Kia and Hyundai cars stolen in Pittsburgh; police warn of theft risk

At least 10 cars — all but one of them either Kia or Hyundai models — were stolen from around Pittsburgh overnight Monday into early Tuesday, according to Pittsburgh police.

Officers saw at least four of the cars driving erratically at dangerously high speeds on the North Side. Two of the cars were found crashed and abandoned at Eckert Street and Shadeland Avenue. A Public Safety spokesperson said the two cars nearly collided with a police car.

Detectives are working on recovering the cars and investigating. No arrests had been made as of Tuesday afternoon.

Police said they think the suspects, who fled on foot, are juveniles targeting Kia and Hyundai cars, which are prone to theft due to a security vulnerability in certain models.

A nationwide rash of thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles in the past few years has been attributed to a viral TikTok challenge called the “Kia Challenge.” Some Hyundai and Kia vehicles lack electronic immobilizers, which is a feature that stops thieves from bypassing the car’s ignition. According to The Associated Press, people have been able to start the vehicles with USB cables.

Hyundai and Kia both released software updates in 2023 aimed at deterring thefts of vehicles which lack immobilizers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The software updates the theft alarm software to get the car alarm to sound for a longer time. It also requires the key to be in the ignition to turn on the vehicle.

Pittsburgh police advised all drivers to never leave a car running and unlocked, avoid leaving guns inside a car, and always lock car doors and windows.

“Most thieves take the path of least resistance, going from car to car looking for unlocked doors at night,” a statement said.

Kia and Hyundai owners should take advantage of the manufacturer’s recall and security updates. They also can use a Club lock to lock their car’s steering wheel, police advised. Apple Air Tags, outdoor security cameras, Bluetooth dashboard cameras or other vehicle tracking technology can also be useful.

If Kia or Hyundai models must be parked in a driveway, police said, it is a good idea to block them in with another vehicle when possible.