Frustrated Memphis Officials Consider Suing Hyundai and Kia Over Surge in Car Thefts

Over the past two years, more than 22,000 vehicles have been stolen in Memphis, with Hyundai and Kia models being the primary targets

If you thought Hyundai and Kia had put their car theft issues behind them, think again. The City of Memphis is considering lawsuits against the automakers as it grapples with a wave of vehicle thefts, many involving these two brands. While the problem isn’t new, it’s now hitting closer to home.

A Design Flaw Meets a Viral Trend

The surge in Hyundai and Kia thefts began in 2021, sparked by viral social media posts exposing how alarmingly easy it is to steal certain models. These vehicles lack immobilizers and have overly simple ignition systems, making them vulnerable.

With just a USB cable and a little effort, thieves can steal some models in under 90 seconds. What started as an online trend has turned into a major headache for millions of car owners.

Fast forward to today, and the consequences of that viral discovery are painfully clear. In Memphis, over 22,000 vehicles have been stolen in the past two years, with Hyundai and Kia models topping the list. The sheer number of thefts has overwhelmed local law enforcement.

According to WREG, both the Memphis Police Department and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office have been forced to reassign staff and create new units to address the surge in thefts. On Tuesday, a City Council committee approved a resolution to pursue litigation against the two automakers, and a special attorney will be hired to manage the case.

“We do not take litigation lightly,” said a city spokesperson. “However, the City of Memphis and its police officers have spent significant time responding to thefts of Kias and Hyundais, which is grossly disproportionate to other vehicle thefts in our city. Responding to these thefts has delayed officers from handling other calls, increased costs for the city, and left many of our residents and visitors without their vehicles.”

In response to the rise in thefts, both Hyundai and Kia have implemented several measures. In early 2023, they released a software update to improve vehicle security and began offering steering wheel locks to owners of affected models. More recently, in early 2024, Hyundai introduced an ignition cylinder protector for vehicles that aren’t eligible for the software update.

Kia Stands Firm

Despite the growing pressure, Kia is maintaining its position. The automaker has rejected the potential lawsuit, calling it “without merit.”

“As we have said repeatedly, lawsuits filed by municipalities against Kia are without merit,” the company said in a statement. “Like all Kia vehicles, the specific models involved in this case meet the requirements outlined in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, including FMVSS 114, which governs theft protection measures.

Furthermore, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has publicly stated that it does not consider this issue to be a safety defect or non-compliance that would require a recall under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.”

Author:

  • Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...

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