Vehicle thefts have been a serious problem in Washington State and nationwide, especially during the pandemic. The Kia/Hyundai Tik Tok Challenge helped to increase car thefts nationwide. In Washington State car thefts increased 31% in 2022 (46,939 vehicles stolen) over 2021 (35,921 vehicles stolen).
Hyundai and Kia have instituted free anti-theft upgrade programs to help improve the security of certain Hyundai and Kia models. As a result of the programs, vehicle thefts have dropped by 14% in Washington State for the first quarter of 2023 (Q1 2023- 10,912 vs Q1 2022- 12,730). This is the 3rd largest drop of vehicle thefts in the country, according to KIRO TV. However, there are still an estimated 76,000 Hyundai and Kia owners in the Puget Sound Region who are eligible for the free fix who have not taken advantage of the fix.
Carfax has teamed up with Hyundai and Kia to educate its users about the Hyundai/Kia upgrade program.
Call your local Hyundai or Kia dealership for more information.
Class Action Lawsuit
Hyundai and Kia have settled a class action lawsuit that sought compensation from the car companies for Hyundai and Kia cars that were stolen between 2011 and 2022 and other damages. The value of the settlement is up to $200 million.
A key issue is that the plaintiffs claimed the manufacturers made the cars too easy to steal by not installing an immobilizer in them. This is a device that looks for a code from a smart key. Without the code, the car will not start. Without the immobilizer, the ignition system bypasses the check for the correct code and starts the car.
Owners of Hyundai’s and Kia’s can be compensated:
·
If your model was built from 2011-2022 with turn
keys and no engine immobilizer.
·
If your Hyundai or Kia was stolen but not
recovered, you can be eligible for up to $6,125.
·
If your Hyundai or Kia was stolen and was
recovered damaged, you can be eligible for up to $3,375.
Save all receipts related to the theft. Car owners can be reimbursed for rental cars, ridesharing, and towing services. Other potential payments may include if the stolen vehicle incurred speeding tickets, red light tickets, or other penalties or fines.
For more information about the settlement, check out this
website,
Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro:
https://www.hbsslaw.com/hyundai-kia-usb-car-theft-defect/faq
South Snohomish County Crime Watch:
https://ssnoccrimewatch.blogspot.com/2022/08/car-theft-threat-kiahyundai-tik-tok.html
KIRO TV:
The Seattle Times:
WKBW:
Hyundai:
https://www.hyundainews.com/en-us/releases/3838
https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/dealer-locator
Kia:
https://www.kia.com/us/en/find-a-dealer/result?zipCode=92708
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