Story perspectives

Minnesota Secures $36M Settlement with Hyundai and Kia

12/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a 36-state settlement with Hyundai and Kia over missing anti-theft technology.
The settlement requires all future U.S. vehicles to have engine immobilizers and provides free ignition cylinder protectors for affected models.
The agreement also provides $4.5 million for consumer restitution and $4.5 million to cover investigation costs.
Notices for ignition protector installation will be sent in early 2026 amid Minnesota theft increases in 2022.

History

Historical Context

In 2022, a viral TikTok trend known as the "Kia Challenge" led to a dramatic rise in vehicle thefts, particularly targeting Kia and Hyundai models lacking anti-theft immobilizers. By 2023, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a 36-state settlement mandating engine immobilizers in all future U.S. vehicles, reflecting heightened concerns over automotive security amid a 25% increase in thefts in Minnesota that year.

1 of 2

Story summary

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a 36-state settlement with Hyundai and Kia over missing anti-theft technology.
The settlement requires all future U.S. vehicles to have engine immobilizers and provides free ignition cylinder protectors for affected models.
The agreement also provides $4.5 million for consumer restitution and $4.5 million to cover investigation costs.
Notices for ignition protector installation will be sent in early 2026 amid Minnesota theft increases in 2022.

1 / 2