Resolution 230922
Calling on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a recall of Kia and Hyundai models lacking immobilizer technology that are vulnerable to theft.
Introduced by
From the floor
Passages in the official transcripts that cite this file number. Every quote links to its exact place in the record.
“Councilwoman Gym, if the next 5th District Councilman doesn't take care of your neighborhood, let me know. You hear that, Jeff? All right. As long as we're square. All right? All right. Thank you. Thank you all. We love you guys. Thank you so much for your work. We will now consider the bills and resolutions on the regular Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar. And, Mr. Decker, I would ask you to read the title o…”
Council President Clarke · Stated Meeting, December 14, 2023 · Dec 14, 2023 · official transcript, this passage
Status timeline
- Dec 7, 2023Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar · CITY COUNCIL
- Dec 14, 2023ADOPTED · CITY COUNCIL
Official documents
Documents open on the City of Philadelphia’s legislative site.
Full text
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..Title Calling on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a recall of Kia and Hyundai models lacking immobilizer technology that are vulnerable to theft. ..Body WHEREAS, The car manufacturers Kia and Hyundai did not install industry-standard engine immobilizer technology on certain models between 2011 and 2022; and WHEREAS, Vehicles with this vulnerability can be easily stolen using a universal serial bus (USB) cable and screwdriver in minutes, and instructional videos on how to do so have spread widely on TikTok and other social media platforms; and WHEREAS, This vulnerability has allowed youth under the age of 16 and unlicensed drivers to access Kia and Hyundai vehicles and drive recklessly; and WHEREAS, Earlier this year, Kia and Hyundai offered free software updates to address this vulnerability; however, not all impacted vehicles are able to receive these software upgrades; and WHEREAS, Unlike voluntary software upgrades, a recall includes mailed notification to all impacted vehicle owners and the opportunity for a dealer to buy back a vehicle that cannot be repaired; and WHEREAS, Car thefts overall have more than doubled in Philadelphia between 2019 and 2022, with Kia and Hyundai thefts far outpacing other brands. While most brands saw increases averaging 100%, Kia thefts increased by almost 800% and Hyundai thefts increased by more than 400%; and WHEREAS, Throughout 2022, a total of 1,305 Kia vehicles and 1,285 Hyundai vehicles were stolen in Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, In 2023, the total number of Philadelphia car thefts is expected to shatter all previous records. More than half of these thefts have been Kia and Hyundai vehicles; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, calls on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a recall of Kia and Hyundai models lacking immobilizer technology that are vulnerable to theft. ..End