Hyundai dealers will soon offer a security upgrade for millions of cars that have become favorite targets of car thieves nationwide. But Hyundai owners will have to pay for it.
Background
Law enforcement sources in several cities have reported a huge spike in theft of 2015-2019 Hyundai and Kia vehicles this year. A recent insurance industry study 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.
Related: Car Theft – Tips for Keeping Your Vehicle Safe
The problem? Most base-model Hyundai and Kia vehicles built from 2015 through 2019 did not include an immobilizer – a common part that prevents car thieves from bypassing the ignition system. Higher trim levels often include the immobilizer, but the least-expensive models do not.
The two companies share ownership and use many of the same parts in their vehicles.
Videos spread on social media explaining how to bypass the cars’ ignition systems, leading to a spike in thefts.
At least 15 separate class-action lawsuits have been filed against the two companies in 14 states over the rash of thefts.
How to Know if Your Car Is at Risk
Hyundai and Kia owners wondering whether they should be concerned can find out by checking their keys. If it’s a simple steel key, your car may lack an immobilizer. If the head of your key is contained in a plastic housing, or you have a fob with buttons to remotely lock and unlock the doors, your car has an immobilizer.
Cars with push-button starts are not affected.
The Solution – For a Fee
Now, Hyundai says it has shipped a kit to dealers that should solve the problem. But, in a move that has proven unpopular on social media, Hyundai charges for the anti-theft kit. The kit costs $170. Owners must also pay for installation.
Hyundai spokesperson Ira Gabriel told reporters, “The dealers have been notified and are currently receiving training bulletins and instructions on how to perform the installation, which will take about 2.5 hours to complete.”
Labor rates differ geographically. A 2.5-hour repair job could add as much as $500 to the cost in some parts of the country.
There Is a Free Option in Some Cities
There is a free option for some frustrated Hyundai and Kia owners. The companies have distributed steering wheel locks to many police departments across the country. Police are giving them away to concerned Hyundai and Kia owners.
Newer Hyundais, Kias Not as Theft-Prone
Both companies have since added immobilizers to every vehicle they build. Kia explains, “All 2022 Kia models and trims have an immobilizer applied either at the beginning of the model year or as a running change.”
Both companies have sold most cars quickly in 2022, so we believe there are very few older 2022 models still on dealership lots without the anti-theft technology. All 2023 Kia and Hyundai vehicles include an immobilizer, regardless of trim.
