Kia and Hyundai theft tales proceed to make headlines within the wake of a social media “problem.” Spurred on by the influence of a group calling itself the “Kia Boyz,” bored teenagers throughout the nation have contributed to the fast rise in thefts of sure Hyundai and Kia fashions. Movies shared on social media platforms present how shortly and easily it may be completed, with some suggesting that it is the fault of householders who depart behind their digital equipment. Whereas there is a kernel of fact to that, the truth is that Hyundai and Kia offered these vehicles with restricted security measures to be able to undercut their opponents on worth. Sadly, the flawed folks observed.
So why precisely are these vehicles seemingly really easy to spice up? Let’s break it down.
Can thieves use my USB charger to steal my automotive?
Technically, sure. Tales maintain circulating about how Kia Boyz use USBs to steal your automotive. However taking your charger with you’ll solely mildly inconvenience a would-be joyrider. Whereas a USB Sort-A cable (the chunky, previous type you are used to seeing in all places) may make a useful instrument for turning the ignition change, the rest a thief can jam into the receptacle tightly sufficient to show it would get the job executed — most probably, a screwdriver.
Strictly talking, these vehicles aren’t faulty; their most important fault is being low-cost. The person fashions in query had been offered with out ignition immobilizers — the elements that forestall a automotive from being simply stolen. This know-how just isn’t inherently costly, but it surely’s one of many issues Hyundai and Kia shaved off to make its base fashions somewhat bit cheaper (and by extension, to encourage prospects to purchase as much as the subsequent trim).
What does an ignition immobilizer do?
Your ignition immobilizer works in tandem with an digital chip in your key. The 2 “shake palms” while you flip your key or press the “begin” button in your automotive, including an additional layer of safety. If the digital signature in the important thing does not match what the immobilizer expects, the automotive will not begin. Even immobilizers can be somewhat easily defeated by determined thieves; it is simply not typically definitely worth the problem and potential danger of incarceration to go to that a lot bother simply to take a automotive for a pleasure experience.
Does my automotive have an immobilizer?
For those who personal a automotive constructed previously 5 years and it wasn’t constructed by Hyundai or Kia, the reply is sort of positively “sure.” Chances are high, in case your automotive has a distant fob, you are protected. As of 2016, more than 95% of all cars were sold with some sort of ignition immobilizer. They turned commonplace all through the mid-late aughts and now go hand-in-hand with keyless entry programs that require digital handshaking, typically with some extent of encryption.
Can Hyundai and Kia repair these vehicles to allow them to’t be stolen?
The quick reply is sure, an engine immobilizer could be put in in a automotive that was offered with out one. In actual fact, Hyundai is in the process of rolling out updates that will address the problem. As of Feb. 14, 2023, a repair has been made obtainable for the 2017-2020 Elantra, 2015-2019 Sonata and 2020-2021 Venue. In June, Hyundai plans to launch an identical replace for the remaining autos in its lineup impacted by the problem.
Listed here are the remaining Hyundais offered with variants which can be susceptible to theft:
- 2018-2022 Accent
- 2011-2016 Elantra
- 2021-2022 Elantra
- 2018-2020 Elantra GT
- 2011-2014 Genesis Coupe
- 2018-2022 Kona
- 2020-2021 Palisade
- 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport
- 2013-2022 Santa Fe
- 2019 Santa Fe XL
- 2011-2014 Sonata
- 2011-2022 Tucson
- 2012-2017 Veloster
- 2019-2021 Veloster
For now, there is not any comparable treatment obtainable from Kia.
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