The theft of Kia vehicles has become a significant concern across the United States, prompting widespread questions about the reasons behind this surge. Recent data reveals an alarming increase in Kia and Hyundai thefts, skyrocketing by over 1,000% in the first half of 2023 compared to pre-2020 figures. This dramatic rise isn’t due to sophisticated criminal rings, but rather a vulnerability in certain models exploited by a viral social media challenge.
The root cause of this issue can be traced back to a social media trend that emerged in 2021, primarily on platforms like TikTok. This challenge highlighted a security flaw in certain Kia and Hyundai models manufactured between 2011 and 2021. These vehicles, unlike many of their counterparts, were produced without engine immobilizers – an electronic security device that prevents the engine from running unless the correct key is present. This lack of immobilizers made these cars exceptionally easy to steal using simple tools like a USB cable and screwdriver, as demonstrated in numerous online videos.
The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) has tracked the stark reality of this vulnerability. Before 2020, Kia and Hyundai vehicles were stolen at rates comparable to other car brands. However, the emergence of the “Kia Challenge” changed everything. By the first half of 2023, theft claims for these South Korean vehicles were seven times higher than the average for all other car makes. Specifically, the data shows a theft rate of 11.2 per 1,000 insured Kia and Hyundai vehicles, compared to a mere 1.6 per 1,000 for all other makes. This stark contrast underscores the disproportionate impact of the security flaw and the social media-driven trend.
Beyond completed thefts, attempted thefts are also on the rise. Vandalism claims for Kia and Hyundai vehicles have surged, indicating a significant number of unsuccessful theft attempts. These claims were four times higher in the first half of 2023 compared to three years prior, and three times higher than other makes in the preceding year. This suggests that even when thieves fail to steal these vehicles, they often cause damage in the process.
The widespread thefts have had significant repercussions. Numerous U.S. cities have taken legal action against Hyundai and Kia, arguing that the manufacturers failed to adequately address the security vulnerability, placing undue strain on law enforcement resources. Furthermore, major insurance providers like State Farm and Progressive have announced they will no longer provide coverage for certain Kia and Hyundai models manufactured between 2015 and 2019 in some high-theft areas, leaving owners struggling to secure insurance for their vehicles.
In response to the escalating crisis, both Hyundai and Kia have initiated efforts to mitigate the theft risk. They began rolling out free anti-theft software upgrades in early 2023 for affected models. Kia has reported installing the software upgrade in nearly one million vehicles and introduced a hardware modification – an ignition cylinder protector – for vehicles not compatible with the software fix. Additionally, Kia is offering free steering wheel locks to owners of impacted vehicles. Hyundai is also actively increasing the pace of software installations and establishing service centers in cities heavily impacted by the thefts to expedite the upgrade process.
In conclusion, the reason behind the surge in Kia thefts, and to a similar extent Hyundai thefts, is a combination of a pre-existing security vulnerability – the absence of engine immobilizers in certain models – and the viral amplification of this vulnerability through a social media challenge. While manufacturers are now taking steps to rectify the issue with software and hardware solutions, the impact of this trend has already been substantial, affecting car owners, insurance companies, and law enforcement agencies across the nation. Moving forward, this situation highlights the critical importance of robust vehicle security features and the unforeseen consequences of viral social media trends.
