Kia Anti-Theft Software Upgrade, Steering-Wheel Locks and Theft Settlement

Hyundai and Kia say thefts of their vehicles, historically low, spiked in summer 2022 after thieves posted videos on TikTok and other platforms. The videos showed how to bypass security features, take apart the steering column and reach the ignition, a trend known as the "Kia Challenge." The thieves are sometimes called "Kia Boys."

Roughly 9 million 2011–2022 Hyundai and Kia vehicles were described as susceptible. Most are base or entry-level trims with a turn-key ignition, no push-button start and no immobilizing anti-theft device. The automakers say these vehicles meet federal anti-theft requirements, and every Kia built since November 2021 has an engine immobilizer as standard equipment.[1]

The free upgrade changes certain vehicle control modules on turn-key Kia and Hyundai models to add an ignition kill. The car then cannot be started with the method popularized on social media. Kia dealers install it at no charge. Under the class settlement, the upgrade is installed automatically whenever an eligible vehicle comes in for any service or maintenance appointment.

As of May 18, 2023, Kia said it had notified over three million owners and lessees, covering more than 96% of eligible vehicles, and expected to reach all upgrade-eligible customers by the end of that month.[1]

Some vehicles cannot accommodate the software. For those owners, the settlement provides reimbursement of up to $300 for anti-theft devices such as steering-wheel locks and alarm kits. Hyundai and Kia have also handed out tens of thousands of free steering-wheel locks through local law enforcement or by shipping them to owners. Kia alone had distributed over 65,000 by May 2023.[1]

Kia America and Hyundai Motor America announced the settlement of In re: Kia Hyundai Vehicle Theft Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, No. 8:22-ML-3052 JVS(KESx), U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, on May 18, 2023. The announcement said it covered about 9 million vehicles and could be worth about $200 million depending on participation. It pays cash for theft-related losses or damage not covered by insurance, insurance deductibles, higher premiums and other theft-related losses, plus reimbursement for anti-theft devices.

The official settlement website says the court granted final approval on October 1, 2024, that appeals were then filed, and that payments will go out only after the appeals are resolved and the settlement takes effect. It also says the claim deadline has passed. A January 2026 legal-news report said a Ninth Circuit panel affirmed the approval.[1][2][3]

No. The security software is a free service campaign, not a safety recall. A search of the NHTSA recall dataset for Kia campaigns that mention theft, immobilizers or anti-theft software returned no matching theft-related recall. Use Kia's owner channels or a Kia dealer to confirm a specific VIN.[4]