Tag: Kia

Auto Thefts Skyrocket in Cities Across the United States

According to a new crime report, car robberies have skyrocketed in dozens of cities across the United States in the first half of 2023. The Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ) released its “Crime Trends in U.S. Cities: Mid-Year 2023 Update” on July 20, which examines monthly crime rates for ten violent, property, and drug offenses in 37…


Kia to Invest $200 Million in US Plant, Build EV9 SUV in 2024

Kia said on Wednesday it will invest more than $200 million in its assembly plant in the U.S. state of Georgia to begin production of its electric EV9 SUV next year. The Korean automaker said the company will add about 200 jobs to build the three-row SUV alongside four other models at the West Point,…


Toyota, Kia, Land Rover Included in Recall of 247,000 Vehicles

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly a quarter million Toyota, Kia, and Land Rover vehicles have been recalled over a range of issues, including loss of brake power, malfunctioning taillights, and faulty airbags. The NHTSA has issued recalls for nearly 99,000 Kia Sportage SUVs, over 96,000 2022 through 2023 Toyota Corolla…


New York City Goes After Hyundai, Kia After Security Flaw Leads to Wave of Social Media Fueled Theft

New York City has filed a lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia, joining a host of other cities beset by a social media fueled wave of car thefts due to a flaw that made some car models highly susceptible to theft. Viral how-to videos on TikTok and other sites show how to start the cars using…


Hyundai, Kia Announce $200 Million Settlement Over Security Flaw Targeted by TikTok Challenge

SANTA ANA, Calif.—A settlement was reached in federal court in Santa Ana of litigation brought by Hyundai and Kia car owners over a security weakness in the vehicles that was promoted on social media platforms, the automakers announced May 18. Thefts of the cars were driven last summer following a TikTok challenge that outlined a…


18 State Attorneys General Seeking to Recall Hyundai and Kia Vehicles, Citing High Risks of Theft

Attorneys general of 18 states have written a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) asking for the recall of certain models of Hyundai and Kia vehicles due to the carmakers’ failure in taking necessary steps to address the ease with which these vehicles are being stolen. The April 20 letter (pdf) asked…


Thefts Prompt 17 States to Urge Recall of Kia, Hyundai Cars

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Attorneys general in 17 states on Thursday urged the federal government to recall millions of Kia and Hyundai cars because they are too easy to steal, a response to a sharp increase in thefts fueled by a viral social media challenge. Some Kia and Hyundai cars sold in the United States over the last…


St. Louis Sues Kia, Hyundai Over Rash of Car Thefts

ST. LOUIS—A federal lawsuit filed Monday by the city of St. Louis accuses automakers Kia and Hyundai of failing to install industry-standard anti-theft technology, resulting in thousands of vehicle thefts in the Missouri city. The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $75,000 plus punitive damages. St. Louis joins several other cities that have filed similar…


Recall Alert: Automaker Warns Drivers to Park Vehicles Outside

Both Hyundai and Kia have recalled more than 500,000 vehicles across the United States due to a possible fire risk and warned that motorists should park their vehicles away from structures in the meantime. Affected Hyundai vehicles include the 2019 to 2023 Santa Fe, the 2021 to 2023 Santa Fe Hybrid, the 2022 and 2023…


San Diego Joins Chorus of Cities Suing Hyundai and Kia Over Car Thefts

San Diego’s City Attorney is suing Kia and Hyundai, alleging their failure to intall industry standard anti-theft technology in several of their cars. City Attorney Mara Elliott filed a the complaint in California Superior Court March 16 alleging the car manufacturers are liable “for creating a public nuisance,” joining other cities that have filed similar…