(Rochester, N.Y.) — Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced new action he is taking in response to the alarming and prolonged rise in thefts of KIA and Hyundai vehicles. Congressman Morelle is working to introduce legislation that would strengthen the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s authority to issue vehicle recalls for matters related to public safety.

 “The rampant theft of Kia and Hyundai automobiles has created a public safety crisis that is only getting worse,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “We need to get these vehicles off the streets and fixed in a timely manner before businesses and neighborhoods are terrorized further. Providing NHTSA with the ability to issue public safety-related recalls is just common sense and would go a long way in restoring the sense of security our community deserves.”

Currently, vehicles can only be recalled if they: (1) do not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard, or (2) contain a defect related to motor vehicle safety. Congressman Morelle is working to author legislation that would amend the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act to include dangers to public safety as sufficient criteria to recall vehicles. This designation would apply to the unique situation involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles where known security flaws are being shared on viral social media platforms like TikTok, leading to rampant theft that has damaged dozens of local businesses and endangered the public.

Issuing a recall would require manufacturers to fix the security issue by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund, or in rare cases repurchasing the vehicle, all within a timely manner.

Congressman Morelle has also called on Kia and Hyundai to accelerate their response to this nationwide issue and provide free-of-charge solutions for consumers. In addition, he has repeatedly written to TikTok urging them to better moderate the dangerous content circulating on their platform.