Why Is the Kia Telluride so Easy to Steal?
It’s time to put on our detective hats to help prevent more Kia Telluride models from being stolen. The Kia Telluride is becoming increasingly popular as a target for thieves, and it’s easy to see why. It’s one incredible SUV with limited availability. But you don’t want the Kia Boys to strike.
Why do people steal Kia Telluride models?
While the Ford F-150 is the most stolen vehicle in America and the Honda CR-V is the most stolen SUV, there is a rise among people stealing the Kia Telluride. But it isn’t alone. Thieves are also going after other Kia and Hyundai models.
This is because the Telluride and related models across the lineup from before 2015 – 2021 are subject to an old-school method. Most companies have switched to using a key fob that the vehicle engine has to recognize for it to start.
But a flaw in the Kia and Hyundai system prevents this from happening. Thieves can peel back the control panel and start the vehicle with a USB port or a screwdriver. People can learn about this trick online, and it’s spreading like wildfire.
The Kia Boys is a group of thieves going after Kia and Hyundai vehicles. This loose group of thieves posts results on
Is Kia taking action to protect the Telluride and other models?
Yes, the 2022 Kia Telluride should have more protection against thieves. Kia is aware of the rise of theft among particular models. As a result, all 2022 Kia vehicles are equipped with a standard engine immobilizer.
According to Car and Driver, the new engine immobilizers work with a transponder in the key fob. This prevents the vehicle from being started without the correct key.
To help those with older vehicles, police are providing drivers with anti-theft steering-wheel locks. The locks are being provided to the Milwaukee Police Department, where the increased crime wave against Kia and Hyundai models is most severe.
In 2021, options such as the Kia Telluride represented two out of every three vehicles stolen. They experienced a 25% increase in stolen vehicles in less than six months. City council members allegedly claimed that the automaker is directly responsible for this uptick in crime.
Reportedly, the city considered suing Kia and Hyundai under public nuisance laws, but nothing has been filed. But Kia is working closely with them to solve and correct the issue and is unaware of the basis for any legal claims against Kia America.
All Kia Vehicles for sale in the United States meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Owners of the Telluride or other Kia vehicles can contact the customer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.
The corruption hasn’t slowed down, and the Kia Boys are still targeting several Hyundai and Kia vehicles. As a result, State Farm and Progressive will no longer write policies for some of these options. They have been black listed due to being easy to steal.
Does the 2022 Telluride have anti-theft systems?
Yes, the 2022 and 2023 Kia Telluride have a security system that anticipates or detects unwanted vehicle intrusion. Telluride models are equipped with an ignition disable device that prevents the vehicle from starting if the correct original manufacturer key isn’t used.
Plus, there is a remote anti-theft alarm system. If triggered, the system provides an audible alarm while the hazard lights flash to draw attention to the situation. The steering wheel locks on older models are an excellent deterrent as well.
It seems like the Kia Telluride, and other models like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Seltos, Kia Soul, Hyundai Santa Fe, and more were being targeted due to the popularity of exploiting a flaw. However, the problem has been corrected.
