Why are Kias being stolen?
Why Are Thieves Targeting Hyundais and Kias? Many modern Hyundais and Kias lack a useful anti-theft device called an immobilizer, which prevents a vehicle from starting when someone attempts to use a key or key fob that doesn't match the car.Why are Kia vehicles being stolen?
Vehicle thefts surged across the board during the pandemic, but Hyundais and Kias became easy targets for criminals after a challenge posted on TikTok and other social media platforms in 2021 revealed several models from the sister brands built from 2011 to 2021 did not have immobilizers to prevent them from being ...Which Kia models are being stolen the most?
Less expensive versions of vehicles such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson and the Kia Forte and Sportage equipped with turn-key ignitions — as opposed to cars that only require a button press to start – are roughly twice as likely to be stolen as other vehicles of a similar age.What is Kia doing to fix the theft problem?
Kia will install an ignition cylinder protector, which it says helps to reinforce the ignition cylinder body. The manufacturer says the modification should also stop would-be thieves from removing the ignition cylinder protector and ignition cover in the same ways promoted by the TikTok trend.Which Kia models are being stolen with USB?
“I'm a Kia Boy now” The secret to the Kia Boys lies inside the steering column of Kias, manufactured between 2011-2021, and Hyundais, built between 2015-2021. Tucked away beneath the ignition cylinder is a tiny knob ideally suited for any USB-A plug to turn and start the ignition.The Design Flaw That Made Hyundais Absurdly Easy to Steal
How are Kia cars being stolen with USB?
Thieves typically break a back window to avoid alarms, expose the steering column, and fit a USB-A cable into a matching plug. Turning the plug with an inserted cable starts the car because the cars lack an engine immobilizer that prevents the engine from starting without a paired key.What years did Kia avoid theft?
According to multiple class-action lawsuits filed last year, 2011-2021 model year Kias and Hyundais without immobilizers—identifiable by their keyed ignitions—are prime targets. Owners with push-button start needn't worry so much, as their vehicles came standard with this theft-prevention measure.Which Kia models are high risk for theft?
Which Kia Vehicles Are Affected
- 2010-2022 Soul.
- 2011-2020 Optima.
- 2011-2021 Forte.
- 2011-2021 Rio.
- 2011-2021 Sedona.
- 2021-2022 Seltos.
- 2011-2022 Sorento.
- 2011-2022 Sportage.
Which Kia is vulnerable to theft?
Thieves are targeting primarily base models made between 2011 and 2022, because the cars are missing an immobilizer. Eberle said immobilizer systems almost work like an antenna. The key signals to the car that it is nearby, so go ahead and start the engine.Which Kia models have immobilizer?
All of Kia's 2022 models have an immobilizer. NHTSA urges owners of these vehicles to contact Hyundai (toll-free at 800-633-5151) or Kia (toll-free at 800-333-4542) for information on the free update.What is the most stolen Kia in America?
Kia Optima: 18,221 TheftsThe Optima's high safety scores are great, but the teenagers who crashed many of them after joyrides are not.
What cars can Kia Boys steal?
The Kia Boys can easily steal Kia models manufactured from 2011-2021 by accessing the steering wheel column.Can push to start Kias be stolen?
(Which still wouldn't prevent someone from breaking in just to check, sadly.) It is basically every model from about 2015-2022 that uses a key. If it is a push button start, then an immobilizer is already installed and cannot be stolen with this method.Why are Kias so expensive to insure?
Auto insurers calculate rates and issue policies based on risk models. With certain models so susceptible to theft, both insurers determined targeted Kia and Hyundai cars might be too risky to insure.What years are Kia thefts?
Kia models from 2011 to 2021 and Hyundai models from 2015 to 2021 were missing electronic immobilizers — an anti-theft device that uses a unique chip in the key fob to unlock the car. Without an immobilizer, thieves could easily unscrew the steering column in the cars, insert a USB into the ignition, and drive away.Which Kia model is safest?
Here's a selection of their 2021 Top Safety Picks and Top Safety Picks+ for the Kia lineup:
- Kia Seltos: Top Safety Pick for Small SUVs.
- Kia Sportage: Top Safety Pick for Small SUVs.
- Kia Sorento: Top Safety Pick for Midsize SUVs.
- Kia Telluride: Top Safety Pick for Midsize SUVs.
- Kia Carnival: Top Safety Pick for Minivans.
How do I know if my Kia has a software update?
You cannot independently verify whether your Kia's software has been updated across all its systems. However, Kia has a notification system for critical updates, if your vehicle is enrolled in Kia Connect and your vehicle is equipped with Over-the-Air Software Update capabilities.Do all Kias have anti-theft?
Beginning with the 2022 model year, all Kia models and trims have an immobilizer applied either at the beginning of the model year or as a running change, so new models are not affected. To check if your Kia is affected, you can type your VIN at this website.Why are insurance companies not insuring Kia and Hyundai?
Long story short: the reason insurance companies no longer want to cover these models from these two particular makes is that they think they are too easy to steal. The issue came to the forefront in July of 2022 when people stealing Kias using only a flathead screwdriver and a USB cable became a trend on TikTok.Can my Kia be stolen with a USB cable?
Certain models from Kia and Hyundai were built without an immobilizer. It is the part that determines whether the key in the ignition belongs to your car. People have been able to steal cars with as little as a screwdriver and an iPhone charge cable.Can a stolen Kia be tracked?
Kia Connect can assist law enforcement to locate and recover your stolen vehicle. Check how your vehicle is driven with your Driving Score.
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