Authorities in Manhattan Beach have issued a warning to drivers following a notable increase in the theft of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. During the week of August 6-12, police observed a spike in thefts of these two brands, prompting the Manhattan Beach Police Department to advise residents on enhanced security measures.
Recommended precautions include the use of steering wheel locks, ensuring car doors remain locked at all times, and consistently removing valuables from vehicle interiors. The department also suggests that owners consider aftermarket alarms or immobilizers for an added layer of protection. Installing a GPS tracker can aid in recovering a stolen vehicle, and keeping the car's software up to date is also advised.
Kias and Hyundais manufactured between 2011 and 2022 have become frequent targets due to a known vulnerability: the absence of engine immobilizers. This feature allows thieves to start the vehicles without a key. The issue gained wider attention through a viral TikTok trend that demonstrated methods for starting these cars using basic tools like a USB cable and a screwdriver.
This trend led to Kia and Hyundai vehicles rapidly ascending lists of the most stolen cars in America. In response, the automakers have offered free solutions to affected owners, including steering wheel locks and software upgrades. Despite these efforts, an estimated 4.9 million vehicles across the U.S. still require these fixes. California has the highest number of vulnerable vehicles, with over 506,000 cars. Fifteen other states also have more than 100,000 affected vehicles each.
Earlier this year, the two automakers reached a $9 million class-action settlement to compensate victims of this theft trend. Owners have until March 31, 2027, to submit claims for reimbursement. Eligibility for reimbursement can be verified on the settlement website by entering a vehicle's VIN.