Columbus still pursuing lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia
Why it matters: The city wants accountability for a design flaw in Hyundai and Kia models that led to a nationwide rash of car thefts, including about 10,000 in Columbus between 2022 and 2023.
Catch up quick: Amid the pandemic, the " Kia Challenge" TikTok trend showcased the ease of exploiting the vehicles' lack of engine immobilizers to start them without a key.
Thefts led City Attorney Zach Klein to sue the automakers in February 2023, citing that nearly two-thirds of all local vehicle theft attempts over the previous year targeted Kia or Hyundai models.
In 2024, car break-ins were one of the only Columbus crime categories that increased.
The separate brands share a parent company, Hyundai Motor Group.
What they're saying: Klein tells Axios the lawsuit aims to "recoup taxpayer dollars and hold them accountable for putting profit over common sense."
"These corporations cut corners, and as a result, people's lives have been upended through no fault of their own and the city has had to use taxpayer dollars to clean up the mess these automakers created."
The big picture: Several cities have joined the lawsuit, including Cleveland, Indianapolis and Seattle, as have a wide variety of insurance companies.
Hyundai senior group manager Ira Gabriel previously told Axios Seattle in an email the lawsuit is "improper and unnecessary," noting Hyundai Motor America has made engine immobilizers standard on all vehicles produced as of November 2021.
The case has been assigned to a judge in the Central District of California, Southern Division, and phase one discovery has begun.
Between the lines: Law firm Allen Stovall Neuman & Ashton is representing Columbus on a contingency fee basis, meaning it will receive a portion of any award the city receives, Klein spokesperson Pete Shipley tells Axios.
What's next: Shipley says it's too early to speculate about a possible settlement figure, saying the Columbus City Council would need to approve any settlement.
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