Does Kia have anti-theft?

WASHINGTON — After months of reported thefts, Kia and Hyundai have released new anti-theft software designed to help owners keep their cars safe. This software comes amid an uptick in Hyundai and Kia vehicle thefts across the DMV.

Does a Kia have a anti-theft device?

Certain Hyundai and Kia models made from 2010 to 2021 lack a device called a standard engine immobilizer, which prevents a car from starting without the key present. As a result, thieves discovered they could start and steal these cars easily, in some cases using just a USB cord.

How do I know if my car has anti-theft?

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.

What Kia models have theft vulnerability?

Affected vehicles include 2017-2020 Hyundai Elantras, 2015-2019 Hyundai Sonatas, and 2020-2021 Hyundai Venues. Hyundai and Kia have partnered with local law enforcement to provide free steering wheel locks to consumers with affected vehicles.

Has Kia fixed their theft problem?

Hyundai and Kia have issued an update to help protect affected key-to-start vehicles from 2011 to 2022 model years. The update includes a software solution to help stop thieves from taking these cars.

How To Stop The Kia Boys From Stealing Your Car | Try this KIA Security System

How do I keep my Kia from being stolen?

Which Kia model is stolen the most?

How do I know if my Kia has an immobilizer?

Immobilizers are usually built into the vehicle, key, or key fob so that they are out of sight. If you want to double-check to make sure your car has one, you can look through your vehicle's manual, visit the car manufacturer's website, or ask your mechanic.

Can keyless cars be stolen?

Keyless theft (otherwise known as relay theft) is relatively simple; all it requires is two small boxes of electronics, which thieves can use to open your car in as little as 60 seconds. Crooks will typically work in pairs to commit relay theft, with one holding a relay amplifier, and the other a relay transmitter.

What is a Kia immobilizer?

With the immobilizer system, whenever you insert your ignition key into the ignition switch and turn it to ON, it checks and determines and verifies if the ignition key is valid or not. If the key is valid, the engine will start. If the key is invalid, the engine will not start.

Which Kias can be stolen with USB?

According to news reports and at least one class-action lawsuit, the most-affected vehicles are Kias made between 2010 and 2021 and Hyundais produced between 2015 and 2021. Thieves typically break a back window to avoid alarms, expose the steering column, and fit a USB-A cable into a matching plug.

Do new cars come with anti-theft system?

Most cars come with security systems or even trackers. When they don't, dealers often try to sell them as an add-on. That, in many cases, is because car dealerships install alarms to prevent theft on the dealership lot, which means it's already installed in the car.

What triggers the anti-theft system in car?

The vehicle must be armed electronically to enable the alarm system) Vehicle theft: This alert occurs when tampering is detected with the vehicle's key cylinder. This can be triggered by an invalid key, screwdriver, foreign key fob or no key detected when trying to start the vehicle.

How are Kia cars being stolen without keys?

In the videos, thieves target certain Kia and Hyundai models because the car can start with a USB cord instead of a key. Kia told us vehicles being targeted by this crime wave are from 2011 to 2021 and those that use a steel key and "insert/turn-to-start" ignition systems.

Why are Kias vulnerable to theft?

Many modern Hyundais and Kias lack a useful anti-theft device called an immobilizer, which prevents a vehicle from starting when someone attempts to use a key or key fob that doesn't match the car.

What models of Kia are easily stolen?

On the Kia side, listed models include the 2015-2021 Forte, Optima, Rio, Sedona, Soul, and Sportage. The 2015-2016 Optima Hybrid and Sorento have also been placed on the naughty list.

Can a push start car be stolen without the key fob?

Today's vehicles are key-less and rely on fobs to open, start, and drive away. But criminals are now able to do this without the fob—using a commercially available software tool which can be bought on the open internet.

How do I protect my keyless car from theft?

What is the hardest vehicle to steal?

And indeed, according to a study by HLDI, Teslas are among the least-stolen vehicles, with the Model S and Model X boasting a relative claim rate of 11 and 12, respectively, where 100 represents the average.

What Kia models have immobilizers?

As of the 2022 model year, all Hyundai and Kia models come standard with engine immobilizers.

Do push start Kias have immobilizer?

The models don't have electronic immobilizers, which confirms that the key belongs with that vehicle.

Does your vehicle has a factory installed immobilizer?

You can rest assured that your car has a factory-fitted immobiliser if it was manufactured after October 1998. However, if your car was made before that date and you want to check if it has an immobiliser, the easiest way to check is to contact your car's manufacturer or consult your owner's manual.

What year are Kias being stolen?

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - Some KIA and Hyundai models from 2011 up until 2021 are missing a key anti-theft feature that prevents thieves from breaking in and bypassing the car's ignition. The key used to start the ignition on some KIA's and Hyundai is now making them a target for thieves.

Can 2023 Kias be stolen?

Bradley says it's easy to steal Kias and Hyundais made between 2011 and 2022. Cars that use a remote key fob to start the car are harder to steal. But the two vehicle makes are vulnerable if they use traditional keys — all you need is a screwdriver and a USB cable.

Is there a class-action lawsuit against Kia?

Instead, Kia has agreed to a class-action lawsuit settlement related to anti-lock brake systems (ABS). Read on to determine if you are eligible for compensation and how to get it.