Around Maryland, Crime, Opinion, Police/Fire, Politics

NOW YOU KNOW: Baltimore County, City auto thefts at all-time high

The following is an op-ed piece from Delegates Kathy Szeliga and Ryan Nawrocki. We are among seven prominent Republican legislators issuing a letter to Mayor Scott and Commissioner Harrison of Baltimore City in response to the recent lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia due to their vehicles’ alleged susceptibility to theft. We urge Baltimore City to do more than join the …


Events, Family, Police/Fire

Police to hold steering wheel lock pop-up event at Towsontown Spring Festival for eligible Hyundia, Kia owners

TOWSON, MD—The Baltimore County Police Department will be distributing steering wheel locks on Saturday, May 6, 2023, to eligible Hyundai and Kia owners during the Towsontown Spring Festival. Steering wheel locks will be available starting at 10:30 a.m. while supplies last. The Baltimore County Police Department tent will be located along Washington Avenue near the Armory (corner of Washington Avenue …


Additional Hyundai, Kia vehicles recalled due to fire risk

WASHINGTON, DC—Hyundai Motor America and Kia America have issued recalls for more than 570,000 vehicles, urging owners to park their vehicles outside and away from homes and other structures until the recall is remedied. The affected vehicles are model years 2022-2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz, 2019-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2021-2023 Santa Fe Hybrid, 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid, and 2022-2023 Kia …

Baltimore County Police Department launches public safety campaign for Hyundai, Kia owners

TOWSON, MD—In response to increasing thefts targeting its vehicles without push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices in the United States, Hyundai and Kia have introduced a free anti-theft software upgrade to restrict the unauthorized operation of vehicle ignition systems on specific models. Hyundai Software Upgrade: Hyundai, which launched its service campaign this week, is first offering a software upgrade to …

Hyundai, Kia launch campaign to prevent theft of millions of vehicles targeted by TikTok challenge

UPDATE: The Baltimore County Police Department has launched a public awareness campaign on this issue. Original story below… —— WASHINGTON—Hyundai and Kia have developed theft deterrent software for millions of their vehicles that lack an immobilizer and will provide it free of charge to vehicle owners. The software updates the theft alarm software logic to extend the length of the …

Kia recalls 2008-2009 Sportage vehicles due to fire risk

WASHINGTON, DC—Kia America has issued a new recall for certain Model Year 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles due to a continued risk of fire. Owners of these vehicles are strongly urged to park their cars outside and away from homes and other structures until their vehicles have been repaired. An engine compartment fire originating from around the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit …

Kia recalls nearly 295,000 vehicles due to engine fire risk

NOTTINGHAM, MD—Kia has announced the recall of close to 295,000 vehicles in the U.S. The vehicles are being recalled because the engines can stall and/or catch fire. The December 2020 recall covers certain 2012 and 2013 Sorento SUVs, 2012 through 2015 Forte and Forte Koup cars, and 2011 through 2013 Optima Hybrid cars, according to FOX Business. Also affected are …