Recently, Charlotte, Concord, Huntersville, Harrisburg and surrounding areas of North Carolina have seen a significant rise in car thefts, particularly involving specific Kia and Hyundai vehicles. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police report that auto thefts are up 142% in 2023, with 60% of the cars stolen being Kias or Hyundais. In fact, the number of stolen Kias and Hyundais has spiked by a staggering 1,800% this year.
This increase is largely attributed to a viral social media trend known as the "Kia Challenge," which exploits a security flaw in these vehicles, making them easy targets for thieves. Many of these Hyundais and Kias also lack a useful anti-theft device called an immobilizer, which prevents a vehicle from starting when someone attempts to use a key or key fob that doesn’t match the car. This means that thieves can simply break into the vehicle, remove the steering column cover, jam a makeshift key into the ignition cylinder, and start the car.
The situation has become so severe that some insurance companies have halted new insurance policies for select Hyundai and Kia vehicles due to the rise in thefts. This has left many car owners in a precarious situation, wondering how to protect their vehicles.
The affected Hyundai and Kia models may include:
2015-2021 Hyundai Accent (all body styles)
2015-2021 Hyundai Elantra (two-door and four-door)
2015-2021 Hyundai Kona
2015-2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
2015-2021 Hyundai Tucson
2015-2018 Hyundai Veloster
2015-2021 Kia Forte
2015-2021 Kia Optima
2015-2016 Kia Optima Hybrid
2015-2021 Kia Rio (all body styles)
2015-2021 Kia Sedona
2015-2016 Kia Sorento
2015-2021 Kia Soul
2015-2021 Kia Sportage
At Tunes Car Stereo, your local authorized Compustar dealer and installer, we're committed to helping you safeguard your vehicle. We're proud to offer Compustar's top-of-the-line security systems, designed to provide the protection your Kia or Hyundai needs.
Why Choose Compustar Security Systems?
Compustar is a leading brand in car security systems and remote starters. Their security systems come equipped with features like shock sensors that detect any attempts to break into your vehicle. Coupled with a remote starter, you can start your car from almost any distance, making it ready for you in any weather condition.
Why Choose Tunes Car Stereo?
Tunes Car Stereo isn't just an authorized Compustar dealer; we're also home to the only Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) technician in the area, who has been recognized as a Top 50 Installer by the Mobile Electronics® Association. Our MECP-certified tech ensures that your Compustar system is installed correctly and efficiently, providing you with the peace of mind that your vehicle is protected.
Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has made us a trusted name in Charlotte, Concord, Huntersville, and Harrisburg, NC. We understand the unique needs of our local customers and are dedicated to providing solutions that work.
Don't let your 2011-2021 model year Kia or Hyundai become another statistic in the rising tide of car thefts. Equip it with a Compustar security system from Tunes Car Stereo today. Visit our store or call us to learn more about how we can help protect your vehicle. Together, we can put a stop to the car theft trend in our community and ensure that your vehicle remains safe and secure.