not right to assume that unlocked cars = theft. The method of theft doesn’t care if it’s locked or not.

The problem is that since you know HyunKia saved a buck building their cars, the cars assume that any twist of the ignition is/was legitimate. Combine that with a very easy to tear-apart steering column + ignition lock and boom - you have folks (kids) stealing these in a minute or less.

A garage will help you a lot, but of course thefts are very location and luck dependent.

My parent’s Sonata will be fine since it’s rarely driven and garage kept - but what if they, or you, have/want to drive somewhere downtown or someplace rougher? There was a redditor who got the update, posted a YouTube video of him testing it out and not a couple weeks later posted a video of him chasing after his Elantra that was stolen before his eyes.

You can get a starter kill like you mention and that’ll work similarly to the software upgrade so might as well do the free update. I believe the ignition circle light loss is only for certain models that get a stronger ignition lock.

A little devil’s advocate here, but considering the highly variable nature of parts availability and repair, it may be better for you if the car was stolen and had a higher likelihood of being totaled rather than vandalized and not stolen since even if the anti-theft update or aftermarket security does its job, you’ll still be out your deductible, a window, steering column/ignition lock components, wiring, etc.

Not to mention any other interior damage while they’re in there.

Repairs will take days to weeks, (things are in hot demand and sometimes on back order) do you have rental coverage and for how long?

and after all is said and done, you get a car that’s still a break-in magnet with Kia’s poor resale. The stickers don’t help.

People have been through this multiple times, of course no garage, rougher neighborhood, don’t have the money to get a car that didn’t skimp on something so fundamental, etc.

If you’re still considering an aftermarket security system, be sure to budget in labor, $115 sounds too low for someone to be messing around with your wiring. (I got it installed on my Sorento a while ago and the shop forgot the starter kill, then forgot the siren, etc.)

 

Thanks for the reply. Sure the reality is if they are determined, they'll find a way. I'm an adept mechanic so I can install the immobilizer starter relay myslef. Perhaps that and the Kia updates may help some. I could possibly install a main kill switch hidden under the dash (in the starter circuit) to use when the car is parked somewhere other than at home. Only I would know about it. But like you said I might still suffer the damage by theives getting into the car and then finding out they can't start it/steal it.

So even though the key fob arms the alarm system (horn and lights) after the doors are locked, car theives can break in and get the car started and driving even though the lights are flashing and the horn is blaring? Maybe get one of those aftermarket super loud horns wired into the alarm system to only go off if the alarm system goes active.

 

The alarm system won’t activate for glass breakage or starting the engine pre-update, only a door/hood/trunk being opened while the car is locked. Most factory security systems are the same as well.

The attack methodology is to break a window, crawl into the driver’s seat, pop open the plastic steering column and pry off the ignition lock cylinder. Then turn the exposed metal tab with fingers/pliers/USB-A cables and drive off.

The update and aftermarket security both do the same thing as a killswitch - disable starting if locked by the key fob (not the door lock button) and trigger the alarm if the key is turned (aftermarket would be quicker, I believe the update waits a minute or so.) You’d then need to unlock via key fob to be able to start the engine.

The biggest reason I’d go aftermarket over the free update is if I wanted to add a aftermarket remote start. The update may not play nicely with those.

A glass breakage/shock sensor was cool and I tried it but didn’t work for me since it kept going off every storm no matter the sensitivity so it wasn’t worth it.

A good visual deterrent like a steering wheel lock will likely help but I did hear about a Kia being stolen with one on, just bumped into a couple nearby cars and immediately abandoned.

What I did was use a python lock to wrap around the steering column to hopefully reduce damage but by that point I’d still have a busted window.

 

My Sorento goes into the dealer on April 1st to get the software update, and some other general updates.

There are aftermarket ignition immobilizers out there, but I wonder if any of them are any good. And of more concern, what is the fault mode of these devices? If it fails for whatever reason can the car still be started? Or is an aftermarket remote start a better choice?

