Hyundai and Kia vehicle thefts are on the rise in Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Salt Lake City Police Department warns local Hyundai and Kia owners to be aware of recent thefts and attempted thefts.

Between April 26 and July 5, 2025, the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) identified 44 cases in which a Hyundai or Kia vehicle was targeted by car thieves.

The majority of cases have occurred west of Redwood Road between 1300 North and North Temple Street, SLCPD officials say. Some cases have also been reported near 1925 West North Temple Street.

Incidents have commonly occurred overnight and during the early morning hours. Suspects typically break a window or damage the door handle to gain entry into the vehicle.

SLCPD encourages Hyundai and Kia owners to be aware of the increased thefts and attempted thefts. Additionally, there are important information and security updates from both Kia and Hyundai online.

According to a 2022 report from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), Kia and Hyundais, especially those made between 2015-2019, are more vulnerable to car theft, because they lack common anti-theft devices.

Immobilizing devices

Many vehicles are equipped with immobilizing devices, which prevent thieves from ‘hot-wiring’ a vehicle or bypassing the ignition.

According to the 2022 HLDI report, immobilizers became standard on 96% of other vehicles in 2015. However, by 2015, “they were standard on only 26 percent of Hyundai and Kia vehicle models”.

Seemingly, 2015-2019 model-year Kias and Hyundais have been targeted at higher rates than other vehicles from the same years, experiencing higher theft claims since 2019. Notably, both Hyundai and Kia have made immobilizers standard on newer model years.

Ultimately, any car owner should take action to protect their vehicles from theft.

Preventing car theft

While car thieves have increasingly targeted Hyundais and Kias, any car owner may face vehicle theft or attempted vehicle theft.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that “more than 850,000 vehicles were stolen in the United State” throughout 2024. The summertime, especially, sees increased car theft.

Thieves may be looking for anything from personal belongings to car parts like air bags or transmissions. The NHTSA encourages car owners to take several precautions in order to protect their cars.

Drivers should always avoid leaving any valuables in their vehicle, especially when they’re visible. Additionally, they should park in well-lit areas in order to deter would-be thieves. Most importantly, though, drivers should always “close and lock all windows and doors” and take their vehicle’s key.

Anti-theft systems

The NHTSA says drivers can also protect their ride by implementing antitheft systems and devices inside their vehicles.

Audible and Visible devices, such as horn alarms, “deter theft by bringing attention to an unauthorized attempt to steal or enter a vehicle”. Other similar devices include steering-wheel locks and theft-deterrent decals.

Practicing these common-sense habits regularly and installing audible and visible devices can help protect your vehicle.