Hyundai Rolls Out Free Software to Stop Thefts

Hyundai has announced a free software update intended to stop a nationwide rash of thefts that has left some Hyundai owners unable to find insurance for their cars.

The company says, “The technology will be launched as a service campaign for almost 4 million vehicles beginning on February 14.” It takes dealers “less than one hour” to install and comes with a window sticker “to alert would-be thieves that the vehicle is equipped with enhanced anti-theft technology.”

A Nationwide Theft Wave

Certain older Hyundai and Kia vehicles have become common targets for thieves after a series of social media videos showed viewers how to steal them with a screwdriver and a USB cable.

Hyundai and Kia are partly owned by South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Company and often build vehicles with common parts.

A recent insurance industry report showed that loss claims for Hyundai and Kia models from those years were nearly twice as common as claims for vehicles made by any other manufacturer.

Base models of particular 2015-or-newer Hyundai and 2011-or-newer Kia models lack an anti-theft device called an “engine immobilizer.” The anti-theft device prevents a car from starting unless the correct transponder is built into the smart key.

More expensive trims of older Hyundai and Kia models tend to have immobilizers. But base models don’t, making them easier prey than most cars for car thieves.

Both Hyundai and Kia say all their 2022 and 2023 models use immobilizers.

The rash of thefts has caused at least two major insurance companies to decline coverage on some Hyundai and Kia models.

The Companies Respond

Both companies have told us to expect a software solution soon. In the meantime, Hyundai dealers offer an anti-theft kit for purchase, while Kia has begun offering free steering wheel locks through many police departments.

We contacted Kia to ask if Hyundai’s announcement means their software solution will be available soon. Kia responded with the following statement, “Kia has completed development of enhanced security software to restrict the unauthorized operation of vehicle ignition systems on certain models not equipped with an immobilizer. Kia has already started notifying owners about this free software upgrade and anticipates making it available to most owners of affected vehicles over the next few months.”

Hyundai, meanwhile, plans a phased recall process to update cars.

Hyundai’s Update Schedule: