Pennsylvania Attorney General David Sunday, along with 34 other attorneys general, has reached a settlement with Hyundai and Kia over the sales of millions of vehicles nationwide that lacked industry-standard anti-theft technology.

Hyundai and Kia have agreed to meet industry standards in manufacturing moving forward, a news release from Sunday's office states. The companies have agreed to pay up to $4.5 million nationwide to customers impacted by incidents of theft and resulting damages.

"The settlement is a big step towards offering peace of mind to Pennsylvanians who should not have to worry about losing their vehicles when they are locked up," Sunday stated. "I encourage all impacted Hyundai and Kia owners in Pennsylvania to make appointments for the free services to reinforce their vehicles."

The release also states that the lack of protection in vehicles resulted in numerous car thefts and joy-riding incidents across the country and continues to threaten public safety.

Eligibility information and how to submit a claim for compensation from the car manufacturers can be found online.

According to the release, the settlement requires Kia and Hyundai to:

  • Equip all future vehicles sold in the United States with industry-standard engine immobilizer anti-theft technology;
  • Offer free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors to owners or lessees of eligible vehicles, including vehicles that previously were only eligible for the company's software updates;
  • Provide up to $4.5 million in restitution to eligible consumers whose cars are damaged by thieves; and
  • Pay $4.5 million to the states to cover the costs of the investigation.
  • Hyundai and Kia chose not to include anti-theft engine-immobilizer technology in millions of their vehicles sold throughout the United States, including in Pennsylvania. An engine immobilizer prevents thieves from starting a vehicle's engine without the vehicle's "smart" key, which stores the vehicle's electronic security code.