So many Kias and Hyundais are being stolen using just a screwdriver and a USB cord that 17 state attorneys general are calling for a recall on millions of vehicles

• A group of state attorneys general is asking the federal government to recall millions of Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
• They cite a string of thefts in the last few years, which seem to be inspired by TikTok videos.

A group of attorneys general representing 17 states and Washington, DC have asked the federal government to issue a recall for millions of Kia and Hyundai vehicles after months of thefts sparked by social media videos that revealed how easy some of the cars were to steal.

Certain Hyundai models made between 2016 and 2021, and some Kias made between 2011 and 2021, were built without engine immobilizers, an antitheft device that prevents a car from starting unless it recognizes a specific key, Insider previously reported.

Videos that show how to steal the cars — with detailed instructions for how to unscrew the steering column with a screwdriver and insert a USB cable into the ignition to get it to start — appeared on TikTok as early as 2020 and have since been widely circulated, prompting a spike in stolen vehicles.

Thefts of Hyundais and Kias increased by about 85% in Los Angeles alone last year, and the vehicles made up about 20% of all cars stolen in the city last year, according to the California Attorney General's Office.

California AG Rob Bonta, along with attorneys general from 16 other states and Washington, DC, sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Thursday asking for a wider recall to be issued for affected vehicles.

The letter states that measures taken thus far by the companies to prevent thefts, including software updates and free steering wheel locks, haven't done enough to protect consumers.

"The bottom line is, Kia's and Hyundai's failure to install standard safety features on many of their vehicles have put vehicle owners and the public at risk," Bonta said in a statement. "Instead of taking responsibility with appropriate corrective action, these carmakers have chosen instead to pass this risk onto consumers and our communities. It is unacceptable that families and communities should be forced to shoulder the cost of Kia's and Hyundai's failures."

The letter also argues that the thefts are creates a safety issue, as the cars are often driven recklessly after being stolen. At least eight deaths and several injuries have been attributed to accidents involving stolen Kias or Hyundais, the letter states.

A Kia spokesperson told Insider in a statement that over two million Kia owners have been contacted to inform them of the available software update, and over 165,000 have already had the update installed.

The company also said it has shipped over 47,000 steering wheel locks to thousands of Kia owners, as well as to hundreds of local law enforcement agencies for them to distribute.

"Kia remains very focused on this issue and we continue to take action to address the concerns these Attorneys General have raised," the company said in a statement. "We are committed to working with them and law enforcement agencies across their respective states to combat car theft and the role social media has played in encouraging it."

A Hyundai spokesperson told Insider it issued its own software update two months ahead of schedule and created a website and hotline for car owners to see if their vehicle is eligible, noting that engine immobilizers have been made standard equipment in all models of Hyundai vehicles as of November 2021.

"Hyundai is committed to continuing our efforts in completing the software upgrade for all affected vehicles in the most effective manner possible," the company said. "We are communicating with NHTSA on our many actions to assist our customers."

The company also recently announced a partnership with the American Automobile Association to provide insurance coverage to eligible Hyundai owners after some insurance companies, including State Farm and Progressive, stopped insuring the vehicles in certain areas of the country earlier this year.

A NHTSA spokesperson told Insider that while the thefts are under the jurisdiction of local law enforcement, the agency has met with Hyundai and Kia several times to discuss the matter.

The agency said it will "continue to monitor this issue, spread awareness of further updates to local authorities, and lend its expertise in efforts to strengthen motor vehicle safety."

The letter was signed by the attorneys general representing California, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.