Models of Hyundai and Kia are increasingly the focus of thefts and break-ins nationwide, including here in the Milwaukee metropolitan region. If the vehicle is from a specific model year, security vulnerabilities in the design make it simpler to start without a key.
Your Kia is at risk if it was manufactured in 2011 or later. According to Mark Savage, a contributor to Lake Effect Auto, 2015 models or newer are appropriate for Hyundais.
The back window is not included in the typical security systems for these automobile types, despite the fact that most cars do have them, according to Savage. Therefore, even without a key fob, someone can readily enter the vehicle by removing or breaking the back glass.
“Still usable tools include a screwdriver, a wrench, and, from what I’ve heard, a USB port that can be used to jump start the ignition. Since auto thieves have discovered this, there has been a significant increase, and I believe that demand for old cars and car parts is currently higher “Savage explains.
The problem has been so pervasive that the car manufacturers have partnered with local police agencies to distribute around 2,000 free steering wheel locks with proof of ownership, according to Savage. Kias and Hyundais account for an equal 60 percent of the thefts in Milwaukee.
He points out that vehicles with push-button ignition or engine immobilizers are more difficult to steal. If you move up to the mid-level or upper level, chances are you have that and protection, according to Savage. “It’s almost always the low end versions that don’t have that push button start,” he says.
Hyundai and Kia are currently addressing this issue and implementing fixes.
According to the Hyundai representative Savage spoke with, starting in September, all automobiles will be equipped with immobilizers, and everything will be protected moving forward. Savage didn’t receive a confirmation from Kia, but he has a suspicion that they will do the same because Hyundai owns Kia and many of their vehicles have similar powertrain and engine components.
Savage recommends the following advice if your car model is one of those being targeted:
- Whenever you aren’t in your car, lock the doors.
- If you must park on a public street, attempt to do it under a street light or in your garage.
- Never leave valuables in your car.
- Avoid leaving your title in the vehicle because “[someone who steals the automobile] will find it simple to claim it as theirs, put their address on the title, send it in and either put it in their own name or sell it to someone else.”
- Consider having your VIN number permanently etched into the car’s windows so that “if it’s stolen, it’s evident it’s a stolen automobile” (often located on the plate tucked behind the dashboard near the bottom of the windshield).
In This Article...
Hyundais and Kias are they simple to steal?
If you own a particular brand of vehicle, you might feel helpless after reading the recent headlines in and around Madison.
Hyundai and Kia vehicles frequently crash and are easily stolen. However, specialists in automotive security say there is still some hope.
Why are Kia automobiles stolen?
a technical problem. The majority of the targets have been Hyundais and Kias that are 2015 model year or newer, and solely base model trims. These cars all have two things in common: they don’t have an immobilizer, and breaking in through the back window doesn’t seem to set off an alarm.
What is the most frequently stolen vehicle?
Because they are simple to steal or have in-demand replacement parts, certain car models are preferred by thieves. Owner complacency can also be a major factor in auto theft, particularly if key fobs are left in the vehicle or if you leave your car running in a driveway or parking lot. Knowing which car models are the most frequently stolen might help you decide whether you need to increase the security measures for your vehicle. The top 10 most stolen cars in America are shown below.
- 11,991 thefts total.
- Most stolen model: 2001
- Model starting cost: $21,150
The 2001 Dodge Ram is a dependable and capable vehicle that is ideal for every purpose. This may be the reason why 11,991 of them were stolen in 2020. This is 699 more than in 2019, when they were ranked seventh. Due to its lack of sophisticated anti-theft technology, this late model truck can be a common target for thieves.
- 12,309 thefts total.
- Most stolen model: 2000
- Model starting cost: $18,650
The CR-V has a sedan-like appearance and size, yet it still has many features that buyers demand in an SUV. In addition, the CR-V is a family-friendly SUV with front and four-wheel drive, which accounts for its appeal in many areas regardless of the weather. This could be the cause of the 12,309 thefts of such historic cars in 2020, a 2,215 percent increase over 2019.
- 12,515 thefts total.
- Most stolen model: 2020
- Model starting cost: $19,600
The 2020 Toyota Corolla is a compact automobile with five seats, four doors, and excellent safety technology. Unfortunately, not sufficient. A minor increase from 2019, when 12,137 units of the 2018 model were stolen, placing seventh for the year, to 2020 saw 12,515 units of same model stolen. The 2020 Toyota Corolla boasts a sharper design compared to earlier versions, a more upscale interior, and a touchscreen dashboard with Apple and Amazon integration, which may be why this car is well-liked by thieves.
- 13,016 thefts total.
- Most stolen model: 2005
- Model starting cost: $18,190
Another pickup on the list is the GMC Sierra, which saw a 13.016 percent increase in thefts from 2019 to 2020 for the 2018 model. Given its price range, this quiet pickup truck with front- and all-wheel drive is a dependable choice. GMC full-size pickup truck owners may wish to invest in alarm systems since their vehicles are the third and seventh most stolen vehicles, respectively. Older versions lack the appropriate equipment to help prevent theft.
