If you've got a Kia in Illinois right now, you probably already know the reputation, but seeing it happen in real life hits different.

I actually saw someone breaking into a Kia the other day in Rockford, and it was honestly shocking how fast it all went down.

Illinois Kia Owners Are Being Warned — Here’s What You Need to Know

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Kia thefts have been a huge issue across the Midwest, and it all really took off because of a viral trend known as the "Kia Boys."  Videos online showed just how easy it is to steal certain Kia models, especially ones made between 2011 and 2021.

The biggest problem?  A lot of those cars don't have something called an immobilizer.  It's basically a security feature that stops the car from starting without the correct key.  Without it, thieves can break in, rip open the steering column, and start the car with something as simple as a USB cord or screwdriver.

Yeah, a USB cord.

In some cases, it can take less than a minute.  Smash a window, pop the steering column and they're gone.

And this isn't just happening in big cities, it's everywhere.  Including places like Rockford!  Theft rates for these cars exploded nationwide, with some areas seeing increases over 90% after the trend went viral.

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Kia has rolled out software updates and anti-theft fixes, and theft numbers have started to drop a bit.  But the reality is, these cars are still an easy target for thieves.  So if you drive a Kia, it's worth staying alert.