LOUISVILLE, Ky. — There’s an ongoing surge in car thefts, specifically targeting some Kia and Hyundai models. In fact, the Highway Loss Data Institute reported theft claims rose to three times more for the first half of 2022 than those in the first half of 2019.

What You Need To Know

  • There’s a surge in stolen cars, specifically some Kia and Hyundai models

  • The Highway Loss Data Institute reported theft claims rose to three times more for the first half of 2022

  • Someone smashed into Lauren Rodgers-Melton’s Kia Sorrento on Jan. 13

  • The surge comes after a security flaw in many Kia and Hyundai models went viral on TikTok

Many thieves have stolen cars by exploiting security vulnerabilities highlighted in viral videos. It’s affected many in Kentucky.

Lauren Rodgers-Melton (left) works on a client's hair at her salon in Louisville, Ky. (Spectrum News 1/Khyati Patel)

On a rainy Jan. 13, Rodgers-Melton’s morning didn’t go as she had planned.

“I had a full book at the salon and went to open my door, and noticed that I had a window completely bashed out,” Rodgers-Melton said.

She drives a Kia Sorento. “Someone stole my ignition,” Rodgers-Melton said.

She had to cancel all her appointments that day and file a police report. Her husband even made a social media post on the break-in and more people shared their experiences.

“Someone also got their car stolen a couple of streets over that was a Hyundai. I guess they’re hitting Kias and Hyundais because of this TikTok challenge,” Rodgers-Melton said.

Russ Rader represents the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. His partner organization, the Highway Loss Data Institute, reported many 2015 to 2019 Hyundai and Kia vehicles lack electronic immobilizers, an anti-theft device, the lack of which makes many Hyundai and Kia vehicles vulnerable to steal.

“What that technology does is prevent the car from being started unless the car receives a signal from the key, so those two things have to match up,” Rader said.

That crucial match up is not in Rodgers-Melton’s car, making it a prime target.

“It angers me because I work really hard to maintain my car,” she said. “And especially right now, I don’t want to have to add another big payment with a new car, adding more expenses to life and also owning a business.”

Rader said Hyundai and Kia have both announced they are taking steps to help prevent thefts.

In the meantime, he offers some tips for owners of the vulnerable cars:

  • Park the car in a garage if you have one
  • If you don’t have access to a garage, plan to park in a well-lit area where there is heavy foot traffic
  • Consider buying a steering wheel lock while you wait on upgrades from Hyundai or Kia car makers

Related Stories