Car theft has emerged as a significant issue, despite new technologies aimed at bolstering vehicle security.
In recent years, car theft has seen a sharp increase, causing deep concerns among vehicle owners and law enforcement alike. Hyundai and Kia attempted to address a significant security flaw in their vehicles by releasing software nearly three months ago, but the effort has proven largely ineffective. Theft rates not only persisted but have continued to rise dramatically.
According to data from seven U.S. cities, thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles actually increased despite the software fix, indicating more needs to be done. Several cities report that over 60% of auto thefts involve these brands. One major culprit is the absence of a theft immobilizer, a device standard in most cars since 2015. The affected vehicles are easily stolen using simple tools like a screwdriver and USB cable, as demonstrated in viral TikTok videos.
Kia and Hyundai sued after viral TikTok challenge causes rise in thefts
In Chicago alone:
– 77% of recent car thefts linked to the 'Kia Challenge'
– And a 767% increase in Kia / Hyundai thefts https://t.co/NqMJ4KEr6u— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) September 22, 2022
Only a small percentage of eligible vehicles received the necessary software update, exacerbating the problem. Less than 5% of Kia and 6% of Hyundai owners have taken the step to install the software, leaving millions vulnerable. As a result, cities have started suing Hyundai and Kia for negligence in not installing standard anti-theft devices in their vehicles.
“The scope of the problem is only expanding and is exponentially worse than it has been in the past,” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara remarked in an email.
Criminals, often teenagers without driving licenses, exploit these vulnerabilities, leading to dangerous crashes and additional crimes. From 2019 to 2022, motor vehicle thefts increased by around 25%, with nearly 500,000 cars stolen in just the first half of 2023. California remains the hardest hit, with over 200,000 vehicles stolen in both 2021 and 2022.
Comprehensive insurance policies cover vehicle theft, but without it, owners could remain liable for remaining balances on financed vehicles. The cost of vehicle theft in the U.S. surpasses $8 billion annually, with a stolen vehicle every 31 seconds in 2023. Many stolen vehicle parts, including engines, air bags, and GPS units, add up to a shocking total loss for owners and insurers alike.
“Indeed, a motor vehicle is stolen every 32 seconds in the U.S., as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),” according to statistics.
New solutions are urgently required to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated cyber-criminals. While law enforcement agencies struggle to keep up, there is a desperate need for international cooperation and innovative technologies to effectively address this crisis.
