"Kia Boys" refers to a trend or group of individuals known for stealing Kia and Hyundai vehicles. This trend gained notoriety primarily through social media platforms, where videos and posts about stealing cars using USB cables were shared. The trend emerged because some Kia and Hyundai models, particularly those manufactured between 2011 and 2021, were found to have vulnerabilities in their ignition systems. These vulnerabilities made them easier to steal, particularly models that used a mechanical key instead of a push-button start.
The "Kia Boys" trend raised significant concerns about vehicle security and prompted responses from law enforcement, car owners, and the affected car manufacturers. Kia and Hyundai have been working on addressing these security issues to prevent such thefts in the future.
While the "Kia Boys" continue to be a thorn in the side of the Korean automaker, the company has introduced a new anti-theft ignition cylinder protector.
The component is designed for vehicles that weren't eligible for last year's software security update. It is intended to reinforce the ignition cylinder body and prevent it from being removed. Ideally, this will prevent the vehicle from being stolen.
The theft deterrent can be installed on a handful of different models, including 2011-2016 Forte, 2011-2021 Rio, 2014 Sedona, 2011-2016 Sportage and 2010-2022 Soul. The device is free, and owners can visit this site to enter their VIN and confirm eligibility.
Kia will contact owners and tell them to visit their nearest dealer for installation. The company didn't say much about the process, but noted that once the ignition cylinder protector is installed, window stickers will be added to "inform would-be car thieves that the vehicle is equipped with enhanced theft protection."
Kia America’s Greg Silvestri said “Vehicle security is a top priority for Kia and we continue to take action to support our customers by helping to protect their vehicles from thefts, which have been encouraged by content spread across social media. Reinforcing the ignition cylinder body is the latest step to help guard against these methods of theft and we strongly encourage owners of vehicles that don’t have engine immobilizers and are not able to receive our security software upgrade to have this free security measure installed.”
The move follows a similar effort by Hyundai, which is offering an ignition cylinder protector on the 2011-2017 Accent, 2013-2014 Elantra Coupe, 2011-2012 Elantra Touring, 2011-2012 Genesis Coupe, 2011-2012 Santa Fe, and 2011-2012 Veracruz.
Source: Carscoops
