In the United States, theft rates of Hyundai and Kia car models have experienced a notable surge in recent times, triggered by a succession of viral social media posts uncovering a critical security vulnerability within these vehicles. Reports indicate a staggering tenfold surge in theft insurance claims for both Hyundai and Kia car thefts during the initial six months of 2023 in comparison to the equivalent period in 2020.

Hyundai, Kia Car Theft Breaks Records

This big jump is scary, especially since steals of Hyundai and Kia models have gone up tenfold in the last three years. Data sourced from the Highway Loss Data Institute, an entity monitoring insurance data, highlights an exponential increase of over 1000% in theft insurance claims for susceptible Hyundai and Kia vehicles from the initial half of 2020 to the first half of 2023.

CNN had the details about this alarming situation for both Kia and Hyundai. In early 2020, about one Hyundai or Kia car theft was reported for every 1,000 covered cars. This was about the same rate of theft for other car brands.

As of the first half of 2023, however, this number had risen to 11.2 thefts per 1,000 Hyundai and Kia cars. Conversely, the theft rates for vehicles of other brands remained relatively consistent during this period.

In the first six months of 2023, theft claims pertaining to Hyundai and Kia car thefts surpassed those of other manufacturers by more than sevenfold, as outlined by the HLDI.

Vulnerable to Car Theft

Some specific earlier models produced by Hyundai and Kia within the 2015 to 2019 range present heightened susceptibility to theft. Among these are the more affordable variants of cars like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson, alongside the Kia Forte and Sportage.

Notably, vehicles equipped with traditional turn-key ignitions, rather than the modern push-start systems, exhibit a roughly twofold increased vulnerability to theft compared to vehicles of a similar vintage. A significant number of these models lack fundamental anti-theft features, such as electronic immobilizers, prevalent in the majority of vehicles manufactured during that period, notes the HLDI.

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The absence of electronic immobilizers, reliant on a synchronization between a computer chip within the vehicle and another within the key, contributes to their susceptibility. These devices establish authentication between the key and the vehicle, a security measure notably absent in several Hyundai and Kia car thefts reported.

The surge in theft incidents commenced subsequent to the circulation of viral social media content, demonstrating how select Kia and Hyundai models could be accessed using solely a USB cord, as previously disclosed by Business Insider.

Between 2011 and 2021 for Kia models and 2015 and 2021 for Hyundai models, a critical absence was noted- the lack of electronic immobilizers. These immobilizers, functioning as a security measure, utilize a distinct chip in the key fob to unlock the vehicle.

In the absence of an immobilizer, perpetrators could effortlessly dismantle the steering column in the vehicles, insert a USB into the ignition, and abscond with the vehicle.

A 2015 report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) highlighted a stark contrast: while 96% of vehicles from alternative manufacturers boasted standard immobilizers, merely 26% of Kia and Hyundai cars were equipped with this crucial security feature.

The "Kia Challenge" videos highlighted this security flaw, featuring car thieves who posted recordings of themselves stealing cars.

Hyundai, Kia Address the Problem

Last year, Hyundai and Kia attempted to address the issue by providing complimentary software updates to over 8 million vehicles in their lineup. Additionally, both corporations distributed steering wheel locks to owners impacted by the security vulnerability, as detailed by Ars Technica.

However, Joe Young, a spokesperson for IIHS, conveyed to Global News that the incidence of theft claims in the United States concerning Kia and Hyundai automobiles during the January to June 2023 period stood nearly seven times higher compared to claims for vehicles of other manufacturers.

In the recent months, Hyundai and Kia reached a settlement totaling 0 million, aiming to resolve claims made by potentially up to 9 million vehicle owners. ​

It covered payment for stolen or damaged cars, anti-theft software, and other theft-prevention charges.

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