Hyundai, Kia face state pressure to recall vehicles for theft

California attorneys general and 17 other state attorneys general told federal regulators on Thursday that Hyundai and Kia vehicles are more likely to be stolen because they lack safety features that come standard in other vehicles. requested to be recalled.

with Hyundai Motor Kia Corporate vehicles make up the majority of stolen vehicles in several U.S. cities, according to data from police and state officials. Most cars in recent years are equipped with industry-standard anti-theft devices, but some entry-level models from Korean automakers were not equipped with engine immobilizers or push-button igniters.

hyundai The car is the largest shareholder of Kia Motors.

“Kia and Hyundai’s lack of standard safety features in many of their vehicles puts vehicle owners and the public at risk,” he said, leading the state’s push for the recall. California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement.The state has sent a letter of concern to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Hyundai claimed that it complies with federal anti-theft requirements because engine immobilizers are not federally mandated, although some vehicles are not equipped with immobilizers.

“These specific models are fully compliant with all applicable federal standards, and a recall is neither appropriate nor necessary under federal law,” Kia said in a statement.