Thefts prompt 17 states, including Illinois, to urge the recall of Kia, Hyundai vehicles

A Hyundai sedan in the parking lot of East Bay Tow Inc. in Berkeley, Calif. Attorneys general in 17 states signed a letter urging NHTSA to issue a nationwide recall on Kia and Hyundai models to install engine immobilizers, which prevent the engine from starting unless the key is present. (Associated Press)

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.