Kia will install ignition core reinforcement to thwart car thieves

Last year, Hyundai and Kia thefts were a big story, as people figured out a simple way to hack into the cars and drive away in seconds. Both automakers issued a theft-deterrent software update and steering wheel locks to fix the issue, but some models aren’t eligible for the update. Kia recently announced a workaround for those cars that comes in the form of a hardware fix to protect the ignition cylinder body.

The upgrade reinforces the cylinder to prevent removal. Last year, several videos of the “Kia Boyz,” as they’re called, showed how simple it is to pop open the ignition cylinder and steering column to insert a USB plug, letting them turn the switch and drive off. While Kia’s fix is unlikely to stop the thefts completely, it could make the break-in take long enough to deter all but the most dedicated thieves. Once a dealer installs the hardware, they affix a window decal to the car, telling thieves it will be harder to steal.

Hyundai issued a similar fix in December, including a locking bracket and ignition cylinder protector. It said its goal was for the device to reach 646,000 models that couldn't get the anti-theft software update. Like Kia, Hyundai will slap a sticker on the window to alert thieves to the upgrade.