UCLA Study Forecasts Kia and Hyundai Theft Risks

Researchers project that vulnerable Kia and Hyundai models will remain targets for vehicle theft in Los Angeles through 2050.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Auto Parts

Bold vector editorial illustration of a lone ignition component and key on wet asphalt, representing long-term automotive security vulnerabilities. — A new study from UCLA forecasts that Kia and Hyundai models without engine immobilizers will remain primary targets for theft in Los Angeles through 2050. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should automakers be required to fix security flaws in older vehicle models via free recalls?

A new study from UCLA researchers warns that a significant number of Kia and Hyundai models remain susceptible to theft. This vulnerability is projected to impact Los Angeles and other areas through 2050 despite recent legal actions.

Why it matters

The persistence of these thefts highlights a long-term public safety concern linked to the absence of engine immobilizers in millions of vehicles. As the value of these cars depreciates, they continue to be targeted by low-skilled thieves using simple tools.

Between 2011 and 2022, Kia and Hyundai produced 20 vehicle models that lacked engine immobilizers. These models are now central to a 36-state class action lawsuit settlement reached in 2025.

The players

UCLA

This public research university conducted the study forecasting long-term vehicle theft trends.

Kia

This automotive manufacturer is part of a class action settlement regarding the lack of anti-theft technology in its vehicles.

Hyundai

This automotive manufacturer is facing ongoing scrutiny and legal settlement requirements related to vehicle security vulnerabilities.

U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research

This federal agency provided the funding for the study analyzing long-term theft projections.

The details

Thieves have been exploiting these vulnerabilities since 2020 by dismantling steering wheel casings and bypassing ignitions with USB cables. These methods were popularized by viral social media videos, making the vehicles easy targets for theft.

1992: Toyota introduced engine immobilizers in Camry models.
2001: Honda introduced engine immobilizers in Civic models.
2011-2022: Kia and Hyundai produced 20 models without immobilizers.
2020: Nationwide surge in Kia and Hyundai thefts began.
2025: Kia and Hyundai settled a 36-state lawsuit.

Roadmap

This study indicates that the automotive industry continues to face long-term security liabilities due to past manufacturing omissions. It highlights a departure from historical safety standards where competitors had already widely adopted immobilizers.

Owners of affected Kia and Hyundai models may face ongoing risks and insurance challenges through 2050 due to the vehicles' continued vulnerability. Drivers should verify if their specific model is covered by the recent settlement to understand their options for security upgrades.

The takeaway

Vehicle owners should be aware that the security gap in older models remains a persistent issue despite recent manufacturer legal settlements. Implementing aftermarket security measures may be necessary for those who own vehicles produced without factory-installed engine immobilizers.