PITTSBURGH — A new CARFAX report shows nearly five million Kias and Hyundais are still on the road with major security flaws that could lead to them being easily stolen. Pennsylvania is fourth on that list nationwide with nearly 230,000 models still being driven. 77,000 affected models are currently on the road in the Pittsburgh region.
CARFAX is now partnering with both car manufacturers to inform consumers about the dangers and the simple, free fix.
“These cars are from 2010 all the way up to 2022,” Patrick Olsen, the Editor-In-Chief with CARFAX tells Channel 11. “And they did not have what’s called an “immobilizer.”
Olsen stresses that the affected Kias and Hyundais need a key to start - not a push button to start the car. The solution is a software update to allow the car alarm to last longer and deter thieves, as well as a local on the steering wheel.
“The steering wheel lock means even if they get the engine started, they can’t get the steering wheel to turn and that will deter thieves from taking that car,” Olsen added.
If you have one of the affected cars, call your dealership. You won’t pay a dime and the fix should be done in about an hour.
“Better to take that small step and get your car fixed than losing it for any amount of time,” Olsen added.
PA is just behind California, Florida and Texas when it comes to the number of cars still be driven today with those security flaws.
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