SoCal car thieves targeting two types of vehicles amid rash of thefts

A recent uptick in the theft of Kia and Hyundai vehicles has police in Manhattan Beach warning drivers to take extra steps to protects their cars.

The Manhattan Beach Police Department said a rash of thefts of the two brands during the week of Aug. 6-12 prompted them to issue measures drivers should take to prevent becoming a victim.

Police said drivers should use steering wheel locks, keep their doors locked at all times, and always remove any items of value from inside the car.

The department also said using an aftermarket alarm or immobilizer as additional security can provide another layer of protection.

Police advised car owners to install a GPS tracker to help find a car if it is stolen and keep the vehicle’s software updated.

Kias and Hyundais sold between 2011 and 2022 have been popular targets in recent years as they lacked engine immobilizer, allowing a thief to steal the vehicle whether they had a proper key or not.

A popular TikTok trend a few years ago provided tutorials on how to start cars from the Hyundai Motor Group without keys, using a USB cable and a screwdriver.

As a result, the car brands quickly rose to the top of the 10 most stolen cars in America list, according to Auto Blog.

In response to the viral trend, automakers rolled out free fixes for Hyundai and Kia owners, offering them “free steering-wheel locks or a free software upgrade,” Carfax.com reported.

The company estimates that more than 4.9 million vehicles across the U.S. still need a fix.

Fifteen states have more than 100,000 Kia and Hyundai vehicles on the road vulnerable to the issue, with California ranked No. 1 with 506,000 cars. 

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Earlier this year, the two car brands agreed to a $9 million class action settlement for victims of the trend.

Drivers have until March 31, 2027, to submit their claims for reimbursement, which will be distributed on a “rolling basis.”

Eligibility can be confirmed on the settlement website by entering your car’s VIN.