Hyundai releases anti-theft software upgrade for 4 million cars after insurers drop some models
Saleen MartinAlmost 4 million Hyundai Elantra, Sonata and Venue drivers will soon have access to free anti-theft software upgrades, the company says.
The upgrade comes in response to "increasing thefts targeting its vehicles without push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices," the company said in a news release Tuesday, after videos showing how to start the vehicles without a key circulated on TikTok and social media last year.
The upgrade modifies vehicle control modules on Hyundai vehicles that have standard “turn-key-to-start” ignition systems.
Once the systems are upgraded, locking the doors with the key fob will set the factory alarm and activate an “ignition kill” feature so the vehicles can't be started when thieves try to take off with them.
Customers have to use the key fob to unlock their vehicles and deactivate the ignition kill feature, Hyundai said.
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Why are companies offering these upgrades?
Kia has also promised some customers enhanced security software that should be available over the next few months, the company said in a statement Tuesday.
Kia said it will also continue to give impacted customers free steering wheel locks through law enforcement agencies.
The software upgrade comes after Progressive and State Farm stopped issuing new policies for some Hyundai and Kia vehicles from coverage due to a rise in thefts.
Police also believe the rise in thefts among Hyundais and Kias is partially due to a social media trend where users demonstrate how to start the cars without using keys.
Mostly Kia cars newer than 2011 and Hyundai cars newer than 2015 have been impacted.
The Highway Loss Data Institute said the vehicles are easier for car thieves to steal because they don't have electronic immobilizers to prevent thieves from taking them. Because of this, people can break in and bypass the ignition.
According to Hyundai, all of the company's vehicles produced since November 2021 have an engine immobilizer. The car manufacturer is also giving impacted customers free steering wheel locks, which they can pick up from law enforcement agencies.
"Some 2011-2022 model year vehicles without engine immobilizers cannot accommodate the software upgrade," the company said. "For these customers, Hyundai is finalizing a program to reimburse them for their purchase of steering wheel locks."
Impacted Kia vehicles were built between 2011 and 2021; they have a steel key to "insert and turn to start" the ignition, the company said.
How do I get the upgrade?
Hyundai dealers will take care of the upgrades, which the company says will take less than one hour for installation.
Each vehicle that gets the upgrade will have a window decal to ward off would-be car thieves, the company said.
“Hyundai is committed to ensuring the quality and integrity of our products through continuous improvement and is pleased to provide affected customers with an additional theft deterrent through this software upgrade,” said Randy Parker, Hyundai's CEO, in the release. “We have prioritized the upgrade’s availability for owners and lessees of our highest selling vehicles and those most targeted by thieves in order for dealers to service them first.”
Which cars get the updates?
The updates will be available depending on model year and make.
February 14:
- 2017-2020 Elantra
- 2015-2019 Sonata
- 2020-2021 Venue
June 2023:
- 2018-2022 Accent
- 2011-2016 Elantra
- 2021-2022 Elantra
- 2018-2020 Elantra GT
- 2011-2014 Genesis Coupe
- 2018-2022 Kona
- 2020-2021 Palisade
- 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport
- 2013-2022 Santa Fe
- 2019 Santa Fe XL
- 2011-2014 Sonata
- 2011-2022 Tucson
- 2012-2017, 2019-2021 Veloster
Hyundai said more information is available online at hyundaiantitheft.com.
There, customers can type in their vehicle identification number and find out when their vehicles are eligible for the software upgrade.
Kia customers can also call customer care at 1-800-333-4542 or check out owners.kia.com/us/en/kia-owner-portal.html.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757 – and loves all things horror, witches, Christmas, and food. Follow her on Twitter at @Saleen_Martin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.