Lexington Sues Hyundai and Kia Over Lack of Anti-Theft Technology

The city of Lexington, Kentucky, has filed a lawsuit against Hyundai USA and Kia Corporation, claiming that their vehicles "lack anti-theft technology," leading to alarmingly high theft rates in the city and across the country. The mayor's office has stated that their top priority is to ensure the safety of the city's streets.

Combating the Epidemic of Hyundai and Kia Thefts

Alarming Theft Rates in Lexington

The mayor's office has revealed that around 40% of the vehicles stolen in Lexington this past winter and spring were either Hyundais or Kias. In December 2023, Lexington recorded more thefts of these two car brands than any other make combined. This staggering statistic has prompted the city to take legal action against the manufacturers, seeking to hold them accountable for the lack of adequate anti-theft measures in their vehicles.

The Industry Standard: Engine Immobilizers

According to the mayor's office, engine immobilizers are the industry standard in the U.S. market to prevent vehicle theft. However, the release states that only 26% of 2015 model Hyundais and Kias in the U.S. had immobilizers, compared to 96% of vehicles from other manufacturers. This disparity in safety features has left Lexington and other communities to bear the burden of the car manufacturers' "cost-cutting" measures.

Hyundai and Kia's Global Practices

The contrast between Hyundai and Kia's practices in the U.S. and other markets is striking. The mayor's office revealed that in the European and Canadian markets, 100% of Hyundai and Kia vehicles have immobilizers installed. This suggests that the companies have the capability to equip their vehicles with the necessary anti-theft technology, but have chosen not to do so in the American market.

The Ripple Effect of Vehicle Theft

The lawsuit filed by Lexington seeks to address the broader impact of vehicle theft on the community. Mayor Gorton stated that "car theft goes hand in hand with reckless driving, which in turn results in injuries and even death." The city is seeking monetary and injunctive relief to cover the costs of law enforcement resources, emergency services, and other harms caused by the high rates of Hyundai and Kia thefts.

A Growing Legal Trend

Lexington is not the only city taking legal action against Hyundai and Kia. The release notes that the lawsuit is part of a broader trend, with several other cities suing the two car manufacturers for their failure to equip their vehicles with adequate anti-theft technology. This coordinated effort reflects the widespread concern over the impact of these thefts on communities across the country.In conclusion, the city of Lexington's lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia highlights the urgent need for these manufacturers to prioritize the safety and security of their vehicles. By failing to incorporate industry-standard anti-theft measures, Hyundai and Kia have left communities to bear the consequences of their cost-cutting decisions, and Lexington is determined to hold them accountable.