COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohioans who own or lease certain Kia or Hyundai vehicles may be eligible for compensation or free anti-theft protection as part of a legal settlement with the carmakers, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced this week.

For years, thieves posted videos on TikTok and other sites showing how relatively easy it was to break into Kia and Hyundai models, especially those made from 2011 to 2022, bypass ignition locks and drive off in the cars.

Breaking into cars became known online as the “Kia Challenge.” A group known as the “Kia Boyz” in particular gained notoriety for breaking into the vehicles with just a screwdriver and USB cable.

In Cleveland, the thefts soared.

Under the multistate settlement, eligible consumers may receive:

• Free installation of a zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector for affected vehicles.
• Restitution for certain expenses related to a theft or an attempted theft if a vehicle was stolen or targeted on or after April 29, 2025.

Ohioans who qualify will receive notice from Hyundai or Kia and have one year to schedule the free installation at an authorized dealership.

People seeking compensation or more information about eligibility or how to file a claim can visit:

• Hyundai: www.HKMultistateimmobilizersettlement.com
• Kia: https://customercare.kiausa.com/SWLD ; or call (800)-333-4542

The lawsuit was filed by numerous state attorneys general. At the time, Yost said Ohio lacked the grounds to sue the South Korean carmakers and he didn’t join the suit.

It’s unclear whether Ohio ever joined the lawsuit. Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer contacted a spokeswoman for Yost to ask about that.

Even if Ohio didn’t help with the litigation, its residents are eligible for the settlement.

The repairs could cost the companies over $500 million. Restitution to people could cost up to $9 million, Reuters reported.

This settlement is different than a separate track of litigation filed by dozens of American cities, including Cleveland, Columbus and Parma seeking reimbursement for police time and resources that went into investigating the Kia and Hyundai thefts.

That litigation is ongoing.

An Ohio man was killed in a vehicle crash Thursday afternoon in Erie Township.

Joshua M. Wilson, 36, of Toledo reportedly hit a tree and was ejected from his car, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Around 1:38 p.m., Wilson was driving on South Telegraph Road, southwest of East Temperance Road, in a Toyota Camry. For “unknown reasons,” the car left the road, entered a ditch and hit a tree, according to a news release.

Wilson was not wearing a seat belt. Air bags deployed, police said.

The Erie Township Fire Department and Monroe Community Ambulance assisted at the scene.

The crash is under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call (734) 240-7548.

mbryan@detroitnews.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio – When you’re done cleaning up from Christmas, there’s plenty to do around Northeast Ohio. You can still catch holiday pop-up bars or get the family out for a lighting display through the New Year. The Cavaliers, Browns and Monsters are all playing home games. When you’re not shopping for a New Year’s Eve outfit, check out the places to celebrate the festive night around Northeast Ohio.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Trans-Siberian Orchestra is always busy this time of year spreading holiday cheer with a metal and orchestral mash-up of classic Christmas classics. The band brings its “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” tour, complete with laser light show and pyrotechnic, to Rocket Arena the day after Christmas. Tickets start at $55

3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Friday, December 26

Rocket Arena, 1 Center Court, Cleveland

trans-siberian.com

Public Square Cheer Garden

Public Square is busy for the winter holidays with ice skating, an outdoor bar, firepits with tasty s’mores, and holiday tunes. The IlluminateCLE Holiday Light Show takes place every hour. Free, except for ice skating fee.

5 to 10 p.m., Friday, Dec. 26

Noon to 10 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 27

Noon to 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 28

50 Public Square, Cleveland

winterlandcle.com

Holiday Lantern Tours

Take an interactive, lantern-lit walking tour of this outdoor living history museum as 19th-century villagers welcome you into their decorated homes and share seasonal traditions. Tickets $18-$28.

Through Dec. 28

Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath

wrhs.org

Frost: An Ice-Capped Garden Experience

Cleveland Botanical Garden turns into the an ethereal wonderland for the holidays, with towering ice arches, dazzling light installations, 500 poinsettias, kids activities and more. Tickets $7-$28.

Through Jan. 4

Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd. Cleveland

holdenfg.org

Magic of Lights

Now at Victory Park in North Ridegeville, this former drive-through holiday light display has been reimagined as a walk-through experience this year, letting visitors explore bright, festive scenes up close and at their own pace. Tickets $8-$17.

Through Jan. 3

Victory Park, 7777 Victory Lane, North Ridgeville

magicoflights.com

Wild Winter Lights

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s annual holiday display features over 1.5 million lights illuminating themed areas such as the Enchanted Forest, Swan Lake, Candy Lane, Polar Pathway and Santa’s North Pole Lodge. Tickets $24-$30.

