Thefts of some Kia and Hyundai vehicles have increased significantly. According to news accounts, juvenile gangs have stolen many cars in Milwaukee, using them for joyrides or trips to junkyards.
According to news sources, lower trim Kias and Hyundais lack an engine immobilizer in the key fob, making them ideal targets for theft. Without this tool, robbers can start the vehicle by unlocking the ignition.
According to reports, push button start vehicles and all 2022 Kia vehicles with key ignition feature engine immobilizers.
To lower the rate of theft, Milwaukee city officials are providing steering wheel clubs to owners of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Affected vehicles are no longer covered by certain insurance companies.
Your owner’s manual may not be of absolute use in identifying if your automobile is so equipped because the engine immobilizer can be an option in some vehicles. Check the warning lights on your instrument panel for the quickest indication. You have an immobilizer if you notice one that looks like a side profile of a car with a key symbol within. There is no such logo, and you lack one.
You ought to think about a steering wheel club in the absence of an engine immobilizer. They are, in my opinion, preferable to a covert kill switch because criminals will notice the club and leave. Your vehicle will be saved by a kill switch, but the window will still be damaged.
Despite the fact that my ’22 LXS appears to have the immobilizer, I’m going to speak with my insurance agent to see if there is a cost penalty caused by this. For the deterrent effect alone, I might get a steering wheel club as well.
In This Article...
Which models of Kia are being stolen?
CLEVELAND (WXIX) – The Forest Park Police Department is advising owners of Kia and Hyundai model cars to be cautious since it appears that thieves are picking on those automakers.
According to Forest Park police, six vehicle brand thefts have been detected since June 21. According to authorities, the most common models stolen were Kia cars from 2011 and Hyundai models from 2015.
According to authorities, the theft of these car brands appears to be a part of a national social media trend that is rapidly spreading.
The method for starting an automobile without a key appeared to have acquired popularity on social media, according to Forest Park police.
The thefts recorded in Forest Park since June 21 have occurred in a variety of places, but according to police, three automobiles were taken overnight from sizable residential buildings.
If I’m being totally honest, it’s a terrible trend. It is awful. He claimed on Tuesday that as a result, my car is lost.
Perkins claims that sometime between Monday night and early Tuesday, someone took his Hyundai from his Clifton apartment building.
I don’t know about that, but it kind of makes me steer clear of Hyundai and Kia, he added. “I never really thought it would happen to me, but going forward I think you can’t really watch your car every night, so I don’t know about that.
Police advise taking the following actions if you drive a Hyundai or a Kia model year 2011 or newer:
- Try to leave your car in a safe area, such a closed garage.
- Utilize a steering wheel lock
- Try to park in places that are well-lit.
- Always keep your doors locked.
- Never leave valuables or personal stuff in your car.
- Take into account aftermarket alarm systems or anti-theft tools.
- Any unusual behavior should be reported, especially during the evening or overnight.
If you have any information on the six car thefts, contact the Forest Park Police Department at 513-595-5220. Call 513-825-2280 or 911 to report a crime in progress or suspicious activity.
Is it simple to steal a Kia?
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 Hyundai and Kia so easily stolen?
The city is now experiencing a national trend of auto thefts involving particular brands. The number of stolen Hyundais and Kias, according to certain law enforcement officials in the Twin Cities, has increased.
FOX 9 – ST. PAUL, Minnesota The city is now experiencing a national trend of auto thefts involving particular brands. The number of stolen Hyundais and Kias, according to certain law enforcement officials in the Twin Cities, has increased.
Because they can be started without a key more readily than other vehicles, particular years of Hyundai and Kia are being targeted nationwide.
The Silver Kia Sol owned by Theresa Jones is now nothing more than shattered glass on the ground. It was taken on Thursday in broad daylight only a few steps from her south Minneapolis home.
“I say, “Wait a second. I point to the spot where I parked it and say, “No, it was right there.” And at that time, my head was simply blown. Are you kidding me, really?” Jones uttered.
Just a few days before they made their first car payment, the automobile she and her mother, Lynda Pierce, shared was stolen. It was only with them for six weeks.
Pierce remarked, “I mean, it’s like entering your domain. It’s just extremely scary.”
In other regions of the nation, where Kias and Hyundais are quickly taken off the streets, their tale is well known. Bob Fletcher, the sheriff of Ramsey County, even brought up the problem on Friday’s “Live on Patrol.” According to Fletcher, the problem is particularly serious in Milwaukee, where a group of young people going by the name of the “Kia Boys” steals cars all around the city.
“Watch the YouTube videos on the Milwaukee Kia Boys. It is spreading across the entire nation. Someone must approach Kia and persuade them to recall those vehicles “In the video, Fletcher remarked. “You can see what the metro area is facing by watching the recordings, and the most recent month has seen a significant increase. Two-thirds of the stolen automobiles in Milwaukee are Kias and Hyundais, and there have been tens of thousands of them.”
According to Fox 9, St. Paul police have noticed an upsurge in stolen Kias and Hyundais, and they find the pattern worrisome.
“I did not grow up in this society. We held ourselves and one another in high regard. These individuals respect nothing “Pierce said.
The mother-daughter team of Pierce and Jones claimed that they would have chosen a different vehicle if they had known how easily these cars might be stolen.
Owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles in Milwaukee have been advised by police to purchase steering wheel locks, and if possible, to invest in security systems and park in secure garages.
Which car brand is most frequently stolen?
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.
Dodge Full-Size Pickup
- 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.
Honda CR-V
- 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.
Toyota Corolla
- 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.
GMC Full-Size Pickup
- 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.
Nissan Altima
- 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.
Toyota Camry
- 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.
Honda Accord
- 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.
Honda Civic
- 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.
Chevrolet Full-Size Pickup
- 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.
Ford Full-Size Pickup
- 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.
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.
When were the Kias stolen?
Have a brand-new Hyundai or Kia? Here is what to do. A 2011 or newer model Kia or a 2015 or newer model Hyundai owner is advised to take the following safety measures: Use a lock for the steering wheel.
Which car is the simplest 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
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.