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Thieves still love older Hondas and pickups most, says NICB [w/video]

No one wants to have their car stolen, but a new study by the National Insurance Crime Bureau has some bad news for older Honda owners and pickup drivers. Fortunately, it has better news for drivers overall. The group is reporting that according to preliminary data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, thefts were down 3.2 percent in 2013 (versus 2012) to fewer than 700,000 cars. That's the lowest figure since 1967. That's also less than half of the peak of over 1.66 million thefts in 1991. "The drop in thefts is good news for all of us," says NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle. "But it still amounts to a vehicle being stolen every 45 seconds and losses of over $4 billion a year."
Honda drivers might not find it such good news with older Accord and Civic models topping this year's theft study. Toyota and Dodge can't really celebrate, either, with two models each on the list, as well. Overall, this year's list was split evenly between foreign and domestic models, which were mostly pickups.
The 10 most likely vehicles to be stolen in 2013 were:

2013-14 Dodge Viper recalled over faulty door handles

The 2013-14 Dodge Viper is getting a voluntary recall affecting 1,762 cars worldwide to replace their door-handle assemblies. Of the affected vehicles, FCA US reports there are 1,451 in the US, 160 in Canada, 17 in Mexico and 59 of them outside of NAFTA. After receiving three reports of doors either not closing or opening while driving a low speeds, FCA US engineers found a new sealant from a supplier didn't provide sufficient moisture protection to the electronic switches for the door latches. If the parts get wet, this can potentially cause a short circuit. The automaker is quite clear that are no reports of accidents of injuries from this problem. As always, the recall repairs will be done at no cost to owners, and FCA US will be getting in touch with customers soon about the problem. Related Video: Statement: Door-handle Assemblies April 9, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 1,762 cars globally to replace their door-handle assemblies. FCA US launched an investigation after the Company received three warranty claims linked to doors that failed to close or opened inadvertently while vehicles were moving at low speed. The Company is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. Engineers determined a sealant, newly adopted by a supplier, provided inconsistent moisture protection to the electronic switches that control the door latches. Switches exposed to moisture may short-circuit. Affected are approximately 1,451 model-year 2013-14 Dodge Viper SRT cars in the U.S.; 160 in Canada; 17 in Mexico and 59 outside the NAFTA region. Affected customers will be notified and advised when they may schedule service, which will be performed at no cost. Customers with questions may call the FCA US Customer Information Center at 1-800-853-1403.

Hackers stole Jeeps in Texas using FCA's internal dealer software

This article has been updated with details on how the thefts were carried out, and with comments from FCA. It seems the news regarding vehicle hacking continues to get worse, especially when it comes to products from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Last year, a Jeep Cherokee in St. Louis, Missouri, was wirelessly hacked from Pittsburgh. Nissan had to shut down its Leaf app because of vulnerabilities. Now, a pair of hackers in Houston, Texas, stole more than 30 Jeeps over a six-month period. The two were arrested by police last Friday while attempting to steal another vehicle. ABC 13 in Houston reports that police had been following Michael Arcee and Jesse Zelay for several months but were unable to catch them in the act until now. The two were using a laptop to connect to and start a vehicle. The thieves were able to access Fiat Chrysler's own DealerCONNECT software. After entering the vehicle identification number, the hackers were able to reprogram the cars' security systems to accept a generic key, according to The Houston Chronicle. Additionally, Automotive News reports that FCA subsequently updated the terms of use for its DealerCONNECT program. These thefts were not related to the UConnect remote hacks from last year. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. In April, this surveillance video showed the theft of a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. It was this footage that first led the police to Arcee and Zelay. The police began to follow and record the pair. That investigation eventually led to Friday's arrest. Both are charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. In addition, Arcee is charged with felon in possession of a weapon and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. According to ABC 13, Homeland Security is investigating more than 100 stolen FCA vehicles that they believe were hacked using this method. After their theft, the vehicles were brought across the border to Mexico. FCA is currently conducting an internal investigation into the matter. After this article was posted, the company reached out to Autoblog, stating "FCA US takes the safety and security of its customers seriously and incorporates security features in its vehicles that help to reduce the risk of unauthorized and unlawful access to vehicle systems and wireless communications. FCA US has been cooperating with Houston Police Department since they first started the investigation.