An increase in Hyundai and Kia vehicle thefts is now, on average, resulting in 45 cars stolen every day in Chicago, according to NBC 5. While auto thefts in general are on the rise in the city, Hyundai and Kia drivers are more vulnerable than others given a hidden security flaw inside that was uncovered and shared on social media last year. This could be because some older Hyundai and Kia models made from 2010 to 2021 lack a device called a standard immobilizer, which prevents a car from starting without the key present.
In fact, in the month of November 2022 alone, Hyundai and Kia thefts amounted to more than half, or 59%, of all Chicago motor vehicle thefts recorded, according to data reviewed from the Chicago Police Department. That CPD data shows out of 2,003 motor vehicle thefts reported last November, 1,180 of those thefts involved Hyundai or Kia vehicles.
Both Kia and Hyundai have encouraged drivers to contact their customer assistance centers for more information on options to secure these impacted vehicles.
- Kia Consumer Assistance Center: 1-800-333-4542
- Hyundai Customer Care Center: 1-800-633-5151
