By now, it’s almost cliché to mention. Kia and Hyundai have made headlines for years after a group of teenagers figured out how to bypass ignition features and start them with items as basic as a screwdriver. The automakers made adjustments, yes. Some older cars are eligible for a software update. Newer Kias come with the immobilizers previously absent on delivery. Still, though, newer Kia models are getting broken into, and it’s all an insurance nightmare.

A 2022 Kia Forte has an immobilizer ring, but thieves didn’t care

Yusuf Benallel operates Asheville Auto Center in North Carolina. This summer, a friend of his called with a story. He owns a 2022 Kia Forte. While inside his home, the owner suddenly heard a horn honking but didn’t think much of it. When he went out to his car, though, he realized the honking was actually coming from his Forte.

It turns out that despite the newer Kia models coming with immobilizer rings, thieves still break into them and attempt to drive off.

Thankfully, they weren’t successful. In this case, a nearly new Kia is left with a torn-apart steering column. While Benallel says the only thing stopping them was a flat tire, I disagree. To me, it looks like while they gained access to the metal slot you can stick something like a screwdriver in to turn, they couldn’t bypass the immobilizer ring. This feature requires a recognizable chip that’s built into a programmed key fob to start.

We’ve already reported on insurance companies canceling Kia policies or refusing to insure them at all. This is why, folks. If they’re missing security features, it’s just too easy to steal them. And if they have them, thieves don’t quite know the difference yet and cause damage anyway.

Kia now offers a security update for older eligible models, and anything made after 2021 should come with an immobilizer. If you have a Kia, go get an update if it applies to you. In any case, consider anti-theft devices that will deter thieves just by the look of them, like a steering wheel lock.