Theft epidemic

871 Views 23 Replies 10 Participants Last post by RandyM, 29 d ago

professor229

Discussion Starter · 3 mo ago

We are having an epidemic of Kia thefts in our metro area. Is Kia doing anything about this? When I see what they are supposedly doing and saying on national TV I scratch my head because I have not heard personally anything from Kia about my 2015 Forte. Please advise if you have found something other than "the club" to stifle the theft of your Kia.

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RandyM

· #3 · 3 mo ago

Kia and Hyundai are offering a software update to make it harder for thieves to hotwire the ignition. This is a free recall. Your dealership will have details.

This update won't stop thieves from breaking a window and messing up your ignition, but at least your car won't be driven away and wrecked.

One thing I have done is to remove the Kia badges from my car in hopes it won't be recognized by the thieves. I have a Kia with the newer logo, which is glued on. I had my dealership remove them for $67 (about a half hour labor).

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RandyM

· #6 · 2 mo ago

Destonomos said:
I had the kia boys break my window and find out my gt-line is push button start... 1000 dollar deductable later I got my car repaired.

I debadged my car with a chrome K logo on front and back and wheels. I also got a replacement for the steering wheel.

Hope they had the parts quickly available as many theft victims report having to wait weeks to get side glass and steering wheel components.

Sad that so many thugs think hurting other people is fun.

In addition to de-badging my car, I put black electrical tape on the wheel hubs to cover the Kia name. Cheaper than new logos and doesn't look bad, either.

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RandyM

· #13 · 2 mo ago

2023BD said:
We put a new ignition in one today and the thing I find interesting is the replacement key cylinder for the Elantra has two additional wires going to the ring around the key cylinder
View attachment 91755
View attachment 91756

Interesting. Do you think this is an anti-theft upgrade?

At least two of the class action lawsuits, and suits being brought by municipalities, are asking Kia to recall cars without immobilizers to replace ignition locks with something less theft prone.

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RandyM

· #23 · 29 d ago

SammGee said:
Hii... I actually had my Kia stolen about 6months ago and am trying to find any info in regards to what, if anything, Kia is doing for us.

... Orr if you can inform me on what or how i can go about fixing this somewhat myself ( but probably not ) 🖖😁 Pleasseee and thank yuh

Sorry that you got hit with this. Not only is there great expense at fixing the damage, but there is lost time and wages, too.

As earlier stated, Kia has a free software upgrade that it will make it harder to steal the car. That won't stop the thugs from breaking a window and messing up the ignition, but at least there will be a greater chance of your car being there and not discarded after a joyride (or involved in an accident or a crime).

Your dealership will be able to perform the update.

Also as stated before, many owners have de-badged their Kias to disguise the make. On your car with the old style badge you can put a piece of black electrical tape over the Kia logos. I also put electrical tape over the Kia logos on the wheel hubs.

Check with your local police department. Kia has given steering wheel lock Clubs to certain hard-hit jurisdictions as a theft deterrent.

There are other anti-theft alarms that a good shop can install. Google online for techniques to prevent theft.

Good luck.

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RandyM

· #24 · 29 d ago

SammGee said:
Hii... I actually had my Kia stolen about 6months ago and am trying to find any info in regards to what, if anything, Kia is doing for us.

... Orr if you can inform me on what or how i can go about fixing this somewhat myself ( but probably not ) 🖖😁 Pleasseee and thank yuh

Another thought. Google "class action lawsuits" and your city to see the closest legal action being put together. Most of the lawsuits are seeking recompense for owners who have had their cars stolen. Be sure to keep all expense receipts and logs if your time inconvenience.

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