Final yr, Hyundai and Kia thefts had been an enormous story, as individuals discovered a easy strategy to hack into the vehicles and drive away in seconds. Each automakers issued a theft-deterrent software program replace and steering wheel locks to repair the problem, however some fashions aren’t eligible for the replace. Kia just lately introduced a workaround for these vehicles that comes within the type of a {hardware} repair to guard the ignition cylinder physique.
The improve reinforces the cylinder to stop removing. Final yr, a number of movies of the “Kia Boyz,” as they’re referred to as, confirmed how easy it’s to pop open the ignition cylinder and steering column to insert a USB plug, letting them flip the swap and drive off. Whereas Kia’s repair is unlikely to cease the thefts fully, it might make the break-in take lengthy sufficient to discourage all however probably the most devoted thieves. As soon as a vendor installs the {hardware}, they affix a window decal to the automobile, telling thieves will probably be tougher to steal.
Hyundai issued the same repair in December, together with a locking bracket and ignition cylinder protector. It stated its purpose was for the machine to achieve 646,000 fashions that could not get the anti-theft software program replace. Like Kia, Hyundai will slap a sticker on the window to alert thieves to the improve.
Autos that acquired the software program replace, in the meantime, have protections that limit their ignition operation if somebody tries to begin and steal them with no key. Kia stated its sellers have put in the software program on virtually 940,000 automobiles and famous that it has held a number of coaching clinics to assist sellers with the set up. In its most old-school repair, Kia issued steering wheel locks (bear in mind The Membership?) and continues distributing them as a visible theft deterrent. Greater than 325,000 steering wheel locks have been issued to date.
Some older Kia and Hyundai fashions lack engine immobilizers, which might stop car operation in a majority of these thefts. The difficulty acquired so dangerous final yr that some insurers stopped issuing new car insurance policies, and a few homeowners reported having been booted off their current insurance policies. In case you personal a Kia that you simply suspect might be inclined, test together with your vendor or Kia’s help web site together with your VIN useful to search out out which fixes you’re eligible to obtain.