Hyundai and Kia Roll Out Anti-Theft Software Update

In a significant development, thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles equipped with new anti-theft software have decreased markedly, according to a recent analysis by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). The automakers initiated these software updates in February 2022 after witnessing a tenfold surge in thefts of specific models, largely fueled by viral social media posts demonstrating how to steal these cars. The analysis revealed that "whole vehicle" theft claims for upgraded models are down by 64% compared to those without the software. The vehicles affected are primarily older Hyundai and Kia models manufactured before 2023, which are particularly susceptible to theft due to their simpler ignition systems. These models, equipped with turn-key ignitions, are approximately twice as likely to be stolen as their contemporaries. The new software utilizes immobilizers that require a computer chip in both the vehicle and the key to authenticate the key's legitimacy. Currently, around 61% of eligible Hyundai vehicles have received the software upgrade. Despite the improvements, not all vulnerable models can be upgraded due to hardware limitations. For those vehicles, Hyundai and Kia have provided steering wheel locks as an alternative security measure. However, the HLDI noted that even with the software, these older models still experience higher theft rates, partly due to improper usage of the new security features by owners. Experts suggest that as more vehicles receive the software upgrade, theft rates for Hyundai and Kia are likely to continue declining. The initial spike in thefts was attributed to a social media trend rather than organized crime, with many perpetrators lacking serious intent.