# Kia thefts could last decades due to security flaws

> Kia and Hyundai car thefts may persist through 2050 due to outdated security and TikTok tutorials
- Title: Kia thefts could last decades due to security flaws | Shortify
- Summary: Kia and Hyundai car thefts may persist through 2050 due to outdated security and TikTok tutorials Kia and Hyundai models without engine immobilizers face…
- Keywords: kia, hyundai, engine immobilizer, tiktok, car theft, nfl, seahawks, seattle, news, entertainment, thefts, last
- Source: New York Post — https://nypost.com/2026/09/16/lifestyle/kia-boy-thefts-could-persist-through-2050-study-warns
- Published: 2026-09-16T16:21:44+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kia, hyundai, engine immobilizer, tiktok, car theft, nfl, seahawks, seattle, news, entertainment
## Kia theft surge
Hyundai and Kia models without engine immobilizers face decades of thefts.

> We live in one of the safest times ever recorded, yet crime is still incredibly common
## TikTok tutorials
Kia Boys tutorials teach teens to steal cars using USB cables.

> Viral social media videos demonstrated how quickly and easily certain Kia and Hyundai models can be stolen
## Security gaps
Manufacturers skipped engine immobilizers for 20 car models from 2011 to 2022.

> Hyundai and Kia models were particularly vulnerable because manufacturers neglected to equip 20 car models with engine immobilizers
## Theft trends
Car thefts in NYC jumped 32% from 2021 to 2023 due to Kia and Hyundai thefts.

> In New York City alone, car thefts jumped from 10,412 in 2021 to 13,745 last year
## Legal action
Kia and Hyundai settled class-action lawsuits for $145 million with anti-theft upgrades.

> Kia and Hyundai were hit with a class action lawsuit from 36 states
## Key takeaway

Kia and Hyundai models without engine immobilizers face decades of thefts due to security gaps and online tutorials