AG's Office calls for national recall of Kia and Hyundai cars

New York Attorney General Letitia James is calling for a nationwide recall of Kia and Hyundai vehicles impacted by the lack of anti-theft technology that contributed to a spike in car thefts across the country this year.

James joined 17 other attorneys general last week in drafting a letter asking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to intervene in what they called a "serious safety issue nationwide."

A viral social media video exposed a security flaw in 2011-2021 key-started Kias and Hyundais, which were manufactured without an engine immobilizer, making them easier to steal.

Thefts of Kias and Hyundais surged across the country. In Rochester, the two car brands make up nearly 75% of more than 1,000 cars stolen this year, according to Rochester Police Chief David Smith.

Last year at this time, fewer than 400 cars were reported stolen. The city of Rochester this week announced plans to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers to recover funding spent to divert public safety resources in response to the thefts.

More:Police found his stolen Kia the same day. Why will it take weeks before he gets it back?

In a press release, James said at least four people have been killed across the state after car thefts led to serious accidents.

"When we learn about scams and design flaws that harm New York consumers and car owners, it is important that we slam the brakes on these problems," James said.

More:1K and counting: Rochester area car thefts skyrocket. Where does your town stand?

James and the coalition of attorneys general also called upon Kia and Hyundai to speed up efforts to install software updates containing anti-theft technology that would patch the issue. Both manufacturers are offering updates on a rolling basis.

She issued a consumer alert Thursday with the following tips:

Kayla Canne reports on community justice and safety efforts for the Democrat and Chronicle. Get in touch at [email protected] or on Twitter@kaylacanne.