Millions upon millions of key only cars have been stolen. If someone really wants to steal your car they'll figure out a way to do it no matter what. Kia has put some preventative measures in place such as the immobilizer and the ability for the consumer to shut down the engine in the Kia Access app.

 

Pre-2022 base model Kias using a key to start did not have an anti-theft device called an engine immobilizer. Because of an increase in thefts of these cars going over many years, Kia made the engine immobilizer standard in all of their cars starting in the 2022 model year.

You can verify your car has an engine immobilizer when you first turn the key to the on position. For a few seconds the engine immobilizer light will illuminate on the instrument panel. The light is in the shape of a side with of a car with a key in it. The light is colored orange.

The engine immobilizer system consists of a transponder in the key fob that communicates with the ignition. Without this communication the car cannot start.

Pre-2022 cars without the immobilizer are easily stolen because a thief can tear out the ignition and use a screwdriver to engage the starter. On 2022 cars this engagement cannot happen because of the lack of transponder signal.

So your car is safe, right? Well, sort of. Punks known as the #kiaboyz have made stealing Kias a global social media fad. They video their thefts and of wrecking the cars. Your 2022 Forte cannot be easily stolen in the typical way shown on YouTube and TikTok (a pro can steal any car), but the thieves will break a window and tear out your ignition system trying.

Best to incorporate basic anti-theft measures such as parking in the safest and best lit place possible, and using visible anti-theft devices like the Club. Here, the presence of the Club may serve as a deterrent to thieves who will pass over a car so equipped for a another car. Predictably, there is a shortage of Clubs due to the increase in Kia thefts.

Unfortunately, Kias equipped with push button start are also easy targets. Thieves have posted videos on social media showing how to pry off the button and engage the starter.

There are at least two class action lawsuits in the works against Kia regarding this ease of theft.

One somewhat positive note, some police chiefs believe the Kia theft social media fad will abate when the juvenile thieves go back to school and are not roaming around late at night.

Of course, that doesn't pertain to professional thieves who are looking for an easy car to drive to the chop shop or put in a shipping container to sell overseas or Mexico.

Some advice: Talk to your insurance broker about aways to lessen any theft surcharge on your car. The Club or other electronic anti-theft may be helpful in reducing your rate.

I also own a 2022 Forte LXS. Want to keep it for awhile.

 

I don't know how to take these stories about Kias getting stolen...they make it sound like mostly Kias are getting stolen, however, Kia doesn't even make the top 10 stolen cars lists.

 

Don't believe me. Google Kia Thefts and #Kiaboyz and see the dozens of news stories from across the country and around the world. As far as Kias not showing up on the most stolen lists, wait about a year for the data to catch up. Your car insurance rate increases will be another indicator.

Owners need to know they are in special danger for car theft.

 

I’ve seen the trend and news things and stuff, but I’m honestly not that worried for a couple reasons.

1. I’m in a pretty low crime area, and park in good well lit areas
2. I don’t keep anything in my car
3. It’s a manual. No thief dumb enough to joyride it and post it on social media will know how to drive my car. They’ll skip it and move on to the next one