TikTok Automobile Theft Problem: Hyundai and Kia Comply with 200 Million {Dollars} SettlementPublished 1 day in the past

Hyundai and Kia have agreed to a $200 million settlement to resolve class-action litigation with house owners of sure Hyundai and Kia autos with out push-button ignitions and immobilising anti-theft units, or so known as “Kia Problem” on TikTok.

Hyundai Motor America and Kia America mentioned in an announcement they’ll present money compensation as a part of the settlement to prospects who incurred theft-related automobile losses or injury not coated by insurance coverage, along with reimbursement for insurance coverage deductibles, elevated insurance coverage premiums, and different theft-related losses.

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The “Kia Problem” on social media platforms led to a whole lot of automotive thefts, together with at the least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities, in response to the US Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA).

Thieves often known as “the Kia Boyz” would put up educational movies on YouTube and TikTok about learn how to bypass the autos’ safety utilizing instruments so simple as a USB cable.

“We recognize the chance to offer extra help for our house owners who’ve been impacted by growing and chronic felony exercise focusing on our autos,” mentioned Jason Erb, chief authorized officer, Hyundai Motor North America.

The settlement contains roughly 9 million Hyundai and Kia autos.

“We’re dedicated to persevering with software program improve installations and steering wheel lock distribution to assist stop thefts and providing insurance coverage choices by way of AAA for individuals who have had issue securing and sustaining protection,” he added.

As a part of this settlement, the software program improve will likely be routinely put in along with any service or upkeep appointment that brings the proprietor of an eligible automobile into the dealership.

“Kia may be very happy that right this moment’s announcement will permit prospects who’ve been impacted by automobile thefts to obtain extra advantages,” mentioned John Yoon, chief authorized officer, Kia America.

Kia mentioned that it’ll additionally present a free safety software program improve and distribute over 65,000 steering wheel locks to assist prospects whose autos have been focused by criminals utilizing strategies of theft popularised on social media.

For purchasers whose autos can’t accommodate the software program improve, the settlement will present reimbursement as much as $300 for the acquisition of varied anti-theft units, mentioned the corporate.

(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – IANS)