Why Did American Teenage Thieves Target Only Hyundai and Kia Cars?

Some Hyundai and Kia Vehicles Sold in the US Lack 'Immobilizer'
Relatively Vulnerable to Security... Targeted by Thieves
Hyundai to Develop and Sell New Security Kit

Theft crimes targeting Hyundai and Kia vehicles are on the rise in the United States. / Photo by Song Hyun-do, Asia Economy intern reporter

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung, Intern Reporter Song Hyundo] Theft crimes targeting Hyundai and Kia vehicles are rampant in the United States. These perpetrators are teenage delinquents known as the so-called 'Kia boys.' After stealing vehicles, they post photos and videos on social networking services (SNS) like TikTok and even share 'tips' on how to steal cars. It has been claimed that Hyundai and Kia vehicles are targeted primarily due to their vulnerable security. Some Hyundai and Kia models lack an 'engine immobilizer' device, making them easy to steal.

According to the American economic media outlet Business Insider on the 18th, numerous reports of Hyundai and Kia passenger car thefts have been filed with the police across many regions in the U.S. In particular, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 66% of the reported stolen vehicles were found to be Hyundai and Kia cars.

U.S. media point out that the 'vulnerable security' of some older Hyundai and Kia models may be the cause. Some Hyundai and Kia vehicles sold in the U.S. do not have a security device called an 'engine immobilizer.' The engine immobilizer is an anti-theft ignition control device. It works by embedding a chip that stores a specific code in the ignition key slot. The vehicle owner must insert a car key with the same code number to unlock the locking mechanism and start the engine.

Vehicles without immobilizers were found to be able to start the engine with simple devices such as USBs. The photo shows a Kia Boys video stealing a vehicle using a USB / Photo by Twitter Capture

The European Union (EU), Canada, and other regions have legally mandated the installation of immobilizers in vehicles, and the smart key and push-button start systems commonly used domestically also include immobilizer functions as standard. However, in the U.S., it remains optional.

Hyundai decided to standardize the installation of immobilizers on all vehicles produced and sold after November last year. In other words, the vehicles targeted by the Kia boys are older models produced before last year that did not opt for the immobilizer option.

As a result, Hyundai and Kia vehicle owners in the U.S. are pursuing class-action lawsuits against the company. Recently, courts in seven states, including Wisconsin, have seen a series of lawsuits filed demanding compensation from Hyundai for 'theft due to design defects.'

Meanwhile, Hyundai and Kia's U.S. subsidiaries have decided to develop and provide additional security kits to customers. In a statement released on the 5th, Hyundai said, "The vehicles we manufacture meet or exceed all U.S. safety standards," but also explained, "We will begin selling a new security kit capable of neutralizing vehicle theft methods starting October 1."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.