Under an agreement with a bipartisan coalition of 35 state attorneys general, the automakers will offer a free hardware fix for roughly seven million vehicles that were sold without engine immobilizers, a basic security feature long considered standard across much of the auto industry. The companies also agreed to install immobilizers on all new vehicles sold in the United States going forward.
The action follows years of criticism from regulators and consumer advocates who said certain Hyundai and Kia models, particularly those using traditional key ignitions, were unusually easy to steal. Videos circulating online showed how the cars could be taken in minutes, fueling a surge in thefts that regulators have linked to at least 14 crashes and eight fatalities.
The settlement applies to Hyundai and Kia vehicles from the 2011 through 2022 model years that were not equipped with factory-installed immobilizers.
Affected Hyundai models include Accent, Elantra, Elantra GT, Elantra Coupe, Elantra Touring, Genesis Coupe, Kona, Palisade, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Sport, Santa Fe XL, Sonata, Tucson, Veloster, Venue, and Veracruz, covering various model years within that period.
Affected Kia models include Forte, K5, Optima, Rio, Sedona, Seltos, Soul, Sorento, and Sportage, also spanning model years 2011 through 2022 depending on the vehicle.
The fix centers on a zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector designed to prevent the physical manipulation of the ignition system, the method most commonly used in the thefts. Hyundai said the hardware update would apply to nearly four million vehicles, while Kia said about 3.1 million vehicles are eligible.
As part of the agreement, the automakers will pay up to $9 million in restitution to consumers and to states to help offset the costs of the investigation. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said the total cost of installing the hardware across all eligible vehicles could exceed $500 million.
“By failing to include industry-standard anti-theft technology,” Mr. Ellison said, “Hyundai and Kia unleashed a wave of auto thefts that cost people their cars, their money, and sometimes even their lives.”
The agreement builds on earlier efforts by the automakers to address the issue, including a $200 million consumer class-action settlement reached in 2023 and software updates offered to millions of vehicles. Owners of eligible vehicles will begin receiving notices in early 2026 and will have until the end of March 2027 to have the free ignition cylinder protector installed at authorized dealerships.
Models Affected:
Hyundai
• Accent (2011–2022)
• Elantra (2011–2022)
• Elantra GT (2013–2020)
• Elantra Coupe (2013–2014)
• Elantra Touring (2011–2012)
• Genesis Coupe (2013–2014)
• Kona (2018–2022)
• Palisade (2020–2021)
• Santa Fe (2011–2022)
• Santa Fe Sport (2013–2018)
• Santa Fe XL (2019)
• Sonata (2011–2019)
• Tucson (2011–2022)
• Veloster (2012–2017, 2019–2021)
• Venue (2020–2021)
• Veracruz (2011–2012)
Kia
• Forte (2011–2021)
• K5 (2021–2022)
• Optima (2011–2020)
• Rio (2011–2021)
• Sedona (2011–2021)
• Seltos (2021–2022)
• Soul (2011–2022)
• Sorento (2011–2022)
• Sportage (2011–2022)
What Hyundai and Kia owners should do now: a step-by-step guide
- Confirm your vehicle’s model and model year
Check whether your Hyundai or Kia is from the 2011–2022 model years and uses a traditional key ignition rather than a push-button start. Vehicles with push-button ignition already have immobilizers and are generally not affected. - Find your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Your VIN can be found on your registration, insurance documents, or on the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield. You will need it to confirm eligibility and schedule service. - Check whether your vehicle already received a software update
Many affected vehicles were previously eligible for a free anti-theft software update. If you are unsure whether it was installed, contact your local Hyundai or Kia dealer and ask them to check your service history using your VIN. - Register for the hardware retrofit notice
Hyundai and Kia will begin notifying eligible owners in early 2026 about the free ignition cylinder protector. Make sure your contact information is up to date with the manufacturer or your dealership so you do not miss the notice. - Schedule interim theft protection if available
If your vehicle has not yet received a software update and one is available, schedule it now. While not a complete fix, it adds an extra layer of protection until the hardware retrofit is installed. - Use visible anti-theft deterrents
Until the ignition cylinder protector is installed, use a steering wheel lock or similar device. Law enforcement agencies report that visible deterrents can reduce the likelihood of theft. - Park in enclosed protected space.
- Install two-way dashcams that notify you when car is altered/jolted.
- Review your insurance coverage
Confirm that your comprehensive coverage is active and review your deductible. Given the theft history of certain models, make sure coverage limits are adequate and ask your insurer about discounts for anti-theft devices. - Schedule the free hardware installation promptly
Once you receive your eligibility notice, book an appointment at an authorized Hyundai or Kia dealership as soon as possible. Installation will be free, but demand is expected to be high. - Note the deadline
Owners will have until the end of March 2027 to receive the free ignition cylinder protector. After that date, the retrofit may no longer be available at no cost. - Keep all documentation
Save notices, service records, and receipts related to software updates or hardware installation. These documents may be useful for insurance claims, resale, or future warranty questions.