Major automakers Hyundai and Kia have reached a significant settlement requiring them to offer free repairs for millions of their vehicles. The deal, announced on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, by Minnesota's Attorney General, addresses widespread issues with the cars' anti-theft technology.
The Scope of the Settlement
The settlement mandates that the two South Korean automotive giants must fix the security flaws at no cost to the owners. This action impacts a vast number of models sold across North America, including in Canada. The core issue involves vulnerabilities in the vehicles' anti-theft systems, which have been linked to a high number of thefts.
The announcement was made public at 2:11 PM Eastern Standard Time. While the exact number of Canadian vehicles affected was not detailed in the initial report, the "millions" figure indicates a substantial cross-border recall and repair campaign. This legal action stems from investigations and lawsuits alleging that certain Hyundai and Kia models were too easy to steal due to inadequate security features.
Implications for Canadian Car Owners
For Canadian drivers of these brands, the settlement is expected to trigger a formal recall and repair program. Owners will likely be notified by the manufacturers with instructions on how to receive the free fix. The repair is intended to upgrade the software or hardware related to the ignition and immobilizer systems, making the vehicles more secure.
This case highlights the growing scrutiny on automotive cybersecurity and consumer protection. State and provincial authorities are increasingly holding manufacturers accountable for technological shortcomings that compromise public safety and property.
Looking Forward
The settlement avoids a prolonged legal battle and aims to provide a direct remedy to vehicle owners. It represents one of the larger corrective actions in the automotive sector related to electronic security flaws. Both Hyundai and Kia are now tasked with organizing and executing a massive logistical operation to contact owners and complete the repairs.
Canadian owners of affected Hyundai and Kia models should monitor official communications from the companies and Transport Canada for specific details regarding their vehicle's eligibility and the repair process. This settlement underscores the importance of robust anti-theft technology in modern vehicles and the legal obligations of automakers to ensure their products are secure.
