New Bluetooth device aims to prevent rise in Kia and Hyundai thefts (2023)

FAQs

What device might prevent the theft of a vehicle? ›

Active anti-theft systems

An alarm that is engaged by you—either by removing a car key or by pushing a button. Manual disabling devices. These devices—which ensure your car stays put—need to be actively set up by you. This could be steering wheel locks, security tire clamps, brake locks, and engine kill switches.

Hyundai and Kia Launch Service Campaign to Prevent Theft of Millions of Vehicles Targeted by Social Media Challenge. Hyundai and Kia have developed theft deterrent software for millions of their vehicles that lack an immobilizer and will provide it FREE of charge to vehicle owners.

And the automakers say they're not to blame for any of it. Thieves have learned how to steal the cars using USB cords in ignitions built without immobilizers, which prevent engines from starting without computer chips in keys. In St. Louis County alone, almost 1,000 Kias and Hyundais have been stolen so far this year.

The “mystery device” is actually a relay attack unit and it's a two-part system. The system can break into cars with a keyless entry system and can start cars with a push-button start.

So, why are these cars so easy to steal, and is Hyundai interested in finding a fix for this matter? Well, the lower models of Hyundai and Kia cars don't have an engine immobilizer or a theft deterrent system. This is because Hyundai was too keen on offering cheaper products and has cut costs here.

The "Kia Challenge" started circulating in mid-2022 and explained that it's possible to remove the steering column covering on some Hyundai and Kia models by force, exposing a slot that fits a USB-A plug. Turning the plug activates its ignition, allowing thieves to drive away.

Among 2015-19 vehicles, theft claims were nearly twice as common for Hyundai and Kia vehicles than all other manufacturers. The reason, the institute said, is likely because both companies sell vehicles that don't have electronic immobilizers to prevent thieves from driving off with the cars.

Kia and Hyundai models have been targeted across the country following a TikTok social media challenge that encourages the stealing of these vehicles and shows viewers how to steal the vehicle without a key. The vehicles being targeted are Kia models from 2011-21 and Hyundai models from 2015-21.

What Hyundai models are easy to steal? ›

Kia and Hyundai under Fire from Cities, Insurers over Too Easily Stolen Vehicles. Reportedly a few insurance companies are refusing coverage on the basis that these models can be stolen too easily. Meanwhile, Seattle is suing the automakers.

Meanwhile, steering wheel locks can prevent the Tik Tok-fueled thefts. Hyundai and Kia have distributed locks to police departments to offer a free deterrent to Hyundai and Kia owners. Hyundai's newly available sensor kit is supposed to target how the thieves are gaining access to the cars.

Police say thieves are targeting these vehicles because they are much easier to steal. Kia and Hyundai models made between 2010 and 2021 without a push button to start can be hot-wired with only a USB cable and a screwdriver. A stolen car is the last thing anyone wants to deal with.

Hyundai Introduces Free Anti-Theft Software Upgrade, Beginning With More Than 1 Million Elantras, Sonatas and Venues - Hyundai Newsroom.

Prevent car theft by wrapping your car key fob in foil. Yes, that's right — a piece of tinfoil can stop your car from getting stolen. Key fobs might be convenient, but there's a security risk associated with them. Thieves can use devices that will amplify fob signals to cars or copy the code to get into a vehicle.

Can cars with start buttons be stolen? Yes, thieves may use the methods we listed above to steal keyless cars with start buttons, including signal relaying, signal jamming and key programming.

Does RFID block key fob? Yes, the RFID-blocking shell housing prevents people from spoofing your key and prevents hackers from reproducing the signature key-code that your key fob generates – thus denying them access to your vehicle.

In insurance terms, this is any feature preinstalled in your car that makes it harder to steal, or easier to track or recover. We suggest you check your car's manual or the manufacturer's site to find out what security features might be installed.

Security pedestals, otherwise known as antennas or security gates, are set up at the store entry / exit as a theft deterrent. They will alert you if any active tag or label has passed through them indicating a product may have been stolen.

What is a theft detection device? ›

“Theft detection device” means any electronic or other device attached to goods, wares, or merchandise on display or for sale by a merchant.

These 2020 statistics highlight what vehicles are the most desirable by thieves. 2020 is the second year in a row that Ford's full-size pickup truck tops the list as the most stolen car in America.

Thieves will steal anything valuable, but the most common items stolen from cars tend to be electronics, personal information, and accessories.

After years of a stolen car epidemic sweeping across Milwaukee and the U.S., KIA America and Hyundai now say they have a solution to prevent theft. Kia said it has enhanced security software to restrict the unauthorized operation of vehicle ignition systems on certain models not equipped with an immobilizer.

