![]() ![]() “Kia America has provided steering wheel lock devices at no cost to law enforcement in affected areas to deter vandalism and theft,” Bell said. Hyundai has not offered to install the security kit free of charge to affected customers. 1, 2022, this security kit will be available for purchase and installation at Hyundai dealerships and Compustar authorized installers across the country.” “Additionally, Hyundai has identified a Firstech/Compustar security kit that targets the method of entry thieves are using to access these vehicles. “Hyundai has been working with and will continue to support local police departments to make steering wheel locks available for affected Hyundai owners,” Gabriel told. Kia models from 2011 to 2021 are potential targets of thieves mimicking the “Kia Boys” technique. Hyundai and Kia are stepping up with some assistance, while some vehicle owners are filing suit. Unfortunately, demand for steering locks has outstripped supply in many areas. If your Kia or Hyundai could be subject to this kind of theft, using an aftermarket steering lock may discourage thieves looking for an easy target. All 2022 Kia models and trims have an immobilizer applied either at the beginning of the model year or as a running change.” If you love it, lock it “The majority of Kia vehicles in the United States are equipped with a key fob and ‘push-button-to-start’ system, making them more difficult to steal. “While no car can be made theft-proof, criminals are seeking vehicles solely equipped with a steel key and ‘turn-to-start’ ignition system,” said James Bell, head of corporate communications for Kia America. Officials at Kia America expressed similar sentiments. The “Kia Boys” were the subject of a documentary about the theft of the vehicles. According to a NICB report, 40% of the cars stolen in the second half of July in St. “They tell us they learned it on the internet or learned it from another friend, those persons get arrested, they go to jail and tell the other people, and it continues to spread like wildfire,” said Sergeant Cody Lance of the St. TikTok has since deleted the original video, but the exploit is easy enough that thieves took note. Someone posted a how-to video to TikTok, and the practice began to spread, first across the upper Midwest, then around the country. ![]() The problem appeared to start in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with groups of “ Kia Boys” stealing cars and joyriding. Simply put, if a thief can break the lock on the keyway, then any tool that can turn the ignition switch to the “On” position will work to start the vehicle. ![]() In general, this means of car theft has been well-known since cars first received keys as a security measure in 1910. Vehicles that rely on a coded key fob and push-button starter are not subject to this exploit. The problem is limited to Kia products made between 20 and Hyundai products from 2016-2021 that use a plain metal key to start the vehicle. The videos sparked a “Kia Challenge” in which young men post videos of themselves committing felony auto theft that has spread around the country. after a TikTok video showed how to steal the vehicles. Hyundai and Kia vehicles have jumped to the top of “most stolen” lists across the U.S. ![]()
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