Police are warning Hyundai and Kia car owners about a social media issue that encourages people to steal these car brands and post videos of their fun rides.
The number of thefts of vehicles made by South Korean automaker Hyundai and its Kia Motors subsidiary has jumped more than tenfold since a viral attack on social media exposed vulnerabilities, according to new data.
Thefts of Hyundai and Kia models are on the rise in the first half of 2023, according to the latest update provided to FOX Business by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), which tracks auto theft using insurance claims. This represents an increase of more than 1,000% compared to 2020.
According to HLDI, before 2020, Hyundai and Kia vehicles had similar theft rates as other manufacturers, but in the first half of 2023, Korean cars were stolen seven times more than other manufacturers.
Halifax, Canada – March 1, 2020 – 2020 Kia Forte compact sedan at our North End dealership in Halifax. (iStock / iStock)
In the most recent study period, Hyundai and Kia had a vehicle theft rate of 11.2 per 1,000 insured vehicles, while other manufacturers had an average claim rate of just 1.6 per 1,000. Data showed that there was no increase.
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The figures show that claims of vandalism against Hyundai and Kia vehicles are significantly higher than other vehicles, which HLDI says are likely the result of attempted thefts. Claims of vehicle vandalism in the first half of 2023 increased four times compared to three years ago and tripled last year compared to other manufacturers.
| ticker | safety | last | change | change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HYMTF | Hyundai Motor Co., Ltd. | 40.79 | -0.51 | -1.23% |
Vehicle thefts have spiked across the board during the pandemic, with Hyundai and Kia becoming easy targets for criminals after challenges posted online. TikTok and other social media platforms In 2021, it was revealed that some models from sister brands manufactured between 2011 and 2021 were not equipped with immobilizers that prevent them from starting without a key.
The surge in thefts has led several U.S. cities to sue Hyundai and Kia Motors, accusing them of not doing enough to prevent car thefts and putting an additional burden on law enforcement. In January 2023, major insurance companies State Farm and Progressive announced they would discontinue coverage for some Kia and Hyundai models manufactured from 2015 to 2019 due to theft.
Several US cities have sued Kia and Hyundai over vehicle theft. (image/image)
Early last year, manufacturers began rolling out new anti-theft software upgrades to multiple models covering millions of vehicles. Both companies provided updates on their efforts when asked for comment by FOX Business on Monday.
Hyundai said in a statement: “Hyundai is committed to the comprehensive I will do my best in this activity.”
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“Our dealerships across the country are maximizing the number of anti-theft software installations they can perform each day, contributing to a steady increase in completion rates. We are reporting this to NHTSA.” [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration] weekly,” the statement continued.
A Hyundai spokesperson said the company recently opened service centers in Washington, D.C., St. Louis County, Missouri, New York and other major cities, and plans to add more to speed the installation of software upgrades. He said there is.
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Kia Motors said in a statement that the company is taking “important steps to support customers in response to criminals who use popular theft techniques advertised on social media to steal or attempt to steal certain vehicle models. We will continue to take measures.”
The company has already rolled out the software upgrade to nearly 1 million vehicles to date, and in December released a new hardware upgrade (ignition cylinder protector) for vehicles not eligible for the anti-theft software upgrade. said. Kia Motors is also providing free steering wheel locks to owners of affected vehicles.
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“Kia Motors remains committed to working with law enforcement agencies across the country to combat auto theft and the role social media plays in encouraging it, and we will continue to support our customers and ensure vehicle security. We will continue to work hard to achieve this,” the statement added.
