Chattanooga Police are warning Kia and Hyundai owners of a growing crime trend in the city.
Police say that while overall auto theft was down by 27% in Chattanooga last year, Kia and Hyundai car thefts have increased.
They point to a security flaw in certain models. The police department recommends using a steering wheel lock as an extra barrier of protection if you drive an affected model. You could also install a kill-switch device into the vehicle.
The police department lists the affected models as:
- 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