If the steering colum cover itself is part of the issue, being that it is easy for a theif to bust open the steering column cover to access turning the ignition, is there some sort of heavy duty/steel guard that installs inside the plastic cover to offer more protection? The steering cover is a complex shape so its not an easy thing to replace. Or perhaps some sort of armor or guard to install under the plastic cover that restricts access to the ignition? To steal a 2019 Sorento it starts with tearing off the lower steering column cover. If something was installed inside the cover that kept the vermin from accessing the ignition switch, would that work? I found this picture online of a person's 2018 Sorento that got broken into:

Looks like a metal plate covering the entire underside of the wiring and igntion may be a deterrent to keep the theif from accessing the wiring and ignition. If all it takes is to bust open the bottom panel, unplug the ignition harness from the ignition cylinder and remove it to start the car with anything that fit onto the ignition swith tab, then anything that limits access to the harness and ignition cylindershould be enough of a deterent, at least time wise. Install the metal guard with anti-access fasterners so only the right tools would be needed to remove the metal sheild again makes the theft not worth the time and effort.

I've never had a vehicle broken into or stolen. But then I've never owned a Kia before either. And since Kia vehicles are targets on social media for these little dweebs that think its entertaining to mess with other peoples property, it could be a first for me? I always lock my vehicles, even outside on my driveway in the daylight. So that makes it a bit more difficult. Otherwise it's always parked in my garage.

 

Aftermarket options, often referred to a starter kill exist but no point if you’re getting the update.

The update will likely interfere with a remote start if you want to add one later. If you want a remote start, get the security with it and skip the update. otherwise the update is free and won’t be a concern if you have to change the battery. I was told that there was a chance of the remotes becoming unpaired from the car if power was lost by the shop.

There is no aftermarket armor solution like Car-Gard available. I used a python lock, but you can get creative. My only other concern is ensuring the safety of any additions in a crash.

A potential concern is the fob battery dying while you’re out. After the update you’ll need to lock and unlock via fob for “full” protection and replacing the battery on a schedule (I’d think every year or two) will likely do just fine.

No one can really predict the future but I’d hope the trend is dying. You wouldn’t have that much else to worry about then.

 

It all depends on where you live and/or park along with the specific vehicle you are looking to own. I have heard vehicle being tagged with trackers when in big parking lots where thieves are assessing their shopping list. Then they can find you at home one night.

A friend is currently waiting for a less desirable vehicle on order to mitigate that.

 

I honestly wouldn't worry about it, I don't live that far from you and the majority if not all of these thefts in Wisconsin are in or around Milwaukee area and the Main reason this is happening is because we have local government officials that are not interested in punishing any of these lawbreakers and when the get caught most of them don't ever go to jail, NO Consequences at all and remember what Milwaukees moron of a mayor did about this problem last summer, he brought a massive lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai asking for huge money in damages and sat down with his moronic buddies in figuring how much time the police spent chasing these criminals and added up what he thought Milwaukee County spent in dollars and totalled up the amount of money in property damage related to these thefts and the judges reviewed and received milw counties lawsuit they threw it out of court. My daughter has a Hyundai that gets parked on the street everyday and weekend after she arrives home from work at 3 to 4 pm for the last 6 yrs and it's never gotten stolen and this is why!!!!! Not only do Milwaukee criminals not have Consequences but milw County also has a serious issue with single parent families, mostly single mothers and most of them are doing the best they can but almost all of them are not receiving child support from the fathers and also sadly these single mothers have 2 to 4 or 5 kids, idk how many kids the people reading this have but I only have one ((((( wish I had more) and I also decided ( and don't get mad at me for saying this because it's my opinion and I understand in today's world it is very hard to live the American dream unless 1 family member makes $60k a year)))) and that may seem like a lot but I'm talking being able to have a spouse stay home and raise there children where they are in an atmosphere that gives them the most important quality a human being can be given and shown and that quality is LOVE and its also from there mom and dad not a stranger at a daycare center,also being taught everyday because in return your hoping and expecting your son or daughter to be respectful and hopefully in return be respected from the people they will interact with on a daily basis in adulthood. Unfortunately this is a big problem in milw County. Why these cars are getting stolen is the same reason Walmart on silver spring was shut down along with a list of other businesses because a group of 40 to 50 or more kids, teens and young adults were bum rushing these businesses and stealing and running out and there were so many of them that the cops nor the employees could do anything about it and I watch the same news stations as you do and they not only make the kia and Hyundai stealing a huge issue, they make you believe that it's happening everywhere and they scare people. Which is a totally legit reaction but then you need to ask your self to think about this logically and statisticly and then do your own research. I use to own a store and I never had to worry about people stealing and I didn't worry because wher it was located folks were raised to be respectful and respected, every once I awhile a little kid would steal but they didn't know better, why because they weren't taught or understand yet what type of consequences they would be facing if they did that and I never called the cops and didn't have to, im from a very small town and everyone here knows each other and telling there parents was worse off for them than calling the cops. This is why I would tell you in my opinion you do not have to worry about your car getting stolen unless statisticly Greenbay is experiencing alot of car thefts and I know they are not,
Because in Greenbay the citizens and the police and judges would not except that type of behavior

