Why are Hyundai and Kia being stolen?

The cars are also hot targets because they are, apparently, easy to steal. You could very well have your car stolen because thieves are taking advantage of an issue with the ignition in the vehicle, all stemming from a viral TikTok challenge.


What Kia and Hyundai models are being stolen?

Affected Hyundai models include certain 2016-21 examples of the Accent, Elantra, Elantra GT, Kona, Palisade, Santa Fe, Sante Fe Sport, Santa Fe XL, Sonata, Tucson, Veloster and Venue. All affected vehicles both use a steel key and lack an engine immobilizer.

Are 2022 Hyundais being stolen?

At least some of the vehicles being targeted lack immobilizer systems. Hyundai and Kia have acknowledged this, and say that all 2022 model year vehicles have immobilizer systems. That said, some 2022s have reportedly been stolen, as well.


Why are so many Hyundais getting stolen?

Some Hyundai and Kia cars and SUVs are missing a “key” anti-theft device, and thieves know. An insurance industry group says these cars are stolen at nearly twice the rate of the rest of the auto industry because their keys lack computer chips for theft “immobilizer” systems.

How do I stop my Hyundai from being stolen?

A new anti-theft security kit Hyundai developed in partnership with Compustar is now available. The kit includes both a kill switch and an alarm. Hyundai told Automotive News that the kit will be available at all of its 820 dealers in the U.S. and will take around two and a half hours to install.


Car thefts rising involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles



Can the 2022 Kia be stolen?

Ramping Up Security

All Hyundai and Kia vehicles after Nov. 1, 2021 come standard with the anti-theft immobilizer, so many 2022 models and all 2023 units are safe from the brazen thefts.

Is Hyundai doing anything about thefts?

Hyundai has released a glass break sensor security kit that targets the method of entry used by thieves to break into these vehicles. These kits are available for purchase and installation at Hyundai dealerships and Compustar authorized installers across the country.

How can I prevent my Kia and Hyundai from being stolen?

Ricart recommends three ways to protect your vehicle from being stolen:
  1. Park inside.
  2. Lock your vehicle.
  3. Invest in an immobilizer.


What is the easiest car to steal 2022?

Kia models newer than 2011 and Hyundai cars newer than 2015 are the primary targets. Experts say they are the easiest cars to steal, but there are ways to discourage thieves.

What's the easiest car to steal 2022?

What Are the Most Stolen Cars as of 2022?
  • Chevrolet Pickup.
  • Ford Pickup.
  • Honda Civic.
  • Honda Accord.
  • Toyota Camry.
  • GMC Pickup.
  • Nissan Altima.
  • Honda CR-V.


How do I keep my car from being stolen?

Keeping your car safe: Tips for preventing auto theft
  1. Lock your doors. ...
  2. Remove your keys from the vehicle. ...
  3. Do not leave a spare key near your vehicle. ...
  4. Close the windows. ...
  5. Park in well-lit areas. ...
  6. Install an audible alarm system and anti-theft device. ...
  7. Install a vehicle immobilizer system. ...
  8. Install a tracking system.


Which Kias are at risk of being stolen?

But the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio and both the two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions of the Kia Sportage all climbed into the top 20 in HLDI's latest whole vehicle theft report.” Based on news reports and police advisories, Hyundai and Kia thefts have continued steadily, if not accelerated, in 2022.

How are thieves stealing Hyundai?

Because the susceptible Hyundai and Kia vehicles allegedly do not have an immobilizer, the thieves are able to simply force the ignition cylinder as if they were using a screwdriver to perform the same trick on a car from the 1980s.

Can push to start Hyundais be stolen?

In the case of these Hyundai and Kia models, though, the theft rates are far out of proportion to their numbers on the road. Vehicles produced after November 1, 2021 and those with push button start are not liable to stolen in this way, Hyundai spokesman Ira Gabriel said.


What do car thieves look for?

Thieves will steal anything valuable, but the most common items stolen from cars tend to be electronics, personal information, and accessories.

How can we prevent car theft in 2022?

Additional Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips
  1. Always lock all of your vehicle's doors and windows after entering and exiting it.
  2. Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running, even for a few seconds. Turn off the ignition and take the keys with you.
  3. Vehicle Contents: ...
  4. Invest in anti-theft devices:


What do thieves usually do with stolen cars?

Tulsa Police said there are three main reasons thieves steal a car: to joyride, to sell or scrap it for profit or to commit other crimes.


What is the car part that everyone steals?

Catalytic Converters

These are some of the most common stolen car parts affecting the car's functioning. One of the signs is a loud roaring sound that your car makes. People steal catalytic converters because they contain metals such as rhodium, palladium, and platinum. These metals are a source of quick money.

Can a non keyless car be stolen?

Only cars with a keyless entry system can be stolen using so called “relay” equipment. Keyless entry cars allow the driver to unlock and start the car with the key fob still in their pocket. Once in the car, the driver can press a button to start the engine.

Is keyless car easier to steal?

Yes, in many circumstances keyless cars are easier to steal. That said, it also depends on the particular model, as well as the situation. Some models have keyless entry that unlocks the doors when the key is close-by but still have a conventional key that is physically put in the ignition to start the car.


How do I stop thieves stealing my keyless car?

How To Protect Keyless Entry Cars
  1. Put your keys in a blocking pouch. ...
  2. Turn off keyless entry on your fob. ...
  3. Steering wheel lock or alarm. ...
  4. Consider outdoor motion detectors/CCTV.
  5. Store keys away from entry points. ...
  6. Position your car securely.
  7. Keep the inside of your car tidy. ...
  8. Consider etching your windows.


Can someone steal your car if its push start?

Relay devices can be used to steal push-to-start cars by amplifying your key fob signal. Many newer cars just need your key to be inside the car – not inside the ignition – to start. Relay devices trick the car into thinking the key is inside, allowing a thief to drive away.

Why do you wrap car keys in foil?

Prevent car theft by wrapping your car key fob in foil. Yes, that's right — a piece of tinfoil can stop your car from getting stolen. Key fobs might be convenient, but there's a security risk associated with them. Thieves can use devices that will amplify fob signals to cars or copy the code to get into a vehicle.


How do thieves start a car without a key?

They use wireless transmitters and place them near the house or in the pocket of the car owner to catch the signal from the fob of the car's system. The second thief/helper standing near the car captures the signal and enters the vehicle. They repeat the process to start the engine.