In an attempt to address the problem of vehicle thefts, attorneys general from several states are calling on the federal government to issue a recall of Hyundai and Kia vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2022, "whose easily bypassed ignition switches and lack of engine immobilizers make them particularly vulnerable to theft, they said in a letter.
Attorney General William Tong said attorneys general from 17 states and the District of Columbia have contacted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In a news release, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said that the officials are asking NHTSA to institute a recall of Hyundai and Kia vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2022 whose “easily bypassed ignition switches and lack of engine immobilizers make them particularly vulnerable to theft.”
“Due to this vulnerability in their starting systems, the vehicles can be hotwired and stolen in a matter of minutes, presenting a serious safety issue nationwide. Thefts of these Hyundai and Kia vehicles have led to at least eight deaths, numerous injuries and property damage, and they have diverted significant police and emergency services resources from other priorities,” the letter says.
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Tong is urging owners of vehicles affected to contact their auto dealer and ask them to provide whatever technology they can to prevent theft, sign them up for whatever software patch is available and demand that it be done as soon as possible.
"If your dealer is unwilling to do that, demand a recall, and if you can't get satisfaction, call our office," Tong said.
Tong, Bonta and attorneys general from Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia sent the letter.
Tong held a news conference at 2:30 p.m. outside the Waterbury police department, along with Waterbury Police Chief Spagnolo and members of the Waterbury Police Department.
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