Between 2011 and 2022, many Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles were manufactured without engine immobilizers, making them vulnerable to theft rings (“Kia/Hyundai theft” trend). Issues included widespread theft, property damage, and safety risks. Remedies included massive nationwide settlements, state AG agreements, software updates, hardware retrofits, reimbursement programs, and commitments for future models to include immobilizers.
| Year(s) | Make | Model | Should Purchase? | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 | Hyundai | Elantra | Awareness |
Immobilizer omitted → vulnerable to theft Remedy: software update, hardware retrofit kits, settlement reimbursement Legal context: nationwide settlement and AG agreements |
|
| 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 | Hyundai | Sonata | Awareness |
Immobilizer omitted → theft risk Remedy: software update, retrofit kits, extended coverage Legal context: settlement filings and AG agreements |
|
| 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 | Kia | Optima | Awareness |
Immobilizer omitted → theft risk Remedy: software update, retrofit kits, reimbursement programs Legal context: nationwide settlement coverage |
|
| 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 | Kia | Soul | Awareness |
Immobilizer omitted → theft risk Remedy: software update, retrofit kits, reimbursement programs Legal context: settlement filings and AG agreements |
|
| 2017 2018 2019 2020 | Genesis | G80 | Awareness |
Immobilizer omitted in early trims → theft risk Remedy: software update, retrofit kits, extended coverage Legal context: referenced in settlement filings and AG agreements |