The software fix for highly stolen Hyundai and Kia vehicles appears to be making a significant impact, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). These two popular car brands have been targeted by thieves due to their lack of anti-theft immobilizers, which prevent the engine from starting without the properly coded key fob. While immobilizers were standard on 96% of other manufacturers‘ vehicles in the U.S. by 2015, Hyundai and Kia did not make them standard until about six years later.
Thieves quickly caught on to the vulnerability of these vehicles and began exploiting the lack of immobilizers, with word spreading on social media platforms like TikTok. As a result, theft claims for 2015-19 Hyundai and Kia vehicles were nearly twice as common compared to other manufacturers for those model years, according to HLDI.
In response to the rising theft rates, Hyundai and Kia started offering anti-theft software upgrades for affected vehicles in early 2023. Approximately two dozen models from 2011-22 are eligible for the upgrade, and the results have been promising. Vehicles that received the upgrade saw theft claim frequencies drop by 53% compared to those that did not receive the software update, as per new research from HLDI.
Matt Moore, senior vice president of HLDI, praised the effectiveness of the companies‘ solution, stating, „If you own a Hyundai or Kia vehicle without an electronic immobilizer, you should call your local dealer about getting the software upgrade today.“ As of mid-July, about 60% of eligible vehicles had been upgraded, indicating a positive response from owners.
Cars that have undergone the software upgrades will only start if the owner’s key or an identical duplicate is present in the ignition. Additionally, these upgraded vehicles receive a window sticker designed to deter potential thieves. Despite the implementation of the software upgrade, HLDI noted that claim frequency for theft and vandalism continued to rise for Hyundai and Kia throughout 2023, although the rate of increase for theft significantly decreased.
Overall, the software fix for highly stolen Hyundai and Kia vehicles has proven to be effective in reducing theft claim frequencies. Owners of eligible vehicles are encouraged to take advantage of the upgrade to protect their vehicles from potential theft. The success of this solution highlights the importance of implementing modern security features in vehicles to deter criminals and protect consumers‘ investments.