Kia and Hyundai owners in DFW: How to protect your car from the "Kia Boys" trend

If you own a Kia or Hyundai manufactured between 2011 and 2021, your car is a target. Here's why and what to do.

The vulnerability: These models were built without engine immobilizers — an anti-theft chip that virtually every other manufacturer includes standard. A USB cable or flathead screwdriver can start the car in under 60 seconds.

Affected models include:

• Kia: Optima, Forte, Sportage, Rio, Soul, Sorento, Seltos (select years)
• Hyundai: Elantra, Sonata, Tucson, Santa Fe, Accent, Venue, Kona (select years)
• Push-button start models are generally NOT affected

What to do RIGHT NOW:

1. Get the free software update. Kia and Hyundai released a software patch that extends the alarm duration and requires the key fob to start. Check eligibility at owners.kia.com or owners.hyundai.com.

2. Buy a steering wheel lock. The Club (~$30) is a visible deterrent. Won't stop a determined thief but deters opportunistic ones.

3. Install a kill switch. An aftermarket kill switch ($50-150 installed) disables the ignition. Local shops in DFW doing this: Google "kill switch installation Dallas."

4. Use a tracking device. Apple AirTag ($29) hidden in the car won't prevent theft but dramatically improves recovery odds.

5. Check your insurance. Some insurers have raised rates or dropped coverage for affected models. Source: NAIC consumer alert.

Legal context: In Texas, auto theft is a state jail felony under Texas Penal Code 31.07, punishable by 180 days to 2 years in state jail.

Sources:

• NHTSA — Kia/Hyundai theft vulnerability advisory
• Kia Motors — software update eligibility (owners.kia.com)
• Hyundai — software update eligibility (owners.hyundai.com)
• Texas Penal Code 31.07 — Unauthorized use of a vehicle
• NAIC — consumer alert on insurance impacts

Don't wait until it happens to you.

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