Minnesota AG launches investigation into Kia, Hyundai after soaring increase in car thefts
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Tuesday announced an investigation into Kia and Hyundai following a staggering increase in thefts of their vehicles in the last year.
The probe centers on whether the car companies have violated the state's consumer protection and public nuisance laws by selling vehicles that don't have anti-theft protection technology installed, leaving them vulnerable to theft.
The step by Ellison's office will require the automakers to respond to questions under oath, and could lead to a lawsuit.
That could then trigger a court action requiring the companies fix issues and provide financial compensation to victims.
"The drastic increase in Kia and Hyundai vehicle thefts is continuing to threaten public safety and do serious harm to our communities," Ellison said. "With this investigation, we will follow where the facts lead us and will continue to use all the tools of the law to help keep Minnesotans safe."
In 2022, the Twin Cities saw close to 3,330 reported thefts of Kias and Hyundais, which represents an 836% increase in Minneapolis and a 611% increase in St. Paul over the previous year.
In a statement to WCCO, a Hyundai spokesman said the company is "committed to the security of our customers and plans to continue our ongoing support of the communities affected by this theft issue."
He highlighted the launch of a free software upgrade to prevent the thefts made popular on social media, and said soon Hyundai will reimburse eligible customers for their purchase of steering wheel locks.
Kia responded Wednesday that it's working with law enforcement in Minnesota to combat car theft and is rolling out a "free, enhanced security software upgrade to restrict the unauthorized operation of vehicle ignition systems." The automaker also said it's supplying 300 steering wheel locks to police in the Twin Cities.
"They've had a long time to address this problem, but all they've done is less than half-measures, weak steps and nonsolutions," said Ellison during a Tuesday news conference. "We don't have any more time to wait."
Ian Evans' 2013 Kia was stolen out of his apartment garage in December just before the holidays. He's since recovered the car, but he is still anxious about future thefts. Law enforcement has said there are Minnesotans who have been victimized more than once.
"It is a violating feeling," he said. "It's one of those things where I have a sigh of relief every time I get back to my car even at work."
Last week, Ellison and the mayors of St. Paul and Minneapolis sent a letter to company officials demanding a safety recall. One day later, traffic cameras captured teenagers driving a stolen Kia that crashed off a highway overpass during a high-speed police chase.
The latest investigation comes as lawmakers are considering requiring automakers offer to install anti-theft devices, free of charge, on all cars manufactured beginning in the year 2013. The legislation aiming to tackle this problem advanced out of a House committee on Monday and is ready for a full chamber vote.
Supporters say the bill is a good preventative measure. Officials like Mayor Jacob Frey on Tuesday praised this step, and said that the crimes are tying up already thin police resources.
"Make no mistake about it—it's ultimately the taxpayer that's covering the cost of these [theft] increases," Frey said.
Republican Party of Minnesota Executive Director Mike Lonergan released the following statement about the investigation:
"Democrat Keith Ellison supported abolishing police in Minnesota's largest city. Now motor vehicle thefts in Minnesota are the highest they've been in 20 years. Car jackings in Minneapolis have increased a whopping 530 percent – such a drastic increase that law enforcement had to start tracking this data for the first time. Meanwhile, liberal judges appointed by Democrats keep letting criminals back out on the street with a slap on the wrist. Keith Ellison's announcement proves yet again that the Democrats will do anything they can to avoid holding criminals accountable for their crimes."
(Editor's note: The story has been updated to reflect Kia's statement.)