Hyundai Has a Fix for “Kia Boys” Grand Theft Auto Risk, But It Ain’t Cheap

You're probably aware of the trend—some Hyundai and Kia models can be hotwired, and the "Kia Boys" trend has attracted lots of interest on social media (and in local news reports). At the heart of all the hand-wringing is the alarming ease in which these cars and SUVs, without immobilizers or push-button starting systems, can be boosted. In the wake of bad press and even lawsuits, Automotive Newsreports that there's a fix in the works being stocked at local Hyundai dealers for certain Hyundai vehicles from model year 2016 through 2021. The catch is, owners will have to pay for the security device—and its installation.

According to a Hyundai spokesperson speaking withAutomotive News, the security system—produced by Compustar, a third party security and remote starter provider—will cost owners $170. But installation is not included, and the company estimates 2.5 hours of billed installation time at shop rates, which will add significantly to the bottom line. At this time, it doesn't appear that Hyundai will be offsetting the cost of the system.

There is also a software fix coming that will provide some additional protection from theft—but how it will work remains unclear. Kia dealers do not have a security system retrofit yet, but it's presumable that a dealer could install a Compustar kit—available to consumers—for essentially the same benefit.

Both Hyundai and Kia have been handing out free steering wheel locks through local law enforcement in some communities, according toAutomotive Newsand various local news reports. To what degree these are effective in reducing theft risk from the "Kia Boys" vulnerability isn't clear.

If you have an affected vehicle and want to speak to someone about getting a Compustar security system installed, get ahold of your dealer or call Hyundai Consumer Assistance at (800) 633-5151.