INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett has announced the city is filing a lawsuit against the manufacturers of Kia and Hyundai automobiles following a rise in thefts.
The lawsuit seeks reimbursement for public safety expenses associated with the recent spike in thefts from Kia and Hyundai vehicles due to a lack of anti-theft safeguards.
Byron Wheeler is understandably frustrated.
"Five days later when we got a call from police, they had found the car. It was 2.2 miles away, abandoned in a neighborhood," Wheeler said.
His wife's Kia was stolen from their driveway last week.
"The responding officer explained to me there's a gang of kids out there that steal these cars. They take them on joyrides for kicks. They sometimes trash the car. Other times, they leave them in perfect condition," Wheeler said.
It's an alarming trend spreading nationwide, garnering millions of views on social media sites like TikTok.
Wheeler is also concerned his Hyundai Tucson could be targeted.
"I'd sell both cars. How many people can really afford to do that when Hyundai and Kia are selling defective vehicles on the market?" Wheeler asked.
IMPD is also impacted.
"This trend continues to be a significant challenge for law enforcement," IMPD Deputy Chief Kendale Adams said.
According to Adams, police resources are significantly strained.
According to the mayor's office, Kia vehicles have seen a 400% increase in thefts, while Hyundai vehicle thefts have spiked 250%. The stealing of Kia and Hyundai vehicles accounts for more than 25% of cars stolen in Marion County this year.
“Indianapolis has seen year-to-date declines in most forms of crime this year, but we have seen auto thefts buck that trend with a 24% increase, due almost exclusively to Kia and Hyundai models,” Hogsett said.
These are reasons why city leaders and IMPD joined the national lawsuit Wednesday against the automakers, holding them accountable for not installing vehicle immobilizers.
The technology wasn't standard on those vehicles until 2021. The lawsuit seeks reimbursement for public safety costs.
"We'd like to focus on violent crime, and we'd like to continue to drive down shootings and violence, and to have to pivot to do this is frustrating," Adams said.
Hyundai and Kia have said they've done nothing wrong. In May, the companies agreed to a $200 million consumer class-action lawsuit settlement.
The consumer settlement covers owners of 2011 through 2022 model year Hyundai or Kia vehicles with a traditional key ignition system.
Consumers who suffered a total loss of their vehicle could be compensated up to $6,125. Those who had damage to a vehicle and personal property could receive up to $3,375 and insurance-related expenses.
Indianapolis leaders are seeking an undetermined amount of punitive damages.
"Today's announcement is a positive step in the right direction to ensure the safety of our constituents in every neighborhood," Hogsett said.
Mia Nelson and her daughter are also forced to pay for repairs after their vehicles were targeted and damaged by Kia and Hyundai thieves. It happened to Mia twice at the Towne Pointe Apartments.
"They broke out the window and damaged the steering column after I had the anti-theft equipment updated, and they came back seven days later and broke out the same window and damaged the steering column, totaling $1,800," Nelson said.
Until something changes, drivers are left worrying about what to do next.
"It's not only emotional stress but a financial hardship. I still have to pay a car note. I still have to pay insurance. I still have to pay rent," Nelson said.
Indianapolis' lawsuit joins other cities' ongoing litigation against Kia and Hyundai on behalf of consumers and insurers.
"This case is grounded in both negligence and public nuisance," said Irwin Levin, attorney with Cohen & Malad LLC.
Wheeler's wife's car now sits in a police impound lot, waiting to move forward with what could be costly repairs.
"I think Kia and Hyundai should not be allowed to sell these vehicles, new ones or used ones, until there is a known solution, the problem doesn't exist anymore, and they have made a good faith equitable commitment to fix their product," Wheeler said.
IMPD is encouraging the public not to keep USB cables in vehicles, install a GPS tracking system, use wheel-locking devices, and if you can, install an anti-theft alarm system.
"Even after talking with police, it seems even the brand new vehicles are being stolen. They keep saying there are software updates or other preventative measures that don't really sound like they work," Wheeler said.