Kia, Hyundai Push Effort to Combat Rising Car Thefts in Cleveland

Feb 14, 2024 10:15 PM EST

INTERIOR OF HYUNDAI PALISADE — (Photo : HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP)

Kia and Hyundai are actively tackling an issue that has led to Cleveland and other major cities launching lawsuits against the automakers in response to a nationwide increase in vehicle thefts. In order to decrease automobile theft, automakers are providing free anti-theft software upgrades and organizing local events for the installation of these defensive systems. Dealerships have launched this service, which allows vehicle owners to book appointments for these security upgrades.

Kia, Hyundai Pushing to Cut Car Thefts

As per The Plain Dealer Cleveland report, Kia and Hyundai are working hard to address a critical issue that pushed Cleveland and other major cities to sue the automakers in response to a significant increase in vehicle theft. Both companies are stepping up their efforts to combat auto theft.

They are providing free anti-theft software updates to vehicle owners. Additionally, they are conducting community events to assist them in installing these updates. Dealerships have began this initiative, allowing car owners to schedule appointments for necessary upgrades.

To further their commitment to pushing to cut car thefts, the automakers plan to organize events across the nation aimed at assisting vehicle owners with this prevalent problem. From 2011 to 2021, Kia and Hyundai produced numerous vehicles lacking engine immobilizers-a $100 device that prevents cars from being hot-wired, thereby pushing to cut car thefts.

Despite not being mandatory in the United States, the absence of this device has placed Kia and Hyundai drivers at a disadvantage, especially as online tutorials emerged showing how to steal these cars using just a screwdriver and a USB cable, with some thieves managing to take a vehicle in under a minute.

The rising number of thefts in Northeast Ohio has sparked widespread concern among drivers, politicians, and law enforcement officials, pushing Kia and Hyundai to take significant action. Last April, Cleveland sued Hyundai Motor America and Kia America Inc., accusing them of producing vehicles with insufficient anti-theft systems.

As a result, thieves can easily target these vehicles, putting a strain on drivers and necessitating significant police resources to locate stolen cars. Parma followed with a similar lawsuit a few months later, underlining the pressing need for Kia and Hyundai to continue pushing to cut car thefts effectively.

Effect of Prevalent Kia and Hyundai Car Thefts

Previously, Kia and Hyundai faced significant scrutiny due to a spate of car thefts, attributed to the absence of modern anti-theft features in their older models. USA Today reported that insurance giants Progressive and State Farm ceased covering some older models from these manufacturers, highlighting the vehicles' vulnerability.

The concern escalated after social media tutorials demonstrated how to start certain models without a key, leading to police issuing theft alerts. Kia's spokesperson, James Bell, mentioned on Monday that this decision by insurance firms affects specific Kia vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2021 that use a traditional steel key ignition system.

Hyundai's spokesperson, Ira Gabriel, expressed hope that the insurance companies' measures would be short-lived, although he did not clarify which model years were implicated.

Car and Driver reported the "Kia Challenge" trend on TikTok is set to result in a $200 million expense for Hyundai and Kia. Both car manufacturers have consented to disburse an estimated $200 million in compensation to clients whose vehicles were either stolen or damaged in manners that insurance did not cover. This sum will also cover the costs Hyundai and Kia owners incurred from insurance deductibles, increased insurance rates, or other financial losses related to theft.