New York City is suing Hyundai and Kia for causing a "public nuisance" by failing to install anti-theft devices in their vehicles. The lawsuit claims that the companies' omission of engine immobilizers as a standard safety feature contributed to a rise in car thefts after a viral TikTok challenge prompted young teens to steal Hyundai and Kia cars by hot wiring them using a USB cable. The complaint accuses the South Korean automakers of causing "vehicle theft, crime sprees, reckless driving, and public harm" due to their failure to install anti-theft devices. Hyundai implemented immobilizers as a standard feature in all their vehicles since November 2021, while Kia is collaborating with law enforcement to address car theft and the influence of social media. Shares of Hyundai and Kia declined following the lawsuit.