 

I honestly wouldn't worry about it, I don't live that far from you and the majority if not all of these thefts in Wisconsin are in or around Milwaukee area and the Main reason this is happening is because we have local government officials that are not interested in punishing any of these lawbreakers and when the get caught most of them don't ever go to jail, NO Consequences at all and remember what Milwaukees moron of a mayor did about this problem last summer, he brought a massive lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai asking for huge money in damages and sat down with his moronic buddies in figuring how much time the police spent chasing these criminals and added up what he thought Milwaukee County spent in dollars and totalled up the amount of money in property damage related to these thefts and the judges reviewed and received milw counties lawsuit they threw it out of court. My daughter has a Hyundai that gets parked on the street everyday and weekend after she arrives home from work at 3 to 4 pm for the last 6 yrs and it's never gotten stolen and this is why!!!!! Not only do Milwaukee criminals not have Consequences but milw County also has a serious issue with single parent families, mostly single mothers and most of them are doing the best they can but almost all of them are not receiving child support from the fathers and also sadly these single mothers have 2 to 4 or 5 kids, idk how many kids the people reading this have but I only have one ((((( wish I had more) and I also decided ( and don't get mad at me for saying this because it's my opinion and I understand in today's world it is very hard to live the American dream unless 1 family member makes $60k a year)))) and that may seem like a lot but I'm talking being able to have a spouse stay home and raise there children where they are in an atmosphere that gives them the most important quality a human being can be given and shown and that quality is LOVE and its also from there mom and dad not a stranger at a daycare center,also being taught everyday because in return your hoping and expecting your son or daughter to be respectful and hopefully in return be respected from the people they will interact with on a daily basis in adulthood. Unfortunately this is a big problem in milw County. Why these cars are getting stolen is the same reason Walmart on silver spring was shut down along with a list of other businesses because a group of 40 to 50 or more kids, teens and young adults were bum rushing these businesses and stealing and running out and there were so many of them that the cops nor the employees could do anything about it and I watch the same news stations as you do and they not only make the kia and Hyundai stealing a huge issue, they make you believe that it's happening everywhere and they scare people. Which is a totally legit reaction but then you need to ask your self to think about this logically and statisticly and then do your own research. I use to own a store and I never had to worry about people stealing and I didn't worry because wher it was located folks were raised to be respectful and respected, every once I awhile a little kid would steal but they didn't know better, why because they weren't taught or understand yet what type of consequences they would be facing if they did that and I never called the cops and didn't have to, im from a very small town and everyone here knows each other and telling there parents was worse off for them than calling the cops. This is why I would tell you in my opinion you do not have to worry about your car getting stolen unless statisticly Greenbay is experiencing alot of car thefts and I know they are not,
Because in Greenbay the citizens and the police and judges would not except that type of behavior

Glad you have the problem all figured out.

