The Rise Of Kia And Hyundai Vehicle Theft: Understanding The Trends And Solutions

The meteoric rise in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles started in 2021 with thieves capitalizing on the fact that a group of base model vehicles from the Korean brands did not include an engine immobilizer, which wasn’t required at the time the vehicles were produced. This lack of security features made these vehicles particularly vulnerable, leading to a surge in theft incidents. The phenomenon quickly gained notoriety through social media, where a group self-identified as the "Kia Boys" shared videos of their reckless car thefts.

The "Kia Challenge" YouTube video by user Tommy G, which debuted in May 2022, showcased how these thieves were able to steal Kia and Hyundai vehicles with ease. The video went viral, spreading across various platforms like TikTok, raising awareness of this alarming trend among potential victims. With the widespread sharing of these theft methods, it became clear that the issue was not isolated to a few incidents but was part of a larger criminal scheme.

According to Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) data, car thefts in cities like Columbus, Ohio, saw a dramatic increase from 3,500 in 2019 to over 10,000 by the end of 2023. Milwaukee mirrored this trend with significant increases in theft rates of Hyundai and Kia models. It quickly became apparent that the theft ring had accounted for an astonishing 67 percent of car thefts in the area by 2021, prompting both automakers to take action in response to this crisis.

Understanding the Vulnerability of Kia and Hyundai Vehicles

The vulnerability of certain Kia and Hyundai models can be attributed to the absence of electronic immobilizers. Only 17 percent of 2011 models from these brands had this essential security feature, in stark contrast to 92 percent of vehicles from other manufacturers. An immobilizer is an anti-theft device that prevents a vehicle from starting unless a unique code is communicated from the vehicle's key to the ignition. This discrepancy in security features significantly contributed to the rise in thefts.

Car owners can easily check if their vehicles are equipped with a factory-installed immobilizer by referring to the owner's manual. This information empowers owners to take proactive measures and understand their vehicle's security status. Recognizing the importance of electronic immobilizers, Kia announced that they are now standard on all their models, reflecting a commitment to enhancing security.

Efforts to Combat the Rising Theft Rates

In response to the alarming rise in theft incidents, U.S. regulators adjusted the rules surrounding vehicle anti-theft technology in 2016 to align more closely with Canadian standards, which mandated immobilizers. However, the U.S. did not impose a requirement for these features, leaving many vehicles vulnerable. In 2021, Kia and Hyundai introduced temporary measures to enhance security, including distributing steering wheel locks to affected vehicle owners through local law enforcement and dedicated websites.

Kia reported that nearly 370,000 steering wheel locks had been distributed nationwide up to that point. They also introduced a hardware modification designed for vehicles that were not eligible for software upgrades, which reinforced the ignition cylinder and aimed to prevent the theft methods popularized online. The proactive measures demonstrate a concerted effort to address the crisis and protect their customers.

Software Solutions and Ongoing Improvements

In February 2023, Kia and Hyundai implemented a software fix aimed at reducing theft and vandalism claims, resulting in a significant drop in theft rates. According to a study by HLDI, this free software update has led to theft and vandalism claim rates being cut in half. These updates must be performed at a dealership or one of the upgrade clinics established across more than 20 cities nationwide, ensuring that customers can easily access these critical improvements.

Despite the availability of the updates, only 30 percent of Hyundais and 28 percent of Kias in HLDI's database had received the fix as of December 2023. However, over 1.18 million eligible vehicles have benefited from the update, resulting in claim frequencies for theft and vandalism being 53 percent lower for updated vehicles compared to those that did not receive the upgrade. This indicates significant progress in enhancing vehicle security for Kia and Hyundai owners.

Community Support and Future Outlook

As the situation continues to evolve, Kia and Hyundai remain committed to supporting their customers and collaborating with law enforcement agencies to combat car theft. They emphasize the importance of working with social media companies to remove videos that promote theft methods, reinforcing their dedication to vehicle security. Kia representatives have expressed satisfaction with the research confirming the effectiveness of their improved vehicle security measures.

Furthermore, Kia and Hyundai owners are entitled to part of a $145 million settlement from a class-action lawsuit, which underscores the serious implications of the theft crisis. Vehicle owners can visit Kia's or Hyundai's settlement sites for more details on how to submit claims. The collaborative efforts, proactive measures, and ongoing improvements in vehicle security reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges posed by car theft.