Newark is now part of a nationwide lawsuit against two automakers, Kia and Hyundai, joining 19 other major cities, suing the car companies for defects in the vehicles that led to thefts.

The lawsuit, which also includes Chicago, New York and Milwaukee, among others, claims Kim and Hyundai intentionally failed to include engine and mobilizers in their vehicles for more than a decade.

That's the anti-theft technology designed to make a car harder to steal.

The suit claims after a video exposing the defect was posted on social media.

Car thefts spiked in Newark and elsewhere.

City officials say the surge in thefts also led to an increase in violent incidents.

Newark's complaint points out that many of the models are designed with lower income workers in mind.

And when they're stolen, it's that much more of a burden on the owner.

The lawsuit is seeking damages from the automakers, alleging fraud, neglect and deceptive marketing practices.