 

There is a lot of truth to the fact that some big cities do not prosecute these "petty" crimes, and the persons committing the crimes just happily go on doing whatever they want with no consequences. Frtiz Schumer goes before Congress shaming Hyundai/Kia for taking the cheaper path to vehicle costs to not include basic immobilizer technology in their vehicles. He spoke a lot about how Hyundai/Kai does nothing to correct the issue, but very little comment about the crimminal activity of the persons breaking into/stealing/joy riding vehicles which in many cases are a major finanacial need and burden of the vehicle owner.

But, not here to derail into a political issue which will likely lock down this thread. But, even without immobilizer technology, Hyundai/Kai should at least have designed in some sort of guard/shielding into the steering column to make it much more difficult to steal the vehicles. Its ridiculous these days that a vehicle can be stolen with no more effort than busting open a window (assuming the car is locked), ripping a plastic panel off the stering column and accessing the ignition tab with a friggin USB connector.

 

I agree with just about everything said til someone starts bringing politic into it.

Hyundai/Kai should at least have designed in some sort of guard/shielding into the steering column to make it much more difficult to steal the vehicles

!00% agree

 

Insurance companies here are either not insuring the worst vehicles or levying an much higher premium on them. All the thefts are driving up everyones insurance premiums.

 

Right. Insurance companies are in the business for profits, not to "protect" us as they so adeptly advertise. Reality is they'll do whatever to us, the policy holders, to minimize their losses. So in my case I had a 2018 Ford Escape with 75,000 miles on it, insured through State Farm. I have had State Farm to insure all my vehicles (including three motorcycles) for many years, not one claim/crash in 40+ years. So my rates are pretty good and I don't waste time shopping around for a different insurance carrier every few years.

When I called my State Farm agent to cancel the policy on my 2018 Ford Escape and start a new policy on the 2019 Sorento LX 3.3V6 AWD, he said my coverage will go up $71 per six months, $142 per year. Hmmm, some of that is because it is a newer larger vehicle. But I do wonder if I am getting hit with the "Kia Upcharge" because of the theft history with Hyundai/Kia vehicles. Maybe after I get the Kia software/immobilizer update installed I may call him back to see if that impacts my insurance policy.

More thoughts on anti-theft, part of which is visually defeating the would be vermin from even breaking into the car by busting out the window and reaching in to unlock the door. Even if they don't steal the car you'd still have a claim for a broken out window, possibly also the busted open steering column covers. Seems as if there were a steel band system shaped to wrap around the steering column covers with fasterners on the bottom (out of sight) to keep the vermin from busting open the steering column covers may it also deter them from wasting their time on a break in? Or just piss them off once in the car to find out they can't make a quick getaway. Have a camera system in the car to take their picture and send it to your phone? At least then you'd have visual proof of them in your car.

But then again, when police departments won't spend the time to prosecute these "petty" thieves, what good is visual and finger print evidence collected after the crime is committed? I once owned a 73 Mercedes SEL450, big ol sedan. Had the typical Mercedes emblem proudly standing on the big chrome grill. It was spring loaded underneath so if you hit it, it would just move and not break. Well, twice it was stolen by someone who just wanted the emblem, they just would grab and twist it to break the retention system. I had an idea to install a set of contacts under the hood emblem mount, wired directly to the battery. If it were pulled hard enough the contacts would close and now the perps hand grabbed around the chromed steel emblem is in the 12V high amperage circuit with all kinds of fun to display. I changed my mind though, thinking I'd get sued by the perp for loss of limb trying to steal my hood ornament. That, and scrubbing the charred human flesh from the hood ornament kinda nixed the idea.