Attorney General Liz Murrill announced that Louisiana and 34 other states have reached a settlement with Hyundai and Kia regarding the sale of vehicles lacking standard anti-theft technology. The absence of this technology led to a significant increase in car thefts across the United States, including Louisiana.
Under the terms of the agreement, Hyundai and Kia will equip all future vehicles sold in the U.S. with engine immobilizer anti-theft systems. The companies will also provide free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors to owners or lessees of eligible vehicles, including those previously only eligible for software updates. Additionally, up to $4.5 million in restitution will be available for consumers whose cars were damaged by thieves, and another $4.5 million will be paid to participating states to cover investigation costs.
“Hyundai and Kia’s decision to abandon typical measures to prevent car thefts have led to detrimental consequences. The company’s omission of engine mobilizers led to its vehicles being vulnerable to theft and joyriding. We will continue to hold companies accountable when its decisions lead to Louisiana consumers being negatively affected,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill.
The settlement addresses concerns over Hyundai and Kia’s choice not to include engine-immobilizer technology in millions of their vehicles sold nationwide, which made them more susceptible to theft compared with other manufacturers’ models during the same period.
The lack of these security features contributed to a surge in vehicle thefts involving Hyundai and Kia models, some resulting in further criminal activity or fatal accidents. Although both companies began offering software updates and limited hardware fixes in 2023, state officials argued these measures were insufficient as thieves found ways around them.
Through this settlement, all affected consumers can now receive zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors at no cost by scheduling an appointment at authorized dealerships within one year from notification by Hyundai or Kia. Consumers who experienced theft or attempted theft after installing the software update on or after April 29, 2025 may file claims for compensation related to certain expenses.
For more information about eligibility requirements or how consumers can submit claims for compensation from Hyundai or Kia, details are available at www.HKMultistateimmobilizersettlement.com.
Attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Dakota Vermont Washington Wisconsin also joined this multistate settlement.