Kia and Hyundai cars being targeted by thieves in Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY — Police in Salt Lake City are warning Kia and Hyundai owners, once again, that their cars are the targets in a recent rash of thefts. 

Salt Lake City police say that between April 26 and July 5, they have had 44 reported cases of theft or attempted theft involving Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

This is happening mostly in the overnight hours in the Rose Park neighborhood. Police say most incidents have occurred west of Redwood Road between 1300 North and North Temple Street. Several others have been reported near 1925 West North Temple Street.

Salt Lake City police Sgt. Miles Southworth says the incidents are linked geographically. But, it is unclear right now if the thefts are being committed by the same people.

There are many different ways the thieves are breaking in.

“Sometimes they’re breaking windows. Sometimes they’re cloning key fobs in order to access cars,” Southworth said. “So even if your doors are locked, sometimes your car is not safe.”

This isn’t the first time Salt Lake City police have warned about a rash of thefts involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles. There was also a surge in thefts in Salt Lake City in December of 2024. This has also been a nationwide issue.

Police recommend that if you have a Hyundai or Kia, find somewhere that you can upgrade the anti-theft software.

“The vehicles impacted are Kia and Hyundais that are manufactured between 2011 and 2021,” Southworth explained. “These manufacturers offer a fix for a vulnerability in the security system. That can be fixed if you take it to a Kia or Hyundai dealership.”

If you own a Hyundai or Kia, SLCPD encourages you to visit the manufacturer’s website for important information about security updates.