Kia And Hyundai Owners: 10 Million Cars Recalled For Theft And Fire Hazards
If you own a Kia or Hyundai, then you may want to check and see if your vehicle is currently under a recall notification. Beginning in the summer of 2022, viral video challenges on Tik Tok and YouTube displayed how easy it was to steal one of these cars. Now, the federal government has stepped in to urge the two Korean automakers to issue recalls fixing this problem. Therefore, the Kia and Hyundai recall of approximately 10 million vehicles on the roads in the U.S.A. is underway.
A Viral Video Trend Causes Tremendous Damage
The viral video challenges show how you can steal a Kia or Hyundai vehicle in minutes. According to an article by David Straughan on Automoblog.com, it was started by a group who call themselves “The Kia Boyz.” Subsequently, it was popularized by Tommy G on YouTube. More viral videos show similar ways to steal Hyundais.
The result? Rampant theft of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Other consequences include “property damage, injuries, and even death associated with these thefts.” Additionally, the increase in reports of stolen vehicles has put a tremendous strain on law enforcement.
In general, the problem with many Kia and Hyundai vehicles is that they lack immobilizers. Basically, per Straughan’s article, an immobilizer is a type of “kill switch.” It prevents the vehicle from starting “with anything other than a key that corresponds to a chip inside the ignition system.” Unfortunately, only 26% of Kias and Hyundais have immobilizer equipment.
Here’s How To Find Out If Your Car Is Part Of The Kia And Hyundai Recall
The Automoblog.com article goes on to state that approximately 8.3 million Kias and Hyundais are under recall in order to perform a software update. Basically, the software update effectively installs an immobilizer and “upgrades the vehicles’ alarm system logic.”
In general, your recall appointment can take anywhere from one to two hours. Once completed, your car will be equipped with a sticker. This will show potential thieves that your vehicle now has anti-theft equipment.
In addition, another 1.7 million Kia and Hyundai cars are under recall due to a dangerous fire hazard. Evidently, the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) in certain models may cause an “engine compartment fire.” Per Straughan’s article, owners eligible for this recall should receive a notification letter in the mail around November 14th.
In order to find out if your Hyundai is eligible for either recall, you can click here. Or phone their customer service line at 1-855-671-3059. Similarly, if you own a Kia, you can click here to find out if your model is eligible for either recall. Or phone Kia Consumer Affairs at 1-800-333-4542.
