NYC Files Lawsuit Against Hyundai for Alleged Negligence in Connection to TikTok Car Thefts
Hyundai recently settled a class action lawsuit for $200 million due to a TikTok car theft challenge. The settlement aimed to compensate US Hyundai and Kia owners who suffered car theft or damage, with a payout of approximately $145 million. However, the issue is not yet resolved as New York City has filed a lawsuit against the automaker for negligence and causing a public nuisance.
Specifically, the city accuses the automaker of choosing to “sacrifice public safety for profits” by avoiding universal anti-theft technology in certain U.S. models of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. New York City claims this was a market-specific choice, noting that Hyundai and Kia vehicles sold in the European and Canadian markets actually have vehicle immobilizers installed “because the regulations there specifically require them.”
This led to an increase in thefts after the ‘Kia Challenge’ went viral on TikTok earlier this year – with videos showing how certain Hyundai vehicles can be quickly hot-wired with a simple USB cable.
According to the city, the result was unprecedented, as thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles increased by 660% in the first four months of 2023 compared to the previous year. New York City says this has led not only to more theft reports, but also to other safety problems, including reckless driving and violent disputes between thieves and vehicle owners, which it claims has made New York safer and created an undue burden. police resources. New York City is demanding a jury trial and seeking punitive and punitive damages.
