(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The City of Chicago is suing two automakers over what officials say is a car-theft crisis.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office says the city has filed a civil lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai over the companies’ failure to include industry-standard engine immobilizers in several models of vehicles between 2011 and 2022.
City officials say the lack of these systems has led to a steep rise in auto thefts, reckless driving, property damage and violent crime.
“The impact of car theft on Chicago residents can be deeply destabilizing, particularly for low- to middle-income workers who have fewer options for getting to work and taking care of their families,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a news release.
Security flaws exposed on social media are believed to have made Kia and Hyundai models more attractive to car thieves.
Thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles in Chicago surged from about 500 in the first half of 2022 to more than 8,350 during the second half of the year, city officials said. Thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles comprise more than half of all vehicles stolen in Chicago in 2023.
The suit argues that Kia and Hyundai violated the city’s consumer protection laws and created a public nuisance. The city seeks to reclaim expenses incurred by responding to thefts.
WBBM Newsradio has reached out to the automakers for comment.
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