My Hyundai Ioniq 5 was stolen from my driveway in East London in broad daylight on April 6th, 2024. The entire theft took under 10 seconds, a shocking testament to the speed and efficiency of modern car thieves targeting keyless entry systems. Despite having CCTV and diligently storing my Ioniq 5 Key Fob in a safe protection box after every use, my car was still vulnerable. This incident underscores the urgent need for Ioniq 5 owners and all drivers with keyless entry vehicles to understand the risks and take immediate preventative measures to protect their vehicles.
After the initial shock and a frustratingly unhelpful response from the police, I remembered my Ioniq 5’s tracking system. Locating its last reported position about 5.5 miles away, I returned to the police, only to be advised to recover the vehicle myself. Fortunately, with the help of my cousin, we found the Ioniq 5 parked in an alley, hidden outside some derelict garages. I was able to drive it home, but not without discovering the thieves had ripped back the headliner and stolen the front light cluster and other electronic components, leaving several dashboard warnings and an unsettling beep when locking the car.
This experience has been a harsh lesson in the reality of keyless car theft and the vulnerabilities of systems like the Ioniq 5 key fob. It’s crucial to understand how these thefts occur. Thieves often use sophisticated devices to exploit keyless entry systems. These devices can amplify or relay the signal from your key fob, even when it’s inside your house or a Faraday box, tricking your car into thinking the key is nearby and unlocking the vehicle. In some cases, they may even be able to program a new key fob to your car on the spot.
To combat this threat and enhance your Ioniq 5 key fob security, there are several proactive steps you can take immediately:
Disable Keyless Entry: This is arguably the most effective immediate measure. On the Ioniq 5, you can easily disable keyless entry after locking the car using the remote fob. Simply lock your car using the fob, then immediately press and hold both the lock and unlock buttons together for approximately six seconds until the hazard lights flash multiple times. This deactivates the keyless entry system until you reactivate it by pressing any button on the key fob. By disabling keyless entry every time you park and lock your Ioniq 5, you significantly reduce the risk of thieves using relay attack devices. My theory, based on research into these theft methods, is that these devices often rely on the car being “woken up” by pressing the door handle button. If keyless entry is disabled, the door handle may not trigger the car to communicate with the thief’s device, potentially preventing them from programming a new key or exploiting the keyless system.
Invest in Robust Physical Security: Consider using a physical steering wheel lock like a Disklok. These highly visible deterrents make it significantly harder and more time-consuming for thieves to steal your car. Importantly, there are now newer Disklok models designed to resist angle grinders, offering an even greater level of security.
Install a Vehicle Tracking Device: As demonstrated in my case, a tracker can be invaluable in recovering your vehicle if it is stolen. Modern tracking devices offer real-time location updates and can significantly increase the chances of police or yourself recovering your Ioniq 5 quickly.
Use a Faraday Box or Signal Blocking Pouch: While I used a safe protection box, a Faraday box or signal-blocking pouch is specifically designed to block electromagnetic fields, preventing your key fob from transmitting signals to potential thieves’ devices. Ensure your Ioniq 5 key fob is always stored in such a device when at home.
The theft of my Ioniq 5 has been a stark wake-up call. It’s imperative for all Ioniq 5 owners and anyone with a vehicle utilizing a key fob and keyless entry system to take these security measures seriously. Protect your investment and deter car theft by acting now. Disable keyless entry, consider physical security and tracking solutions, and use signal blocking storage for your Ioniq 5 key fob. Don’t wait until you become a victim – take proactive steps to secure your vehicle today.
