Free steering wheel locks available for Hyundai, Kia owners in Allentown

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan and the Pennsylvania Auto Theft Prevention Authority will distribute free steering wheel locks to combat rising vehicle thefts targeting specific car models.

The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 26, at AAA East Central, 2072 Downyflake Lane in Allentown.

The Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office reports a significant increase in thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2022 in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas.

The theft wave stems from a security flaw in millions of Kia and Hyundai models that lack engine immobilizers, a standard anti-theft device found in most other vehicles.

The vulnerability allows thieves to start the cars with a USB cable, a method that went viral on social media platforms like TikTok in 2021 as the “Kia Challenge.”

Both automakers have since released software updates to address the issue and began distributing free steering wheel locks for vehicles not compatible with the software upgrade.

The Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office Auto Theft and Insurance Fraud Task Force will provide the devices to owners of the targeted vehicle models.

Vehicle owners must present their vehicle registration or insurance card to receive a lock.

The distribution is part of efforts to combat the trend of car thieves specifically targeting these vehicle models in the region.