Several models from the related brands built from 2011 to 2021 did not have immobilizers to prevent them from being started without a key present. Tens of thousands of cars have been stolen since, some of them by teens not even old enough to have a driver's license. According to the HLDI, 96% of the vehicles sold in 2015 by other automakers had immobilizers, up from 62% in 2000, but only 26% of Kias and Hyundais did. "Our earlier studies show that vehicle theft losses plunged after immobilizers were introduced," HLDI Senior Vice President Matt Moore said. "Unfortunately, Hyundai and Kia have lagged behind other automakers in making them standard equipment."

Source: Fox News September 22, 2022 16:46 UTC