How are thieves stealing Kias?

The company added that “criminals are seeking vehicles solely equipped with a steel key and turn-to-start ignition system” and “the majority of Kia vehicles in the United States are equipped with a key fob and push-button-to-start system” that makes them more difficult to steal.

How are Kias getting stolen?

The make of the car — a Kia Sportage SUV — may be central to the case. For months, Kia owners across the United States have been reporting the same problem: Their cars keep getting stolen by thieves using just a USB cord.

Which Kia models are easy to steal?

Statistics further suggest that models of Hyundai and Kia manufactured from 2011 to 2021 are most at risk because these cars lack an engine immobilizer and can be operated with a traditional mechanical key.

Which Kia models are being stolen?

For many owners (mostly affected are Kia vehicles from 2011 to 2021 that use a key to start the car and Hyundais from 2016 to 2021: Accent, Elantra, Elantra GT, Sonata, Veloster, Venue, Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Sport, Santa Fe XL and Palisade) it's gotten so bad that Hyundai and Kia have stepped in with a ...

How do I keep my Kia from being stolen?

All 2022 Kia models and trims have an immobilizer applied either at the beginning of the model year or as a running change. Kia America is working to provide steering wheel lock devices at no cost to law enforcement in affected areas to deter vandalism and theft.

‘As easy as 1-2-3′: Social media trend encourages people to steal Kia, Hyundai cars using USB ca...

Why are thieves targeting Kia cars?

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.

Does Kia have tracking device?

If your Kia has been stolen, you can use the UVO app to remotely immobilize your stolen vehicle and track its location. Using the app you can set time, area, idle time, valet alert parameters, and speed limits for your Kia.

How do I know if my Kia has an immobilizer?

You can read your car's handbook to see if it has a factory-installed immobilizer. This book should have all of the information on your vehicle, including whether or not it is equipped with an immobilizer.

What year Kia cars are being stolen?

Thieves are targeting certain makes and models of 2010-2021 Kia and Hyundai vehicles that use a mechanical key, not a key fob and push-button to start the car.

Can you steal a Kia with a USB?

The "challenge" demonstrates how to hotwire and steal Kia models from 2011 and newer, and Hyundai models from 2015 and newer using a USB cable. If those vehicles require a key in the ignition, they are at risk. PSATT said if the vehicles use a push button to start, they are not at risk for theft in this manner.

Which Kia models have immobilizer?

“All 2022 models and trims have an immobilizer applied either at the beginning of the year or as a running change, and all Kia vehicles meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Which is the safest car in Kia?

Interestingly, this safety package comes as standard across all the variants of the Carens. No wonder the Kia Carens far outshines its rivals when it comes to safety features.

Can you start a Kia with a USB?

Remove the first piece where you would ordinarily insert a key and you are left with a cylinder that has a little piece of exposed metal. Jam the end of a USB cable onto that piece of metal and you're done. All that's left to do is turn the USB cable as if it was a key and the car will start straight up.

What Kia models can be stolen with USB?

Thieves tear out the steering column and use a simple USB cable to start the ignition. This affects Kia models from 2011 to 2021 and Hyundai models from 2015 to 2021. Both companies say 2022 vehicles have been modified to prevent this.

Which Kias get stolen the most?

The Kia Sportage is one of the most-stolen vehicles right now. The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) compiles a list of the most-stolen vehicles.

Is my Kia at risk of being stolen?

-- The lack of a common anti-theft features puts vehicles manufactured by sister companies Hyundai and Kia at an increased risk of being stolen amid a nationwide boom in auto thefts, according to data.

How do I turn off my Kia immobilizer?

To deactivate the immobilizer system

Change the ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.

How does Kia immobilizer work?

Engine immobilizers use electronic signals to prevent cars from being hot-wired. Most cars sold in the last 20 years have them. But many Kias and Hyundais produced before mid-2021 don't, and thieves in Milwaukee have taken notice. Thefts of Kias and Hyundais really exploded in 2021.

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.

What's the easiest car to steal?

Why are keyless cars easy to steal?

Keyless theft (otherwise known as relay theft) is relatively simple; all it requires is two small boxes of electronics, which thieves can use to open your car in as little as 60 seconds. Crooks will typically work in pairs to commit relay theft, with one holding a relay amplifier, and the other a relay transmitter.

How do I know if my Kia has UVO?

On the Kia owners website, you can use the UVO search feature by entering your preferred Kia model, year, and trim to see if UVO is available. There is also a feature to search by VIN.