Multistate Anti-Theft Settlement with Hyundai and Kia Announced

December 22, 2025

The Seaford Police Department recently advised owners of Kia and Hyundai vehicles to take preventive measures, as their vehicles are more likely to be stolen. Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings announced last week that her agency and 34 other state attorneys general have reached a settlement with the two auto manufacturers in a class action lawsuit over the issue.

The lawsuit alleged that the companies were negligent for failing to install industry-standard anti-theft technology, including engine immobilizer technology that prevents thieves from starting a vehicle’s engine without its “smart” key. In 2015, only 26% of the vehicles Kia and Hyundai sold in the U.S. were reportedly equipped with this common feature, compared with 96% of vehicles sold by other manufacturers. 

Car thieves, aided by social media, exploited a quick, simple method to access the vehicles’ ignition cylinders and start them without a key. As a result, Kia and Hyundai vehicle thefts surged nationwide.

The companies were slow to respond, and the issue quickly escalated in Delaware, where thefts and attempted thefts of the vehicles increased by 54 percent from 2021 to 2022 and by 284 percent from 2022 to 2023.

Under the settlement, Hyundai and Kia have agreed to: 

·     offer free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors to the owners or lessees of eligible vehicles; 

·     provide up to $4.5 million in restitution to eligible consumers whose cars are damaged by thieves; and

·     Equip all future vehicles sold in the U.S. with engine immobilizer technology.

Eligible consumers will be notified by the companies that they will have one year from the date of the notice to make an appointment to have the zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector installed at their local Hyundai or Kia authorized dealerships.

In addition, consumers who previously installed the software update on their vehicles (or were scheduled to do so) and experienced a theft or attempted theft of their vehicle on or after April 29, 2025, are eligible to file a claim for restitution for certain theft- and attempted-theft-related expenses. For more information about eligibility and how to submit a compensation claim, please use these links: 

·     For Hyundai: Visit www.HKMultistateimmobilizersettlement.com 

·     For Kia: Visit https://customercare.kiausa.com/SWLD or call (800) 333-4KIA (4542)