Car thefts remain a prevalent issue worldwide, with millions of vehicles stolen each year. Not only does it result in financial losses for car owners, but it also contributes to higher insurance premiums and poses a significant threat to public safety. The recent Kia Boyz thefts have become a serious problem in the United States, particularly for owners of certain Kia and Hyundai models. A group of teenagers identified a security loophole in these models, allowing them to start the cars without a key. The thefts quickly spread across the country, and many were documented on social media platforms, leading to a rise in car thefts and vandalism.
Hyundai and Kia have been criticized for not equipping their cars with the necessary security features, particularly engine immobilizers. Models produced between 2011 and 2021 are particularly vulnerable, and thieves have been able to start the cars with just a USB cable and a screwdriver. The companies have since released software updates that require physical keys to start the cars and sound alarms for longer periods if a thief tries to start the car. However, these updates came too late for many owners who have already been affected by the thefts.
The Kia Boyz thefts have caused insurance companies to refuse to cover affected Kia and Hyundai models, further compounding the problem for owners. The rise of this problem has been attributed to the lack of necessary security features in the cars, and the popularity of the vehicles due to their lower price point.
The Kia Boyz trend gained popularity on TikTok, leading to a surge in car thefts, vandalism, and accidents in many cities across the country. In 2021 alone, 10,471 vehicles were reported stolen in the US, with 67 percent of them being Kia or Hyundai cars. While both companies have made efforts to address the security issues, the damage has already been done, and many owners are left with the consequences.
In conclusion, the Kia Boyz thefts have highlighted the need for adequate security features in cars, particularly in models produced by Hyundai and Kia. The lack of engine immobilizers in these models has made them vulnerable to theft, and the rise of social media trends has only exacerbated the problem. While the companies have taken steps to address the issue, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to restore confidence in their products and win back the trust of affected owners.
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