Hyundais and Kias are now more difficult to steal, but the theft crisis is still ongoing.

      Kia, Adobe (author edited)

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      The issue of thefts involving Hyundai and Kia vehicles has gained attention multiple times over the past few years, primarily due to certain models being particularly easy to steal. This has resulted in social media trends, class action lawsuits, insurance companies blacklisting these vehicles, and significant countermeasures from owners. Recent analysis from the IIHS shows that updates to immobilizer software are proving effective; however, not all vehicles qualify, and not all owners are opting for these updates.

      The surge in Hyundai and Kia thefts intensified during 2021 and 2022, with the so-called "Kia Boys" sharing methods for stealing these cars on TikTok. It became known that a car could be stolen using just a USB cable. While the manufacturers attempted to shift the blame to law enforcement, the reality was that many of these cars lacked electronic immobilizers, making them highly vulnerable to theft.

      In response, the Korean automakers implemented various updates, and both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) have been monitoring their success. For those driving newer Hyundai or Kia models, the situation presents a mix of positive and negative news:

      "HLDI has been monitoring the impact of the campaign since its launch in February 2023. Recent findings indicate that theft claims of all types were 46% lower for eligible Hyundai and Kia vehicles that received the upgrade compared to those that did not. Specifically, whole-vehicle theft claims decreased by 52% for upgraded vehicles."

      "An additional sign that the software is effective is the rise in vandalism claims, many of which likely stem from damage incurred during unsuccessful theft attempts."

      Thus, Hyundai and Kia models from the 2022 to 2024 production years with anti-theft software updates are experiencing over a 50% reduction in thefts, although they continue to be targeted and vandalized during theft attempts. While having your vehicle broken into is certainly undesirable, it is arguably less severe than having it completely stolen.

      What's more concerning is that older models of Hyundai and Kia are still being stolen in significant numbers. By older, I refer to vehicles from model years 2011 to 2022 that the manufacturers have yet to update. According to the HLDI:

      "Even with the enhancements, as of December 2024, the latest month of analysis, theft claim frequencies for eligible 2011-22 vehicles remained elevated, with nearly 10 and 11 claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years for Kia and Hyundai, respectively. In contrast, the rate for vehicles from all other manufacturers was below two claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years. Only 41% of eligible Hyundai vehicles and 40% of eligible Kia vehicles had received the upgrade by December, which explains their continued vulnerability."

      If you drive a Kia or Hyundai, it’s crucial to complete any outstanding software updates as soon as possible. Additionally, I would suggest using a visual deterrent, such as a steering wheel lock or a boot, especially if you’re parking in areas prone to car theft. While these measures can be bypassed, they may deter thieves by making the effort required to steal your car less appealing.

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