Theft rates of Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been a concern for owners and insurers alike, with thieves targeting certain models due to the lack of engine immobilizers. However, recent research from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) has shown that anti-theft software upgrades have been effective in reducing theft rates by more than half.
The software upgrade, which was implemented in February 2023, addresses the vulnerability of certain Hyundai and Kia models to theft. Vehicles that have the new software installed will only start if the owner’s key or an identical duplicate is in the ignition. Additionally, these vehicles receive a window sticker aimed at deterring potential thieves.
According to HLDI, approximately two dozen 2011-2022 Hyundai and Kia models are eligible for the software upgrade. As of December 2023, 30% of eligible Hyundais and 28% of eligible Kias in HLDI’s database had received the upgrade. The results were promising, with vehicles that had the upgrade experiencing theft claim frequencies that were 53% lower than those without the upgrade.
It’s important to note that theft claims include not only thefts of the entire vehicle but also damage to stolen and recovered vehicles, theft of vehicle parts, and items stolen from inside the vehicle. The frequency of whole vehicle theft, as calculated by HLDI, fell by a larger 64% for vehicles with the upgrade.
Despite the positive impact of the software upgrades, HLDI noted that the frequency of theft claims for Hyundai and Kia vehicles remains high, even for models with the new software. One possible reason for this is that the software-based immobilizer only activates if the driver remembers to lock the vehicle with a fob, while many people are accustomed to using the switch on the door handle.
The study conducted by HLDI concluded in December, but Hyundai and Kia have continued to implement software upgrades in vehicles since then. The automakers have reported that about 60% of eligible vehicles had been upgraded as of last month, indicating a commitment to improving the security of their vehicles.
In conclusion, the implementation of anti-theft software upgrades for Hyundai and Kia vehicles has proven to be effective in reducing theft rates significantly. While there are still challenges to overcome, such as driver habits impacting the effectiveness of the immobilizer, the upgrades have made a positive impact on the security of these vehicles. Owners of eligible Hyundai and Kia models are encouraged to take advantage of the software upgrade to protect their vehicles from theft.