The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) has reported that the software fix for highly stolen Hyundai and Kia vehicles appears to be working effectively. This fix comes in response to a concerning trend where thieves were targeting certain Hyundai and Kia models due to their lack of anti-theft immobilizers. These immobilizers, which prevent the engine from starting without the proper key fob, were not standard on Hyundai and Kia vehicles until several years after they became common in other manufacturers‘ vehicles.
The absence of immobilizers made Hyundai and Kia vehicles easy targets for thieves, who took advantage of this vulnerability. The issue gained widespread attention on social media platforms like TikTok, leading to an increase in theft claims for 2015-19 Hyundai and Kia vehicles compared to other manufacturers during the same model years.
To address this problem, Hyundai and Kia began offering anti-theft software upgrades for affected vehicles in early 2023. Approximately two dozen models from 2011-22 were eligible for the upgrade, which has proven to be highly effective. According to HLDI’s research, vehicles that received the upgrade experienced a 53% reduction in theft claim frequencies compared to those that did not.
Matt Moore, senior vice president of HLDI, praised the effectiveness of the software fix, urging owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles without electronic immobilizers to contact their local dealer for the upgrade. As of mid-July, about 60% of eligible vehicles had already been upgraded, indicating a positive response from owners.
The software upgrades ensure that vehicles will only start with the owner’s key or an identical duplicate in the ignition. Additionally, upgraded cars receive a window sticker designed to deter potential thieves. While theft and vandalism claim frequencies for Hyundai and Kia vehicles continued to rise throughout 2023, the rate of increase for theft significantly decreased after the implementation of the software upgrade.
Overall, the software fix for highly stolen Hyundai and Kia vehicles has proven to be a successful solution to address the vulnerability of these models to theft. Owners are encouraged to take advantage of the upgrade to protect their vehicles and reduce the risk of theft.