DETROIT (AP) — Some Hyundai and Kia cars and SUVs are missing a “key” anti-theft device, and thieves know. An insurance industry group says these cars are stolen at nearly twice the rate of the rest of the auto industry because their keys lack computer chips for theft “immobilizer” systems.
“Our earlier studies show that vehicle theft losses plunged after immobilizers were introduced,” said Matt Moore, senior vice president of the institute. “Unfortunately, Hyundai and Kia have lagged behind other automakers in making them standard equipment.”
Videos show thieves prying the ignition cover off the Hyundai and Kia vehicles, then using a screwdriver or USB cable to start them and drive away. Hyundai and Kia both conceded in statements that thieves are stealing some of their vehicles and said they meet federal safety standards. “It is unfortunate that criminals are using social media to target vehicles without engine immobilizers in a coordinated effort,” Kia said.
The institute’s Moore said the vulnerable Hyundais and Kias rank among the 20 most popular vehicles with thieves, a distinction normally reserved for high-powered or expensive vehicles, or pickup trucks. The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat had the highest rate of theft claims.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Thieves key on hack that leaves Hyundai, Kia cars vulnerableSome Hyundai and Kia cars and SUVs are missing a “key” anti-theft device, and thieves know
Read more »
These Hyundai and Kia vehicles are nearly twice as likely to be stolenHyundai and Kia vehicles lacking immobilizers are being targeted by thieves.
Read more »
Kia, Hyundai are easy targets for thieves, insurance data confirmsStealing older model Hyundai and Kia cars and SUVs became a scary social media trend. Now, data from the Highway Loss Data Institute, which collects information on insurance claims, confirm these South Korean models are far more likely to get stolen than others.
Read more »
Kia, Hyundai are easy targets for thieves, insurance data confirms | CNN BusinessStealing older model Hyundai and Kia cars and SUVs became a scary social media trend. Now, data from the Highway Loss Data Institute, which collects information on insurance claims, confirm these South Korean models are far more likely to get stolen than others.
Read more »
Hyundai and Kia drivers try to protect themselves from becoming victims following rising theftsA social-media-fueled trend of stolen Kia and Hyundai vehicles is prompting some drivers and law enforcement to take proactive measures.
Read more »