In response to the rising number of car thefts involving Hyundai and Kia vehicles, the Korean automakers have taken steps to enhance the security features of their cars. The implementation of anti-theft software upgrades has proven to be highly effective in reducing theft rates, providing owners with more protection for their vehicles.
According to research conducted by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), the rate of Hyundai and Kia vehicle thefts has decreased by more than half since the introduction of the new anti-theft software. This significant improvement comes after a period where criminals targeted certain models of Hyundai and Kia cars due to the absence of engine immobilizers, a standard feature in many other vehicles. The rise in thefts led to a social media trend known as the „Kia Challenge,“ which further exacerbated the issue and resulted in multiple accidents and fatalities.
Approximately 9 million vehicles, including popular models like the Hyundai Elantra, Sonata, and Kia Forte, and Soul, were affected by the surge in thefts. In response to the situation, Hyundai and Kia agreed to a $200 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit filed by drivers who had their vehicles stolen. The companies then proceeded to upgrade the anti-theft technology in their cars in early 2023, introducing a system that requires the owner’s key or an identical duplicate to start the vehicle.
The effectiveness of the enhanced security software has been praised by Matt Moore, senior vice president of HLDI, who described it as „extremely effective.“ Vehicles that received the software upgrade showed a 53% lower theft claim frequency compared to those that did not have the upgrade. Despite the positive impact of the upgrades, theft claims for the affected Hyundai and Kia models still exceed industry norms, indicating that further measures may be necessary to address the issue comprehensively.
Owners of 2011 through 2022 Hyundai and Kia models are encouraged to contact their local dealers to inquire about getting the security software upgrade. As of July, approximately 60% of eligible vehicles had received the upgrade, with ongoing efforts to increase this number. It is essential for owners to be proactive in securing their vehicles by ensuring that they lock their cars with the fob to activate the software-based immobilizer effectively.
In conclusion, the free clinics being held to provide Hyundai and Kia owners with more protection for their cars are a crucial step in addressing the issue of car thefts involving these popular models. By taking advantage of the anti-theft software upgrades offered by the automakers, owners can significantly reduce the risk of their vehicles being stolen. The ongoing efforts to enhance security features demonstrate Hyundai and Kia’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of their customers and their vehicles.