Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced that Arizona, along with 34 other states, has reached a settlement with car manufacturers Hyundai and Kia regarding the sale of vehicles lacking standard anti-theft technology. The absence of this technology led to a significant increase in vehicle thefts across the United States.
Under the agreement, Hyundai and Kia will equip all future vehicles sold in the U.S. with engine immobilizer anti-theft systems. They will also provide free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors to owners or lessees of eligible vehicles, including those previously only offered software updates. Up to $4.5 million will be available for restitution to consumers whose cars were damaged by thieves, and another $4.5 million will go to participating states to help cover investigation costs.
Attorney General Mayes stated, “Hyundai and Kia sold vehicles without basic, industry-standard anti-theft protections and Arizonans paid the price through increased thefts, damaged vehicles, and serious risks to public safety. This settlement forces these companies to fix the problem, make consumers whole where possible, and ensure this never happens again.”
Many Hyundai and Kia models sold in recent years did not include engine immobilizers—a technology that prevents a car from being started without its smart key—while most other manufacturers included this feature in nearly all their vehicles as early as 2015.
The lack of these protections made certain models easy targets for thieves who could start them without a key using simple methods widely shared online. This trend resulted in a nationwide surge in thefts involving Hyundai and Kia vehicles, some of which were used in further criminal activity or involved in traffic collisions.
According to officials, Hyundai and Kia’s response was slow; they began offering software updates only in 2023. Initially, they provided zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors solely for about 20% of affected cars that were not eligible for software fixes. Authorities allege that even after software updates were installed, some thieves found ways around them.
The new settlement ensures that all eligible consumers can have the ignition protector installed at no cost by visiting authorized dealerships within one year after receiving notice from Hyundai or Kia.
Mayes urged owners: “Eligible Arizonans should visit their local Hyundai or Kia to have them install a cylinder protector as soon as possible,” adding that these devices are meant “to stop thieves from breaking the ignition cylinder to steal your vehicle” and must now be installed free of charge under the settlement terms.
Consumers who experienced theft or attempted theft after installing or scheduling a software update on or after April 29, 2025 may qualify for compensation related to their losses.
For more information on eligibility requirements or filing claims for compensation from Hyundai or Kia, individuals can visit www.HKMultistateimmobilizersettlement.com or contact Hyundai at 1-877-409-4173 and Kia at 1-844-655-4191.
Senior Litigation Counsel Alyse Meislik handled the case for Arizona’s Attorney General’s Office. The multistate effort was led by attorneys general from Connecticut, Minnesota, and New Hampshire with support from several other states including California and New Jersey.
Arizona residents who believe they have been victims of consumer fraud can file complaints via www.azag.gov/consumer or contact regional offices by phone.
