Over 73 million accounts are at risk. Plus, viral claims that the world could end on April 8th, and Kia has recalled thousands of Telluride SUVs. Also, why you should watch your fingers around the new Cybertruck. OUCH!
Is your car tracking you? Here's how to find out and put a stop to it
Whether you drive a classic or a 10-year-old car, safety should still be your chief concern. Here are five ways tech can modernize your old car.
New cars are computers on wheels. Don’t believe me? The average vehicle nowadays has over 1,400 microchips in it. Because your car is connected, it can also collect a lot of data about you. Your car is like your phone, computer or tablet now — always listening.
Here’s what you need to know and how to stop this privacy invasion.
What do they want to know?
A new online tool shows all the info your car has on you. It’s called the Vehicle Privacy Report and is made by a company called Privacy4Cars. All you have to do is enter your car’s VIN and the tool spits out all the privacy policies about the company that built your vehicle.
Here’s what you may find when you plug in your VIN:
- Identifiers that show who you are.
- Location data that shows where you are and where you went.
- Biometrics, which includes data collected by your car’s microphone and camera.
- Voice recordings collected by your voice assistant in the car — do you ask for directions or make calls via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?
- Data synced from your devices connected to the car with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB, such as smartphones and tablets.
The tool also lists who your information is shared with, such as insurance companies, the government and data brokers.
RELATED: Carmakers are charging subscriptions for a lifesaving feature
Look away, Kia drivers
We plugged in the VIN on one of my staff member’s cars, which happens to be a Kia and it gave a complete rundown.
While the car isn’t a hard drive on four wheels and doesn’t have telematics — that’s a method of monitoring vehicles with a GPS — it did say that Kia is known to collect locations, identifiers and user profiles. It also noted that the Korean carmaker shares and sells to its affiliates, service providers and government.
Drive a Hyundai or Kia? More than half a million models pose a fire risk
Is it just us, or are automotive recalls becoming more common? We recently reported on a pair of dangerous recalls that not only affect 140,000 Dodge SUVs but also nearly 60,000 child safety seats from a major manufacturer. You’ll want to check this out.
That was close: Security researchers found a flaw in Kia’s web portal. With just the license plate number and VIN, someone could hack in and remotely unlock doors, honk the horn and even start the engine. The portal didn’t verify dealer-level privileges. Oops. Kia says they’ve patched the vulnerability.
64% fewer stolen cars
After Kia and Hyundai’s anti-theft software upgrades. The 2023 free update fixed shoddy security measures that made it way too easy to steal the vehicles. Drive one and not sure if you got the update? Call your dealership.
Kia might owe you money - Here's how to check
Vehicle manufacturer Kia is in damage control mode, and you could be in line for money if you drive a specific model. Hyundai and Kia recently rolled out an anti-theft software patch for about 8 million models.
However, the possible compensation has nothing to do with car thefts. Instead, Kia has agreed to a class-action lawsuit settlement related to anti-lock brake systems (ABS).
Car thefts are up and these are the models stolen most often
Between 2021 and 2022, car thefts skyrocketed. Some Hyundai and Kia models have a manufacturing flaw that makes them more vulnerable to theft. Tap or click here to learn how to get the fix.
But other models are even bigger targets for car thieves. Read on for a list of the 10 most likely vehicles to be stolen.
Don’t park your Kia in the garage: A North Carolina driver barely escaped her Kia after she heard a loud pop, then it burst into flames. The car was among 1.7 million recalled last September. The antilock brake system can leak fluid and cause electrical shorts. Some nine months later, repair parts are still MIA.
Attention, Kia owners: Park outside, not in the garage. Almost 50,000 Telluride SUVs (model years 2020-2024) have a flaw in the power seats that could start a fire. If your car is impacted, you’ll get a letter in the mail by July 30. In all, Kia has recalled 462,869 Telluride SUVs due to risks. My friend, Marty, had a DeLorean he drove from time to time.
Kia is recalling 430,000 Tellurides: The recall covers all 2020 through 2023 models and some 2024 vehicles. There’s a huge problem with the driveshaft that could let the SUVs spontaneously roll away. If that happens, you’ll have no-Kia.
China's app threat beyond TikTok, AI's plan to take 300 mill jobs & the device most likely to hurt you
Plus, I talk to a man who needs a safe space to share photos of his lost loved ones. Also, a 500 thousand vehicle recall for Hyundai and Kia – I reveal why you should park your car on the street for now. Worried about your job post the big AI boom? There’s some exciting news about a new high-paying job that’s emerging. And, I share some pro tips to protect your website with free online tests.
Anti-theft software patch available for 8 million Hyundai and Kia models
Viral TikTok videos have shown vulnerabilities in millions of Hyundai and Kia vehicles that have led to many thefts. Several models were sold missing critical anti-theft software. That made it easy for thieves to steal those cars without needing a key. A software patch is finally rolling out to help stop auto thefts.
Drive a Kia or Hyundai? You might have a hard time getting insurance
Did you know the type of car you drive may impact whether you can get insurance? Like how a smoking habit may affect your health insurance, a lack of safety features might put you in a pickle. If you drive certain Kia or Hyundai vehicles, pay attention. Some insurance companies are refusing these car owners a policy at all.
Drive a Toyota, Kia, Mercedes or BMW? Your personal info may have been exposed
Hackers are always looking for new ways to get their hands on your data. It even trumps your credit or debit card details. Unfortunately, security breaches happen on a more grand scale than most would like to know, such as the IRS leak from late last year.
Check your car: Over 273K Subarus, Teslas, Kias and Porsches recalled
Thousands of vehicles on the road have open recalls. Whenever manufacturers blow the whistle, you should check your car for safety. While some recalls fix minor annoyances, others address life-threatening tech issues.
Vehicle recall warning: 485K Hyundai and Kia models at risk of fire
Another half a million vehicles have now been deemed unfit for public roads. Nissan recalled 700,000 Rogues in January as a problem with corrosion in the electrical connector increased fire risk.
Hyundai and Kia now say that some of their cars are also at risk of spontaneously catching fire, urging owners to park outside until fixed. The issue impacts nearly 500,000 vehicles.
Fire risk leads to recall of almost 700,000 SUVs
In a somewhat worrying trend, vehicles have become relatively common to be recalled over manufacturing faults. A handful occurred last year, with the most recent removing thousands of Ford, Kia and Hyundai vehicles from the road.
Recall alert: Urgent warning issued for insulin users
Manufacturers are responsible for the products they release to the public. Defects can lead to recalls, which could be voluntary or mandated by governing bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration, Consumer Product Safety Commission and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
7 clever ways hackers are stealing keyless cars
Wirelessly unlocking your car is convenient, but it comes at a price. The increasing number of keyless cars on the road has led to a new kind of crime — key fob hacks! With the aid of new cheap electronic accessories and techniques, a key fob’s signal is now relatively easy for criminals to intercept or block. Imagine a thief opening your car and driving away with it without setting off any alarms!