Kia and Hyundai Owners Beware: The Alarming Rise of Vehicle Thefts

In a concerning trend, car thefts targeting Kia and Hyundai models have skyrocketed in Nashville, Tennessee, over the past year. Authorities attribute this surge to the automakers' failure to equip their vehicles with adequate anti-theft technology, leaving owners vulnerable to a growing wave of criminal activity.

Exposing a Dangerous Security Flaw

The problem has escalated nationwide after a series of "how-to" videos on TikTok revealed a security vulnerability that allows thieves to easily start the ignition of Kia and Hyundai vehicles using a simple USB cable. This revelation has sparked a surge in car thefts, with the affected automakers facing a wave of lawsuits from cities across the country, including Seattle, Milwaukee, Orlando, and Philadelphia.

Nashville's Alarming Theft Rates

The situation in Nashville has become particularly dire, with the city filing a federal lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai. According to the lawsuit, 1,504 Kia and Hyundai vehicles were stolen in Nashville last year, a staggering 555% increase compared to 2022 and a more than 750% increase since 2021. In many cases, the thefts involve teenagers who have been inspired by the social media tutorials, using the stolen vehicles for crime sprees and joyrides.

Ineffective Software Upgrades and Lack of Accountability

In response to the crisis, the Metro Nashville Police Department has formed a special initiative to target auto thefts and has urged Kia and Hyundai owners to schedule software upgrades. However, the lawsuit alleges that these software updates are ineffective, and some vehicles have still been stolen even after the update. The lawsuit further accuses the automakers of prioritizing profits over public safety, as they allegedly failed to equip most of their models built between 2011 and 2022 with industry-standard immobilizer technology, which ensures the ignition cannot be started without the key.

The Broader Impact on Nashville

The rash of auto thefts has had a significant impact on the city of Nashville, draining law enforcement resources and posing substantial risks to public safety. In 2021, Kia and Hyundai vehicles accounted for about 7% of vehicle thefts in Nashville, but by 2023, that number had skyrocketed to 33% of all vehicle thefts. In January 2023, Kia and Hyundai models represented more than half of all vehicle thefts in the city, contributing to Nashville's highest auto theft rate since 1998.

Calls for Immediate Action and Accountability

The lawsuit filed by Metro Nashville alleges that Kia and Hyundai have failed to implement a mandatory recall to install immobilizers or other effective anti-theft technology, leaving millions of susceptible vehicles on the road. The automakers are accused of turning the crisis into a revenue stream by initially selling security kits for 0, plus installation costs, before eventually offering a free software upgrade.As the situation continues to escalate, authorities are urging Kia and Hyundai owners to take immediate action to protect their vehicles. Drivers are encouraged to schedule the free software upgrade, which activates an ignition kill switch to prevent the vehicle from being started without the key. With the safety and security of Nashville's residents at stake, the city is demanding that Kia and Hyundai take responsibility and implement comprehensive solutions to address this growing threat.