Buried in the middle an item on car thefts from Consumer Reports was the news that Hyundai and Kia are offering a free anti-theft software upgrade for their key-start vehicles, which, on the whole, remain the most popular with car thieves.
The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) says that many older — read pre-2022 — Hyundai and Kia vehicles lack electronic immobilizers that prevent thieves from simply breaking in and bypassing the ignition. This feature has been standard equipment on nearly all vehicles made by other manufacturers for decades.
Kia models from the 2022 model year and forward and Hyundai vehicles built after Nov. 1, 2022, have engine immobilizers. Automakers are reportedly providing steering wheel locks at no cost to police departments that are hard hit by these crimes and Hyundai offers a security kit through its dealerships that can be added to older models.
But best of all, Hyundai and Kia offer a free anti-theft software upgrade for at risk models. The software enables activates an ignition kill when the car is locked remotely.
For some 2011-2022 model-year vehicles that can’t accommodate the software, Hyundai offers a program to reimburse owners for the purchase of steering wheel locks.
Uptake of the upgrade has slowed thefts somewhat, but HLDI says Hyundai and Kia vehicles during July to December 2023 were still more than 8 times as high as that of other vehicles.
Matt Moore, HLDI senior VP was quoted as saying “The companies’ solution is extremely effective. If you own a Hyundai or Kia vehicle without an electronic immobilizer, you should call your local dealer about getting the software upgrade today.”
For the record, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is stolen more than 39 times as often as the average for all vehicles.
Owners of at risk Hyundai and Kia models can check upgrade eligibility at hyundaiantitheft.com.
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The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY
Hyundai and Kia offer free anti-theft software upgrade
Buried in the middle an item on car thefts from Consumer Reports was the news that Hyundai and Kia are offering a free anti-theft software upgrade for their key-start vehicles, which, on the whole, remain the most popular with car thieves.
The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) says that many older — read pre-2022 — Hyundai and Kia vehicles lack electronic immobilizers that prevent thieves from simply breaking in and bypassing the ignition. This feature has been standard equipment on nearly all vehicles made by other manufacturers for decades.
Kia models from the 2022 model year and forward and Hyundai vehicles built after Nov. 1, 2022, have engine immobilizers. Automakers are reportedly providing steering wheel locks at no cost to police departments that are hard hit by these crimes and Hyundai offers a security kit through its dealerships that can be added to older models.
But best of all, Hyundai and Kia offer a free anti-theft software upgrade for at risk models. The software enables activates an ignition kill when the car is locked remotely.
For some 2011-2022 model-year vehicles that can’t accommodate the software, Hyundai offers a program to reimburse owners for the purchase of steering wheel locks.
Uptake of the upgrade has slowed thefts somewhat, but HLDI says Hyundai and Kia vehicles during July to December 2023 were still more than 8 times as high as that of other vehicles.
Matt Moore, HLDI senior VP was quoted as saying “The companies’ solution is extremely effective. If you own a Hyundai or Kia vehicle without an electronic immobilizer, you should call your local dealer about getting the software upgrade today.”
For the record, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is stolen more than 39 times as often as the average for all vehicles.
Owners of at risk Hyundai and Kia models can check upgrade eligibility at hyundaiantitheft.com.
——————————————————————-
The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
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The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY