Thefts Prompt 17 States to Urge Recall of Kia, Hyundai Cars

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, (C), flanked by Deputy Attorney General Holly Mariella, (L), and Berkeley Police Chief Jennifer Louis, (R), speaks during a news conference about the surge in thefts of KIA and Hyundai vehicles, in Berkeley, Calif., on April 20, 2023. Terry Chea/AP Photo

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Attorneys general in 17 states on Thursday urged the federal government to recall millions of Kia and Hyundai cars because they are too easy to steal, a response to a sharp increase in thefts fueled by a viral social media challenge.

Some Kia and Hyundai cars sold in the United States over the last decade do not have engine immobilizers, a standard feature on most cars that prevents the engine from starting unless the key is present.