Security Flaw Allow Wave of Social Media Fueled Theft of Hyundai and Kia Vehicles | Transport Security International Magazine

New York City filed a lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia, after being overwhelmed by a social media-fueled wave of car thefts. RThe thefts were made possible due to a flaw that made some car models more susceptible to theft.

Multiple videos on social media sites like TikTok and others show how to start the cars

using USB cables and a screwdriver. Some models sold by Hyundai and Kia in the U.S. came without engine immobilizers, a standard feature on most cars since the 1990s that prevent the engine from starting unless the key is present.

“Hyundai’s and Kia’s business decisions to reduce costs, and thereby boost profits, by foregoing common anti-theft technology have resulted in an epidemic of thefts,” the lawsuit states. The suit also alleges the companies failed to keep up with other automakers “by not adopting immobilizer technology that ensured cars could not be started without their keys.”

287 Kias were stolen in 2022, compared with approximately 119 in 2021. Approximately 415 Hyundais were reported stolen in 2022, compared with 232 a year earlier. The problem has worsened, with an estimated 977 Hyundai and Kia vehicles reported stolen in the first four months of 2023.

“A subset of Hyundai vehicles on the road in the U.S. today – primarily “base trim” or entry-level models – are not equipped with push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices. It is important to clarify that an engine immobilizer is an anti-theft device and these vehicles are fully compliant with federal anti-theft requirements,” the automaker said in a written statement. Hyundai made engine immobilizers standard on its vehicles in November 2021.