Hyundai and Kia Owners Urged to Get Software Update to Prevent Thefts from ‘Kia Boys’

www.wfsb.com, Luke Hajdasz, April 17, 2024

Montville, Conn. (WFSB) - For over a year Kia and Hyundai cars have been stolen at a remarkably high rate due to vulnerabilities in certain makes of these cars.

This vulnerability has led to a viral trend where people steal these cars and post videos on social media. Many have referred to those committing the thefts, as the “Kia Boys”

Carl Field, Service Parts, and Director at Kia of Groton says the software update needed to fix Kia’s is an easy and free solution.

“It is not a big deal. It is very simple...,” said Field. “It takes about 15, 20 minutes.”

Both Kia and Hyundai have issued recalls for the affected vehicles. Kia of Groton says they have already repaired thousands of them.

Montville Police say about half of the stolen cars they encounter are either Kia’s or Hyundai’s. They advise everyone to get the software update.

Field says he thinks some people aren’t getting the update because they don’t know they have to. He does his best to spread the word. Continue article