Hyundai vehicles are commonly reported as having engine problems, varying from ticking or unusual noises, to stalling, cutting out or seizing.

A class action lawsuit involving these vehicles was filed in March 2022, alleging that numerous models of Hyundai and Kia vehicles have defective engines that use excessive oil, stall, and eventually fail. Cho, et al. v.

Due in part to the ease with which these vehicles can be stolen, the 2019-21 Hyundai Accent is one of the most frequently stolen vehicles, according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Highway Loss Data Institute.

Hyundai and Kia thefts

Despite this, the list of affected models is extensive: 2017-2020 Elantra. 2015-2019 Sonata. 2020-2021 Venue.

If your Kia has been stolen, you can use the UVO app to remotely immobilize your stolen vehicle and track its location. Using the app you can set time, area, idle time, valet alert parameters, and speed limits for your Kia.

What is one of the easiest cars to steal? ›

Kia models newer than 2011 and Hyundai cars newer than 2015 are the primary targets. Experts say they are the easiest cars to steal, but there are ways to discourage thieves.

The majority of Kia vehicles in the United States are equipped with a key fob and “push-button-to-start” system, making them more difficult to steal. All 2022 Kia models and trims have an immobilizer applied either at the beginning of the model year or as a running change.

Keyless entry systems are a great innovation. Yet, they're not perfect. The technology in keyless entry systems actually makes it easier than ever to steal a car. Back in the old days, you needed to either obtain a key or be able to access a vehicle and hotwire it if you wanted to steal a car.

Turn off keyless entry on your fob

This is a sure fire way to prevent car theft because you don't need to worry about anyone intercepting the signal. Turning the signal off is different for each vehicle, but you should be able to find out how inside the car's manual.

The targeted vehicles are those with keyless entry and start systems, exploiting the technology to get into the car and drive it away. Keyless car theft is simpler and quicker than you might imagine. Police say that it can take less than two minutes for a car to be stolen.

The Car Finder feature is accessed through the MyHyundai with Bluelink Mobile App. This feature allows you to locate your vehicle on a map if your GPS signal is within a 1-mile radius of your vehicle, and gives you the ability to save your vehicle's location for future reference.

Stolen Vehicle Recovery

With Blue Link®, you can locate your stolen car even sooner. Blue Link® has the ability to provide local law enforcement with your car's exact location and can even immobilize the engine until it's been recovered.

If you have bought your car used, there's a pretty easy way to check if your vehicle came with a car alarm installed: check the owner's manual and look at the key-fob. Your vehicle's manual is a great resource for finding out if the car came with an alarm.

What are 3 safety devices that are located within the vehicle? ›

#1 – Airbags.

Driver and passenger airbags typically will deploy if you get into an accident that involves the front of your vehicle. However, some cars come equipped with several additional airbags. The supplemental airbags can help protect you in many different circumstances or accident types.

Operating vehicle control devices – Controls used for the operation of a vehicle, including steering wheel, gear selector lever, parking brake, cruise/speed control, ignition switch, and accelerator and brake pedals.

These 2020 statistics highlight what vehicles are the most desirable by thieves. 2020 is the second year in a row that Ford's full-size pickup truck tops the list as the most stolen car in America. Japanese model sedans are the most popular stolen cars, taking six out of 10 slots within the top 10.

Security labels are usually deactivated by a deactivator that is situated at the point of sale or integrated into the scanner. This deactivator works by breaking a circuit within a label so they no longer emit a signal and can pass near an antenna without causing an alarm to sound. Labels cannot be re-used.

Most modern cars have a dash light that indicates that the anti-theft system has been triggered. The icon for the anti-theft system looks like a car and a lock combination. When this light is on and flashing (it will be either or blue), it will indicate that your car's anti-theft system is activated.

Use scissors, a screwdriver, a high-powered magnet, a knife, or a pair of pliers. With a magnet, place it on the table and position the tag bottom side down on the magnet. You should hear it click. Manipulate the pin up and down, and it should come out.

Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the on position, which activates your accessories but not the engine. Leave the key in position for about 10 – 15 minutes. Step 3: Check the anti-theft light again. If it's no longer blinking, turn the key back to the Off position and allow it to set for a minute or two.

The detection system will sound an alarm or alert the staff of theft when active tags pass by. They are sensor-based using a combination of radiofrequency, electromagnetic technology, sensors, metal detectors and connect to software that controls alarm sensitivity, volume, and duration.

What is a permanently installed anti-theft device in a car? ›

A hidden kill switch cuts electricity flow at the ignition switch of a car to prevent thieves from stealing the vehicle. Some install many hidden kill switches to discourage robbers who try to drive off with their car.