Hyundai
However, according to California’s attorney general, Rob Bonta, these measures fall short of expectations. Bonta spearheads a group of attorneys general who penned a missive to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pressing for a compulsory recall.
“The fundamental issue revolves around Kia’s and Hyundai’s oversight in equipping many of their vehicles with standard safety features, jeopardizing vehicle owners and public safety,” stated Attorney General Bonta in a recent press release. “We are urging the federal government to mandate these companies rectify their error through a nationwide recall to assist us in our ongoing mission to shield the public from these hazardous vehicles.”
In contrast, NHTSA posits that a federal recall may not be viable in this context since thefts are criminal infractions falling under the jurisdiction of local law enforcement agencies.
As Hyundai’s and Kia’s software updates do not constitute formal recalls, they are not subject to the same monitoring procedures, making it challenging to ascertain the number of impacted vehicles still in circulation. “Hyundai and Kia are not mandated to inform owners as they would in a recall scenario,” shared Michael Brooks, Executive Director of the Center for Auto Safety, with NBC 5.
Presently, no federal recall has been initiated for any affected Hyundai or Kia models; however, the NHTSA is engaged in discussions with both automakers. Hyundai assures that its software remedy is applicable to nearly all four million impacted vehicles and is collaborating with AAA to extend coverage to new customers owning affected models.
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