My Kia EV6 Was Stolen Outside My House in Minutes Despite Key Being in a Pouch, Home Security Video Shows a New EV Theft Tactic

You would think that Kia would have learned a lesson with the controversy around its gas-powered cars getting stolen. For those of you who don’t remember the craziness, spiking around 2022 – 2023, millions of Hyundai/Kia vehicles from model year 2011 - 2022 were stolen because they lacked standard engine immobilizers. This made them easily hotwired via a viral TikTok trend called the "Kia Challenge". This led to a multi-state class action settlement along with software updates, a reinforced ignition cylinder body, and consumer compensation.

Now on social media, we are seeing accounts of Kia’s EV flagship, the EV6, getting stolen by thieves exploiting security flaws. Here’s a good post by Alan Cooper on the Facebook Kia EV6 Forum:

“Had EV6 stolen from outside house and we have video of it. It was done by device unlocking car and an OBD2 access device used. Not key copy which was in pouch. I have ordered 12V remote disconnect device from Amazon for my replacement EV6.”

Mohammed Yahya concurred with:

“Mine was stolen from London while it was steering wheel lock on, and the keys are in Faraday box. I used to love mine so much but it's gone. It's a lovely car but a very weak and cheap security that's so easy to steal. Please be aware of yours and protect it and be safe always.”

Robert Burris suggested a different anti-theft solution:

“Use an OBD2 splitter to put in a dummy powered OBD2 port. It will look like it works but won't be able to connect to the computer. Then hide the real one.

I don't think you want to go with the remote battery cut off, not with the computers and everything on board now. Every time you cut that power from the battery, you cut the power to the computers and they have to re-learn drivability and may have some drivability problems. Emissions counters all get reset so if you have to go for emissions test, you may not pass because it takes time for them to recalculate all the perimeters, etc.”

A Rise in EV Thefts is Raising Alarms 

Recent discussions across EV forums and social media have brought car security back into the spotlight. One case involved a Kia EV6 stolen from a hospital parking lot in while the owner was inside a meeting. This detail matters because it rules out a classic relay attack, where thieves amplify a nearby key signal. The owner was nowhere close to the vehicle when it disappeared.

A New Theft Method is Gaining Popularity

We are seeing social media posts involving the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. In several cases, thieves appeared to use a handheld device that mimics a proximity key, possibly cycling through key codes until the car unlocks. Once inside, a second device is connected to the OBD2 port to program a new key, allowing the car to be driven away.

A New Method, Not the Old Relay Theft 

Relay theft is still common and involves boosting the signal from a key inside a home. These newer incidents appear different. The device acts like a short-range key rather than extending an existing signal. This suggests thieves no longer need access to your key at all, which makes the threat harder to ignore.

Perfect Security Doesn’t Exist

No vehicle is completely theft proof. Given enough time, determined thieves will find a way. The goal is not absolute prevention, but delay and deterrence. Making a car harder to steal often pushes criminals to move on to an easier target.

Using Built in Vehicle Protections 

Owners with Kia Connect are encouraged to enable valet mode with a PIN every time they park. This prevents thieves from disabling tracking features if they gain access to the cabin. Choosing a non-obvious PIN is critical for this to be effective.

Physical and Electronic Barriers Help 

Steering wheel locks, full wheel covers, and wheel clamps add visible resistance. Immobilizers add another layer, but simple 12-volt cutoff switches can be defeated if the frunk is accessed. More advanced systems like the Ghost immobilizer offer stronger protection, but they come at a higher cost.

Reducing Keyless Entry Exposure 

Turning off the approach unlock feature removes visual cues like mirror folding or welcome lights. This makes it harder for thieves using brute force devices to know when they have succeeded. Slowing feedback slows the attack.

Targeting the OBD Port and Tracking Options 

Locking or relocating the OBD port can prevent new keys from being programmed. Some owners also hide tracking devices like AirTags, though these can be detected by smartphones. Recording the Kia Connect SIM IMEI may help authorities track a stolen vehicle if other systems are disabled.

Bottom Line

The growing sophistication of EV theft highlights a gap between modern convenience and security. Many owners are calling on automakers to adopt features like PIN to drive, already used on some Genesis models. Until that happens, a layered approach combining software settings, physical locks, and tracking remains the most practical defense.

What Do You Think?

Have you or someone you know experienced an attempted theft or suspicious activity involving a Kia EV6 or another EV?

After the Kia Challenge era, do you feel Kia should have anticipated and prevented this kind of vulnerability in its EVs?

Chris Johnston is the author of SAE’s comprehensive book on electric vehicles, "The Arrival of The Electric Car." His coverage on Torque News focuses on electric vehicles. Chris has decades of product management experience in telematics, mobile computing, and wireless communications. Chris has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA. He lives in Seattle. When not working, Chris enjoys restoring classic wooden boats, open water swimming, cycling and flying (as a private pilot). You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his work on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.

Photo credit: Jeff Tatum (with permission), provided by author