If you own a Hyundai or Kia from the last decade, there is a good chance you have heard the phrase “Kia Boys” and immediately felt your stomach drop. What started as a viral TikTok trend in 2021 quickly turned into a real-world headache for owners, insurers, and law enforcement, with certain models becoming repeat targets because they were simply too easy to steal. At the center of it all is a missing piece of hardware that most automakers had already made standard years earlier: an engine immobilizer, the basic security tech that helps prevent a car from being started without the proper key.
Now the bill is coming due. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a multistate settlement involving 35 states that forces Hyundai and Kia to offer free repairs to eligible vehicles, with the total cost estimated to potentially climb above $500 million. The fix is described as a hardware update that includes adding a zinc sleeve in the steering and ignition area to block access to the ignition cylinder, which is the weak point thieves have been exploiting. The scope is huge, too, with roughly 9 million vehicles covered, spanning model years as far back as 2011 and, for some models, as recent as 2022.
The settlement is not just about preventing the next theft, it also addresses the damage already done. Hyundai and Kia must pay up to $4.5 million in restitution to owners whose vehicles were damaged during theft attempts. And going forward, the agreement requires engine immobilizers to be included on all future Hyundai and Kia vehicles sold in the United States, a move both brands have said they were already working toward. Still, putting it in writing as part of a settlement adds a layer of accountability that owners have been demanding since this problem exploded.
For drivers, the key takeaway is simple: if your car is eligible, take the free fix. Even if you have been careful about where you park or you already use a steering wheel lock, the peace of mind that comes with a proper hardware remedy is worth the dealer visit. Keep an eye out for official notices from Hyundai or Kia and check with your local dealership about repair availability, because anything that makes your vehicle less appealing to thieves is a win. This entire saga has been a reminder that “basic” security features are only basic when everyone treats them that way, and owners should not be the ones paying the price when they are left out.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
