Car theft is a growing problem that is being fueled by social media. Is your car an easy target? This question is becoming increasingly relevant as car theft continues to rise.
Hot-wiring a car was once a common method used by car thieves to steal cars. In the past, a physical key was required to unlock the ignition cylinder and start the engine, but hot-wiring allowed thieves to bypass the cylinder. However, today’s high-tech key fobs and engine immobilizing devices have made hot-wiring a thing of the past. Or have they? It has been discovered that some late-model Kias and Hyundais were produced without an immobilizer, which has made them vulnerable to theft. Thieves are taking advantage of this vulnerability across the Midwest, where these car models have become a target.
In Milwaukee, for example, Kias and Hyundais make up 57 percent of car thefts so far in 2022. Similarly, 55 percent of St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department stolen vehicle incident reports involve Hyundais and Kias. In St. Louis County, thefts of both brands have increased tenfold this year compared to last year, according to police spokespersons.
Why Are Kia and Hyundai Models Prone to Theft?
Car immobilizers have become increasingly popular as a theft deterrent. These devices require the presence of a computer chip in the key fob, which is detected by a chip in the car to allow the engine to start. However, some models of Hyundais and Kias lack this immobilization feature, making them more vulnerable to theft, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI).
In 2015, when 92 percent of vehicles on the road had anti-theft engine immobilizers, only 26 percent of Hyundais and Kias had them installed. It is important to note that while Kia and Hyundai are separate companies, they share the same parent company.
Without the immobilizer chip, thieves can remove the cover, tamper with the ignition, and turn the cylinder using a USB cable. This process is similar to hot-wiring in the past, but without any physical wiring involved.
The design flaw in these models had been previously known among car thieves through word of mouth, but social media platforms have accelerated the spread of information. A recent TikTok trend, known as the “Kia Challenge,” has led to a significant increase in the number of Kia and Hyundai thefts compared to other brands. The trend involves stealing and showcasing the vehicles, sometimes with disastrous results.
Police departments, including St. Louis County P.D. and St. Louis Metropolitan P.D., have acknowledged that the social media trend is contributing to the increase in stolen vehicle numbers.
Affected Model Years of Kia and Hyundai Vehicles
Kia and Hyundai vehicles with a traditional key, rather than a key fob, are the targets of this trend. According to Forbes, this includes Hyundais produced between 2016 and 2021, and Kias manufactured between 2011 and 2021. The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) reported that Kia Rios and Sportages, as well as Hyundai Accents, recently made their Top 20 list of stolen cars, sharing the list with high-value targets like Dodge Challengers and Infiniti Q50s.
Kia and Hyundai emphasized that their cars meet or exceed all federal safety standards. Hyundai stated in a release that immobilizers are now standard on cars produced after November 1, 2021, while Kia added immobilizers for the 2022 model year.
Preventing Kia and Hyundai Theft
If you own a Kia or Hyundai without a key fob, there are precautions you can take. Here are the available solutions:
The Club
Panus suggested using the anti-theft device called The Club, which slides over your car’s steering wheel and prevents a thief from turning the wheel. Caldwell agrees. “We have not seen an instance where a vehicle was stolen with a car club attached to the steering wheel,” she says, “so car clubs have proven to be an effective solution thus far.”
Aftermarket Security Kit
Hyundai recommends that customers install the Compustar remote start and security kit, which is available at Hyundai dealerships or directly through Compustar. However, Hyundai does not cover the cost. Expect to pay several hundred dollars for this security feature and the installation.
Remove the Temptation
While the Kia Boyz focus on stealing easy-to-steal Hyundais and Kias, there are still things you can do to make car theft more difficult. “Park in a garage if possible, and do not leave keys in vehicles,” says Panus. Many car thefts are simply crimes of opportunity, so keep your vehicle out of sight if possible.
