COLUMBUS – Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein says he is planning to file a lawsuit against automakers Kia and Hyundai for their failure to include anti-theft technology in vehicles, which has led to soaring levels of auto theft in Columbus.
According to Klein, the city has seen a more than 450% increase in the number of Kia and Hyundai thefts over the past year, an average of 17 thefts per day and nearly two-thirds of all vehicle theft attempts in Columbus.
“For years, Kia and Hyundai cut corners and sold vehicles they knew were so unsafe they could be stolen with ease by a teenager with access to simple tools and a TikTok account. Kia and Hyundai’s negligence in pursuit of corporate profit is unconscionable,” Klein said.
The companies manufactured vehicles without engine immobilizers or other security features, many of which Klein says come as standard equipment on nearly every other consumer vehicle manufactured during the same model years.
Cities across the country have been plagued by thefts of Kias and Hyundais by young teens inspired by TikTok videos showing how the car can be stolen in a matter of minutes by anyone with a screwdriver and USB charger.
Often, the young thieves end up involved in serious, even deadly, accidents.
Klein’s office claims the bulk of thefts are being perpetrated by juveniles, including a group known as the “Kia Boyz” who steal Kia and Hyundai vehicles, post their exploits to social media, and challenge others to do the same.
“We’ve asked Kia and Hyundai for their assistance. To date, we have received no meaningful cooperation,” Columbus Chief of Police Elaine Bryant said.
Despite knowing of the security deficiencies of their vehicles, Kia and Hyundai have refused to recall or repair vehicles to better secure them from theft, Klein said.
Klein says his office plans to ask the court to prohibit the further sale of unsafe vehicles and require Kia and Hyundai to recall, repair or replace the unsafe vehicles currently on the road, as well as damages.
Columbus City Council Monday night approved the hiring of a legal firm to act as special counsel in the lawsuit.