Hyundai and Kia have teamed up with law enforcement to offer a free anti-theft software update for their vehicles. The update is in response to a viral TikTok trend that led to a spike in car thefts. The software upgrade takes less than 30 minutes and is available for 2011 through 2021 Hyundai vehicles that use a key to start the engine.
Hyundai has been holding anti-theft clinics across the country to help protect their vehicles. According to a report by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, the Hyundai anti-theft clinics have been “extremely effective.” The report encourages owners of Hyundai vehicles without an electronic immobilizer to contact their local dealers about getting the software upgrade. Six of the 10 most stolen cars last year were either Hyundais or Kias, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
The surge in thefts was driven by online instructions that enabled criminals to exploit vulnerabilities in certain models using just a screwdriver and a USB cable. In response to the increase in thefts, State Farm and Progressive announced they would begin denying insurance coverage for the affected models. Hyundai and Kia agreed to a $200 million settlement to cover the costs for approximately 9 million vehicle owners whose cars were stolen or damaged.
As part of the settlement, a software upgrade was provided for the most theft-prone models from 2011-2022.
Anti-theft software greatly reduces thefts
This upgrade prevents the vehicle from starting unless the original key, or an exact duplicate, is in the ignition.
As of mid-July, around 60% of eligible vehicles have received this no-cost update, leading to a 64% reduction in vehicle thefts, according to data from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). Before this measure was implemented, thefts of older Hyundai and Kia models had surged by 1,000% since the start of the pandemic. While theft has decreased, vandalism claims remain an issue.
HLDI data indicates that vandalism incidents for Hyundai and Kia models were six times higher in the second half of 2023 compared to the first half of 2020, and five times greater than for other brands. The software update ensures vehicles only start if the owner’s key or an identical duplicate is in the ignition. For models that cannot be updated via software, free steering wheel locks are available.
HLDI cautions that the new software’s effectiveness depends on the vehicle being locked with the key fob; it offers no protection if the car is locked via the door handle or left unlocked. “The companies’ solution is extremely effective,” said Matt Moore, senior vice president of HLDI. “If you own a Hyundai or Kia vehicle without an electronic immobilizer, you should call your local dealer about getting the software upgrade today.”
