The state of Connecticut is launching an investigation into Hyundai and Kia vehicles following a string of thefts in the state and across the country.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong says the companies have failed to equip certain vehicles with industry standard anti-theft technology.
Most Kias and Huyndais made between 2011 and 2022 don’t have an anti-theft immobilizer, an electronic device that prevents a car from being hot-wired and stolen without a key.
Tong says that civil investigative requests sent to both Hyundai and Kia are seeking records and information regarding vehicles sold in Connecticut, along with complaints to the companies regarding the theft issue. Tong says the thefts have forced local law enforcement to divert scarce resources to increased patrols and theft investigations.
“This is a very serious issue that we have called on Kia and Hyundai to fix and they haven't done it,” he said at a press conference Tuesday.
Tong in April joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general asking for the vehicles to be recalled.
Hyundai and Kia in May reached a settlement to resolve a nationwide class-action lawsuit related to the thefts. The companies have unveiled software designed to address the thefts. Hyundai says it’s using direct mail, phone calls, digital advertising and social media to try to reach affected owners.
Connecticut Public's Abigail Brone and Eric Aasen, as well as The Associated Press, contributed to this report.
