We recently told you about more than a dozen lawsuits filed against Hyundai and Kia alleging that their vehicles are too easy to steal. The spike in thefts is largely attributed to viral social media campaigns on TikTok and other platforms where users are posting videos under the hashtag “Kia Boyz” that expose the vehicles’ security weaknesses. Now Hyundai has responded with concern and a plan of action for owners of vulnerable automobiles.
As we told you in our previous report, a series of state and federal lawsuits have been filed against the two Korean automakers. The Kia and Hyundai vehicles in question were mainly made between 2010 and 2021 and utilize a traditional key and no immobilizer system. Kia and Hyundai cars built in that time period with push-button start systems aren’t vulnerable to the same attacks.
Read More: New Lawsuits Claim Hyundais And Kias Are Too Easy To Steal
Carscoops reached out directly to both companies and Hyundai directly addressed the models being targeted.
“Hyundai Motor America is concerned about the recent rise in auto thefts of certain Hyundai model vehicles,” a spokesperson told us. “While all of our vehicles meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, unfortunately, our vehicles have been targeted in a coordinated effort on social media. Criminals are targeting our vehicles without engine immobilizers. Immobilizers became standard on all vehicles produced after November 1, 2021.”
Hyundai To Sell A Hardwired Solution In October
The company says that it’s continuing to work with law enforcement to help with the issue. “In order to assist customers with earlier model year vehicles without an immobilizer, Hyundai has been working with and will continue to support local police departments to make steering wheel locks available for affected Hyundai owners,” said the spokesperson.
The brand isn’t stopping there though. It’s got a plan to provide a solution that doesn’t require the steering wheel lock. “Hyundai has identified a Firstech / Compustar security kit that targets the method of entry thieves are using to access these vehicles,” he said.
If these kits are anything like the ones offered prominently on Compustar’s website, owners might end up with more than just added security. The main “Remote Start & Security” kit available for both Kia and Hyundai models adds remote start, OEM alarm control, power window control, and more.
“Beginning October 1, 2022, this security kit will be available for purchase and installation at Hyundai dealerships and Compustar authorized installers across the country. Hyundai will provide additional details soon, and customers who have questions can always contact the Hyundai Consumer Assistance Center at 800-633-5151,” said the spokesperson.
We’ve followed up by asking about how much the security kit will cost, how much installation will be, and whether or not customers can install it themselves. We’ve also followed up with Kia to find out what its position is. Once again, we’ll report back if we hear more.
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Commercial Crimes Division is aware of a recent social media trend regarding vehicle thefts. Please read the attached Community Alert for more information. pic.twitter.com/E5NfRcXVer
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) August 26, 2022
