehicles to save money. “We were frankly surprised a modern manufacturer, especially one that sells so many cars, would so completely omit including the common safety features found on other models,” Ken McClain, the attorney who Specifically, the lawsuits claim that Kia and Hyundai failed to install immobilizers in their vehicles, Kia in 2011-2021 models and Hyundai in 2015-2021 models. Immobilizers read a computer chip in a key or fob to allow the engine to “Due to the lack of immobilizer issues on Kias and Hyundais, they have become a target for criminals as they are easy to fly,” McClain said. The lawsuit says many of these vehicles provide thieves with some of the equipment they can use to steal from them, a USB cord. “Given the number of people charging their cellphones in their cars, the instrument needed to steal a defective vehicle is generally readily available to any thief,” the lawsuits state. “It’s basically modern hot-wiring,” McClain said. While none of the plaintiffs in the lawsuits have had their vehicle stolen so far, McClain cites a series of Kia and Hyundai thefts around the country, including in St. Louis. He says all owners of the vehicle models in question could be affected. “It will impact the resale of those cars and also the insurance rates for those cars,” McClain said. Kia and Hyundai have released statements admitting there is a theft issue with their vehicles. Both statements also state that the 2022 models are equipped with immobilizers. “Kia America is aware of increased vehicle theft of a subset of trim levels in your region. All 2022 models and trims have an immobilizer applied either at the beginning of the year or in All Kia vehicles for sale in the United States meet or exceed federal motor vehicle safety standards,” Kia’s statement said. “Hyundai Motor America is concerned about the increase in auto theft premises.The safety and well-being of our customers and the community is and will remain our top priority.These vehicles meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and engine immobilizers are standard equipment on all new vehicles Hyundai,” the statement from Hyundai said. The lawsuits call on Kia and Hyundai to repair or replace models without the immobilizers. They are reluctant to issue recalls because of one of the cost and generally avoid them until they are mandated by governments. These problems can be solved and must be solved,” McClain said. In addition to statements, Kia and Hyundai have provided toll-free telephone lines for customers to ask questions or voice concerns. (800) 633-5151
An Independence, Missouri attorney has filed a federal class action lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai in Missouri and Kansas.
The lawsuits filed on behalf of residents of both states claim automakers intentionally failed to install anti-theft devices in many of their newer vehicles to save money.
“We were frankly surprised a modern manufacturer, especially one that sells so many cars, would so completely omit including the common safety features found on other models,” said Ken McClain, the lawyer who filed the lawsuits.
Specifically, the lawsuits claim that Kia and Hyundai failed to install immobilizers in their vehicles, Kia in 2011-2021 models and Hyundai in 2015-2021 models.
Immobilizers read a computer chip in a key or key fob to allow the engine to start.
“Because of the lack of immobilizer issues on Kias and Hyundais, they have become targets for criminals because they are easy to steal,” McClain said.
The lawsuit says many of these vehicles provide thieves with some of the equipment they can use to steal from them, a USB cord.
“Given the number of people charging their cellphones in their cars, the instrument needed to steal a defective vehicle is generally readily available to any thief,” the lawsuits state.
“It’s basically modern hot-wiring,” McClain said.
While none of the plaintiffs in the lawsuits so far have had their vehicles stolen, McClain cites a wave of Kia and Hyundai thefts across the country, including in St. Louis.
He says all owners of the vehicle models in question could be affected.
“It will impact the resale of those cars and also the insurance rates for those cars,” McClain said.
Kia and Hyundai released statements admitting there was a theft issue with their vehicles.
Both statements also state that the 2022 models are equipped with immobilizers.
“Kia America is aware of increased vehicle theft of a subset of trim levels in your region. All 2022 models and trims have an immobilizer applied either at the beginning of the year or in “As long as the change is pending. All Kia vehicles for sale in the United States meet or exceed federal motor vehicle safety standards,” Kia’s statement read.
“Hyundai Motor America is concerned about the increase in local auto theft. The safety and well-being of our customers and the community is and will remain our top priority. These vehicles meet or exceed federal vehicle safety standards Automobile and engine immobilizers are standard equipment on all new Hyundai vehicles,” the statement from Hyundai said.
The suits require Kia and Hyundai to repair or replace the models without the immobilizers.
“Automakers are hesitant to perform recalls because of the cost and generally avoid them until mandated by governments. These problems can be solved and must be solved,” McClain said.
In addition to statements, Kia and Hyundai have provided toll-free telephone lines for customers to ask questions or voice concerns.
For Kia:
For Hyundai: