St. Louis officials are threatening legal action against Hyundai and Kia on the grounds that their vehicles are too easy to steal, according to a letter recently sent to the car companies.

LNN reported on a video showing people how to steal Hyundai and Kia vehicles. Keyless entry and start are quite convenient, compared to the old manual keys, but present a target for crooks to exploit.

The electric immobiliser/alarm system was invented by St. George Evans and Edward Birkenbuel and patented in 1919.

Kia and Hyundai key-start vehicles (Kia model years 2011-2021/Hyundai years 2016-2021) lack common technology which uses “smart keys” synced to an engine immobilizer to prevent theft. An engine immobilizer is a security device designed to prevent hot-wiring. It prevents the engine from starting unless the correct key is used. The technology itself was invented and patented in 1919 but did not become widespread until the early 21st century.

A Hyundai spokesman said the company was preparing a formal response to the letter, but that its vehicles comply with safety regulations, noting immobilizers have been standard on all Hyundais since November 2021.

“Notwithstanding this, we have been working cooperatively with the St. Louis Police Department and the police departments in other communities to assist in responding to these thefts,” said Ira Gabriel, senior group manager of corporate marketing and public relations.

According to Hyundai, a security kit will be available in October for owners of 2016-2021 Hyundais to purchase from Hyundai and Compustar. Owners with questions can call Hyundai at 800-633-5151.

Chaim Orbach, Vehicle Electronics Specialist at CSO Radio, told LNN that people can still protect their cars. “Install a starter disable device to prevent them from being started by anyone but the owner", Orbach said. “Also, install a GPS tracking device so that if it is stolen, the vehicle can be recovered.”