On the Dash:
- Hyundai and Kia will retrofit about 7 million U.S. vehicles and install immobilizers on all new models.
- The deal resolves an investigation by 35 state attorneys general and includes up to $9 million in restitution.
- Dealerships will play a key role as installations begin in early 2026 and run through March 2027.
Hyundai and Kia agreed Tuesday to retrofit about 7 million U.S. vehicles to address theft concerns and to equip all future U.S. models with engine immobilizer anti-theft technology, resolving an investigation by a bipartisan coalition of 35 state attorneys general.
Under the agreement, the automakers will offer free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors to owners of eligible vehicles, including some models previously covered only by software updates. The hardware is designed to prevent a theft method popularized on TikTok and other social media platforms.
Hyundai said the hardware update will be offered on nearly 4 million vehicles, while Kia said the program covers about 3.1 million U.S. vehicles. Both companies also committed to installing engine immobilizers on all future U.S. vehicles.
Regulators said in 2023 that social media theft trends contributed to at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities in the United States. Vehicles without push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices were especially vulnerable.
As part of the settlement, Hyundai and Kia will pay up to $9 million in restitution to consumers and states to help offset investigation costs. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said estimates from the automakers suggest the cost of installing ignition cylinder protectors on all eligible vehicles could exceed $500 million.
Hyundai said the agreement advances efforts to address thefts involving certain 2011 through 2022 model-year vehicles that were built without engine immobilizers. Kia said the zinc-sleeve modification reinforces the ignition cylinder body and prevents it from being removed.
Eligible consumers will receive notices in early 2026 and will have until the end of March 2027 to have the ignition cylinder protectors installed at local dealerships.
