Summary: On a number of their base models for some years, they didn’t include an engine immobilizer. The result is that one can break a window, use a screwdriver to quickly break open the steering column, yank out the ignition column, stick a USB charger plug in, turn, and the vehicle starts. In the Columbus and Milwaukee area, the “Kia Boys”, a group of kids and young teens – male, black, 12-14 – popularized stealing Kias on TikTok, with the “Kia Challenge”, where one steals a Kia and posts it to TikTok. They steal tens of thousands. The young age means that penalties are light. The vehicles generally aren’t stolen for parts or use, but to joyride in, often wind up wrecked. People in area generally buy steering wheel locks. Kia and Hyundai agree to start putting immobilizers in again.
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Summary: On a number of their base models for some years, they didn’t include an engine immobilizer. The result is that one can break a window, use a screwdriver to quickly break open the steering column, yank out the ignition column, stick a USB charger plug in, turn, and the vehicle starts. In the Columbus and Milwaukee area, the “Kia Boys”, a group of kids and young teens – male, black, 12-14 – popularized stealing Kias on TikTok, with the “Kia Challenge”, where one steals a Kia and posts it to TikTok. They steal tens of thousands. The young age means that penalties are light. The vehicles generally aren’t stolen for parts or use, but to joyride in, often wind up wrecked. People in area generally buy steering wheel locks. Kia and Hyundai agree to start putting immobilizers in again.