The Scarcity of Parts for Stolen Hyundais and Kias Leads to Cars Being Totaled
Easy Targets for Thieves
The rise in car thefts involving Hyundai and Kia vehicles in the U.S. has reached a concerning level, with thieves exploiting vulnerabilities in the vehicles’ security systems. The issue has prompted calls for a widespread recall of affected models in 17 states due to the ease with which thieves can drive off with the cars using just a USB cable.
Parts Shortage Dilemma
Once recovered, stolen vehicles are faced with another challenge – a severe shortage of parts needed for repairs. This scarcity is a consequence of the overwhelming demand caused by the spike in thefts. Consequently, some insurance companies are opting to write off stolen cars as total losses rather than waiting for months on end for the necessary parts.
Impact on Repair Shops
Body shops, especially in theft-prone areas like Georgia, are grappling with the aftermath of these thefts. Hyundai and Kia vehicles are prevalent among stolen cars, inundating repair shops with work. Dealerships are struggling to keep up with the demand for replacing stolen parts, receiving multiple inquiries daily related to theft-related repairs.
Unpredictable Consequences
Videos circulating online depicting stolen Hyundais and Kias being recklessly driven highlight the unpredictability of these incidents. While some cars are driven erratically, causing damage, most are joyridden until they run out of gas, leaving a trail of minor damages like ripped columns and empty gas tanks.
Conclusion
The alarming ease with which Hyundai and Kia vehicles are stolen, coupled with the parts shortage issue, poses significant challenges for car owners, insurance companies, and repair shops. Addressing these vulnerabilities and ensuring a steady supply of replacement parts are critical steps to mitigate the impact of car thefts.
FAQ
Why are Hyundai and Kia vehicles targeted by thieves?
Hyundai and Kia vehicles are facing an increase in thefts due to vulnerabilities in their security systems, making them easy targets for tech-savvy thieves.
What happens to stolen vehicles post-recovery?
Stolen cars often face prolonged repair times due to a scarcity of replacement parts, leading some insurance companies to declare them total losses.
How are repair shops coping with the influx of stolen Hyundai and Kia vehicles?
Body shops, especially in high-theft areas, are overwhelmed with repair requests for stolen Korean cars, with dealerships experiencing a surge in inquiries for theft-related repairs.# Article
Hyundai Faces Parts Shortage as Theft-Related Demand Soars
In recent months, Hyundai has encountered a challenging issue with its parts supply chain as a surge in thefts of specific vehicle components has left the automaker scrambling to meet demands. Shops report a high frequency of theft-related repairs, particularly involving ignition lock cylinders, broken glass, and missing interior plastics. This unexpected demand has overwhelmed Hyundai’s spare parts inventory, causing delays in repairs and backorders on crucial components.
Lack of Preparedness
Unlike commonly replaced parts like bumpers, ignition lock cylinders are not typically kept in large quantities by automakers. With the sudden spike in thefts, Hyundai found itself depleting its stockpile of these seldom-replaced parts, leading to extended wait times for repairs. Repair businesses, such as Bavarian Body Works in Georgia, highlight how the industry never anticipated the need for such high levels of certain parts like lock cylinders and housings.
Impact on Repair Timelines
Hyundai dealerships are experiencing significant delays, with ignition lock cylinders back-ordered until at least June. This backlog is causing repair shops to estimate completion times for Hyundai and Kia vehicles to be pushed back to July or later. Some insurance companies are even considering totaling vehicles when required parts are not available promptly, further complicating the situation for car owners.
Hyundai’s Response
Acknowledging the parts shortage, a Hyundai spokesperson mentioned that the company is actively managing backorders by expediting air shipments from Korea to the US. As software updates are rolled out to prevent thefts, Hyundai anticipates a decrease in demand for replacement parts and aims to streamline the supply chain to minimize disruptions.
Conclusion
The unexpected surge in theft-related repairs has strained Hyundai’s parts availability, causing delays and challenges for both car owners and repair shops. While the situation is difficult currently, Hyundai is taking steps to address the shortages and expects the supply chain to stabilize in the near future.
FAQ
Why are ignition lock cylinders in high demand for Hyundai vehicles?
Due to a sharp increase in thefts targeting specific vehicle parts, ignition lock cylinders have become a sought-after component for repairs.
How is Hyundai addressing the parts shortage issue?
Hyundai is expediting shipments from Korea to replenish the stock of spare parts, aiming to reduce backorders and repair delays.
Are insurance companies handling the situation of part unavailability?
Some insurance companies are considering totaling out vehicles if required parts are unavailable for an extended period, presenting challenges for car owners and repair businesses.