The Kia Boys phenomenon was supposed to fade as Hyundai and Kia introduced security updates to protect vulnerable vehicles. Instead, years after the viral theft trend first gained attention, some American communities are still dealing with stolen cars and reckless joyrides.
The problem began with social media videos exposing a security weakness in certain older Hyundai and Kia models. Thieves discovered that vehicles lacking engine immobilizers could be stolen with surprisingly little effort, turning inexpensive everyday cars into frequent targets.
Both manufacturers subsequently introduced anti-theft measures, including free software updates for eligible vehicles. Unfortunately, those protections haven’t eliminated the problem, and police in Wisconsin are now warning owners about another wave of thefts.
According to the Sheboygan Police Department, officers have investigated numerous incidents involving Hyundai and Kia vehicles since mid-August 2026. The latest cases demonstrate how a security vulnerability exposed years ago can continue causing trouble long after manufacturers introduce a fix.
Fifteen Theft Incidents and Four Juvenile Arrests
Sheboygan police reported 10 vehicle thefts and five attempted thefts involving Hyundai and Kia models since August 15. Some stolen vehicles were subsequently involved in reckless driving and hit-and-run crashes, creating additional dangers for other motorists.
Investigators gathered surveillance footage, physical evidence, and witness statements before identifying several suspects. Three local juveniles reportedly confessed to involvement in four of the 15 incidents and were referred to juvenile authorities.
A fourth juvenile was arrested separately after police caught the suspect driving a stolen vehicle from Plymouth. That arrest followed a brief police pursuit, while investigators indicated that additional arrests could follow.
Why Older Hyundai and Kia Models Remain Vulnerable
The original Kia Boys trend exploited a weakness affecting certain vehicles equipped with traditional keyed ignitions but lacking electronic immobilizers. Viral videos demonstrated how thieves could bypass the ignition system, prompting widespread theft attempts.
Police warn that certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2022 remain particularly vulnerable. However, not every model from those years is affected, and eligibility for manufacturer-provided security updates depends on the specific vehicle.
Police Urge Owners to Install Anti-Theft Updates
Hyundai and Kia offer free anti-theft software updates for many affected vehicles, while owners of models that cannot receive the update may qualify for alternative security measures, including steering-wheel locks. Owners should contact their dealerships or check the manufacturers’ official websites to determine which protections apply.
Sheboygan police also recommend parking in well-lit, secure areas and removing valuables whenever vehicles are left unattended. Locking doors and taking keys are basic precautions, although additional security measures are especially important for vulnerable models.
The latest arrests may help curb Sheboygan’s recent theft spree, but they don’t eliminate the vulnerability that started the trend. Years after the Kia Boys first made headlines, unprotected Hyundai and Kia vehicles are still tempting targets.