Through Dec. 30

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland

clevelandmetroparks.com

Deck the Hall

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron. The historic estate has been decked out for the holidays, with multiple Christmas trees inside and more than a million lights outside. Tickets start at $28.

Through Dec. 30

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron

stanhywet.org

Kwanzaa

Greater Cleveland Kwanzaa Alliance Kwanzaa! Celebrating 60 years of Nguzo Saba. The celebration starts on Friday, Dec. 26 and continues through the week. Free

6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 26

East Cleveland Public Library, 14101 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland

facebook.com

Kwanzaa Celebration of Ujima at the Cleveland Public Library

The Cleveland Public Library offers immersion in the African and African-American cultural traditions of Kwanzaa. Clevelanders are invited to learn about the third principle of Kwanzaa: Ujima, a commitment to active and informed togetherness, where community problems are solved together. The event will include soulful music, storytelling and audience engagement. Free

Noon, Saturday, Dec. 27

Martin Luther King Jr. Branch of the Cleveland Public Library, 10601 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

cpl.libcal.com

A Night of Holiday Soul

Will Downing, Leela James and Avery*Sunshine perform together at KeyBank State Theater. Tickets start at $70.

7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 28

KeyBank State Theater, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

playhousesquare.org

Home for the Holidays at Hilarities

Eight to 10 of Cleveland’s favorite comics, both old and new, will perform at Hilarities this weekend. Tickets $24

6:30 p.m. & 9:15 p.m., Friday, Dec. 26

Hilarities, 2035 E. 4^th Street, Cleveland

hilarities.com

“The Hobbit”

Dobama Theatre transforms its intimate Cleveland Heights stage into Middle-earth for an imaginative staging of J.R.R. Tokien’s classic novel. Follow Bilbo Baggins as he leaves the shire and joins a band of dwarves on a quest filled with trolls, goblins and a fire-breathing dragon. Tickets $30-$48.

Through Jan. 4

Dobama Theatre, 2340 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights

dobama.org

Candy Land: It’s Wild in Ohio

Lake Metroparks turns the Candy Land board game into a nature-themed adventure, with crafts, scavenger hunts, exhibits, hot chocolate and weekend programs. Free.

Through Jan. 4

Penitentiary Glen Reservation, 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland

lakemetroparks.com

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Phoenix Suns

Celebrate New Year’s Eve Day with the Cleveland Cavaliers taking on the Phoenix Suns. Fans get a Cavalanche beanie. Tickets start at $62.

3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 31

Rocket Arena, Cleveland

nba.com/cavaliers

Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Browns takes on their favorite rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers in Cleveland this weekend. Tickets start at $75.

1 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 28

Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland

clevelandbrowns.com

Cleveland Monsters vs. Rochester Americans

Cleveland Monsters face the Rochester Americans on the ice at Rocket Arena. Tickets start at $21

6:30 p.m., Dec. 29

Rocket Arena

clevelandmonsters.com

Cleveland Monsters vs. Toronto Marlies

Cleveland Monsters take on the Toronto Marlies. It’s Superman promotion night. The first 2,500 kids ages 14 years old and under receive Superman Monsters Capes. Tickets start at $21

6:30 p.m., Dec. 30

Rocket Arena

clevelandmonsters.com

The Harlem Globetrotters

The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their ball-handling wizardry to Rocket Arena. The crowd will marvel at their skill and laugh at their comedy. Tickets start at $52

3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 28

Rocket Arena, Cleveland

rocketarena.com/events

Cleveland Metroparks Toboggan Chutes

Find your thrill in the chill at the Chalet in Strongsville, whooshing down twin 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes on an old-timey toboggan. Reservations required. Tickets, $13-$15.

16200 Valley Parkway, Strongsville

Through Feb. 22

clevelandmetroparks.com

Renaissance to Runway: The Enduring Italian Houses

The Cleveland Museum of Art’s largest fashion exhibition to date explores how Italy’s artistic past influences modern design. Pieces from Versace, Valentino, Armani, Ferragamo and Gucci are displayed alongside Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. Tickets $8-$17.

Through Feb. 1

Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland

clevelandart.org

LeRoy Neiman: A Keen Observer of Style

LeRoy Neiman (1921-2012) was for his brilliantly colored, expressionist paintings and screenprints of athletes, musicians, and sporting events. A special exhibition at the Kent State University Museum looks at his early work as a fashion illustrator and how it influenced his his interest in capturing the clothing, gesture and style of his subjects.

Through June 27

The Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent

kent.edu