- 14,668 thefts total.
- Model starting cost: $24,300
One of the few of its kind, the Nissan Altima is a five-seat mid-size car with front and all-wheel drive. It makes sense that thieves would target this contemporary model given its slick design and numerous digital interfaces. In 2020, 14,668 units were stolen, which is 9.8% or 1,313 more than in 2019 for the 2015 model. Despite its keyless ignition’s many safety measures, owners may become complacent and leave their key fobs in the car, which can result in theft.
- 16,915 thefts total.
- Most stolen model: 2019.
- Base cost of the model: $24,095
A well-liked mid-size sedan for a long time, the Toyota Camry is renowned for both its dependability and high resale value. It may be so popular among thieves for this reason. For environmentally conscious drivers, the 2019 model’s fuel-efficient engine and hybrid variant may be intriguing. The theft of 16,915 units in 2020an increase of 8% from 2019 for the 2007 modelmay be attributable to such features.
- 30,814 thefts total.
- Most stolen model: 1997
- Base cost of the model: $15,100
Popular all over the United States, the Honda Accord is renowned for its high resale value and component dependability. However, security is constrained because of the outdated model. Just 69 or 0.2% more models were stolen in 2020 than in 2019, at 30,814. It might just take a slim jim for a criminal to get inside, which is an excellent incentive for current 1997 Honda Accord owners to increase their security.
- 34,144 thefts total.
- Base cost of the model: $10,750
The 2000 Honda Civic is a well-liked choice with drivers and thieves because it is a small sedan with a lot of power. 2020 saw an increase in thefts of the same model, the 2000 Honda Civic, of 2.8 percent to 34,144 units, compared to 2019. It’s also possible that this is the case because the Honda Civic shares parts with other Honda vehicles, which makes it simple for thieves to steal pieces to resell.
- 40,968 thefts total.
- Most stolen model: 2004
- Model starting cost: $19,545
With 40,968 stolen examples, the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado is both the second most stolen truck and the second most stolen vehicle in America in 2020. This is a massive increase of 25.7 percent from 2019. This pickup is a favorite of both consumers and thieves due to its roomy inside, excellent performance, and fantastic overall value.
- 44,014 thefts total.
- Most stolen model: 2006.
- Model starting cost: $18,930
The 2006 Ford F-150 will be the most stolen vehicle in America in 2020. The pickup has topped the list for the past two years, with over 44,014 units stolen in 2020an increase of 13% over 2019. Given their strength, dependability, and mobility, pickup trucks are undoubtedly a favorite among thieves. But given that it has a strong engine, a roomy interior, and a fantastic hauling capacity, the F-150 in particular may be the most well-liked choice.
What vehicle is the easiest to steal?
Do you see a pattern here? Toyota Camrys are no exception to the rule that the most popular cars are the ones that thieves target the most. Criminals who steal the autos and sell the universal parts for a profit find their universal parts to be catnip. Beware if you drive a 2007 model: The most frequently stolen model last year was the 2007 Toyota Camry.
- Stolen items total 15,656.
- A popular model is the 2007
Are Kia vehicles frequently stolen?
The Department of Public Safety at Cal State LA is currently looking into these crimes and working with other law enforcement organizations. A police report is not available because our Department of Public Safety is still looking into the incident. However, the department sent a crime bulletin to our campus community through email on April 14. The warning contained safety advice, outlined the incidents that took place, and provided a description and photo of a suspect.
Our university places a high priority on safety. In order to prevent these crimes, our Department of Public Safety is stepping up parking lot patrols and taking additional actions. We urge members of our campus community to contact the Department of Public Safety at 323-343-3700 to report any suspicious activities.
A trend in Los Angeles County and other places across the country may be seen in the recent increase in vehicle thefts and attempted thefts on campus. Due to a specific design element, Kia and Hyundai vehicles from the model years 2012 to 2020 are frequently stolen. Additionally, our Department of Public Safety is in touch with automakers to discuss measures to lessen this susceptibility.
Are Kia vehicles stolen?
(WCMH)
Do you own a Kia or Hyundai from the most recent ten years? If so, your vehicle is a target for thieves. Because of the way they are constructedwithout a push-button startKias created in 2011 and later and Hyundais made in 2015 or later are desirable targets for thieves.
According to Rick Ricart of Ricart Automotive in Columbus, Ohio, “if it takes a key to turn the ignition, it’s an easy, literally a USB port could even be inserted in and twisted to start the automobile.
I don’t have a key, how can I start my Kia?
Great midsize SUVs include the Kia Sorento. A ton of useful technological elements are also included in it. But you’re in the right place if you’re asking how to start this without a key fob. To find the answers for you, we conducted the research.
Step on the brake pedal and push the Start/Stop button on the engine until the Kia Sorento starts. This may be done without a keyfob.
The Kia Sorento provides you with the ease of starting the engine without having to panic and scramble for your keys, thanks to its user-friendly technology. If you want to know more about starting the Kia Sorento without the key fob, keep reading.