These models do not have electronic immobilizer systems that rely on a computer chip in the car and another in the key that communicates to confirm that the key is authentic and really belongs to that vehicle. Without the right key, an immobilizer should do just that — stop the car from moving. Immobilizers were standard equipment on 96% of vehicles sold for the 2015-2019 model years, according to HLDI, but were standard on only 26% of Hyundais and Kias. Vehicles that have push-button start systems, rather than relying on metal keys that must be inserted and turned, have an immobilizer, but not all models have keyless ignition. Hyundai and Kia operate as separate companies in the United States, but Hyundai Motor Group owns a large stake in Kia, and various Hyundai and Kia models share much of their engineering. The car theft trend spread widely on social media last year, according to HLDI. In Wisconsin, where it first became popular, claims for stolen Hyundais and Kias rose to more than 30 times 2019 levels in dollar terms. Some videos posted on TikTok showed allegedly stolen Hyundai and Kia vehicles being driven recklessly and even crashing. “TikTok does not condone this behavior that violates our policies and will be removed if found on our platform,” a TikTok spokesperson said recently. The method of theft, which involves severe damage to the ignition system, indicates that these cars are being stolen for fun and not for resale, according to HLDI. “When you forcefully break the ignition, you cause so much damage that it’s not easy to reset the VIN and resell the vehicle on the open market,” Darrell Russell, a former auto theft investigator who is now director of operations at the National Insurance Crime Bureau. he said in a statement. To reset a vehicle’s VIN means to change or replace the vehicle identification number, an identification code consisting of 17 letters and numbers, to make the vehicle harder to locate. HLDI estimates of theft frequency are based on the number of a particular model on the road and the frequency of vehicle theft claims. Some vehicles are stolen very often simply because so many have been sold, and so there are simply too many of them on the roads to steal. In the case of these Hyundai and Kia models, however, the theft rates are far out of proportion to their numbers on the road. Vehicles produced after Nov. 1, 2021, and those with push-button start are not subject to theft this way, Hyundai spokesman Ira Gabriel said. Electronic immobilizers became standard on all Hyundai vehicles, including those with key ignition, after this date. Also, for those with older vehicles that don’t have an immobilizer, Hyundai has identified a kit that can be installed to prevent this type of theft. Starting Oct. 1, the safety kit will be available for purchase and installation at Hyundai dealerships and authorized installers, the automaker said in a statement. Kia pointed out that the majority of Kia vehicles in the United States have push-button start systems that make theft more difficult. The NICB advises owners who are concerned that their vehicle may be a target for theft to take easy steps, such as always locking the doors and parking in well-lit areas. Apart from this, owners can also use aftermarket anti-theft devices such as additional alarm systems, steering wheel locks and pedals and switches. Among newer vehicles, the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, a large sedan with a supercharged V8 capable of producing more than 700 horsepower, was more popular with thieves than its number on the road, according to HLDI. Dodge vehicles are manufactured by global automotive company Stellanits. “All Stellantis vehicles meet or exceed applicable federal safety and security standards. We use industry-standard technologies, including immobilizer capability, across our North American vehicle lineup,” a spokesperson said in an email. “However, we urge all motorists to take due care in insuring their vehicles.” CNN’s Brian Fung contributed to this story. CNN’s Brian Fung contributed to this story.
