Chicago has decided to sue car manufacturers Kia and Hyundai, demanding for the companies to pay damages to the city and that they be restricted from claiming that their cars are equipped with adequate safety features. The city is gunning for a jury trial over the increasing number of thefts due to the automobile manufacturers’ failure to include an engine immobilizer in many cars. Chicago believes the lack of this security measure led to over 8,800 Kia and Hyundai vehicles being stolen in the city.
Kia and Hyundai vehicles only make up 7% of the cars in Chicago. Chicago’s mayor, Brandon Johnson, announced that the lack of immobilizers “disproportionately impacts low-income Chicago residents” and that the stolen vehicles have led to “other crimes including reckless driving, armed robbery, and murder.” This widespread theft trend has been seen in other areas as well, namely Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minneapolis reported receiving 1,899 thefts with Kia and Hyundai vehicles From January to May 2023.
The trend of stealing Kia cars started on TikTok. A group of teenagers nicknamed “Kia Boys” posted videos showing them stealing thousands of Hyundai and Kia cars. Many of the “Kia Boys” are males from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. They are seen showing others how to steal these vehicles through breaking the window and opening the steering column. From there, a phone charger can be used to start the car. A majority of the “Kia Boys” are reported to be between the ages of 12 and 15.
While car thefts are a crime themselves, the aftermath is costly for both owners and the cities that these thefts occur in. The expenses include costs for police investigations, prosecutions, as well as a direct connection to other crimes. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott remarked that the thefts are “significantly burdening police resources.” Joining Chicago in suing Hyundai and Kia are Baltimore, Cleveland, New York City, and Seattle.
Kia and Hyundai have attempted to take steps to remedy the situation, such as releasing free software updates to increase the alarm time and requiring a physical key inside the ignition to start the car. However, according to Carfax, around 5 million cars still need these updates to be installed. Kia and Hyundai reassure that they are working with local law enforcement to help combat the thefts as well as continue to install anti-theft measures.
Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago has continued to publicly criticize Kia and Hyundai, claiming that these car thefts have led to large crimes such as murder. He also claimed that the companies have refused to provide steering wheel locks, further contributing to the ease of stealing vehicles. Kia and Hyundai have yet to settle this case in court with Chicago, raising more concerns among citizens on how to prevent their vehicles from being stolen. This lawsuit contributes to the ongoing debate on whether Kia and Hyundai should assume responsibility for the impact their vehicles have had on cities.
