After being the subject of numerous social media challenges and making national headlines for their unsecured vehicles, automakers Kia and Hyundai have announced a possible solution for their easily hijacked vehicles.
For over a year now, Kia and Hyundai have been the target of novice and experienced thieves alike after online challenges show users just how easy it is to steal certain models of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. These models are designed with a simple car ignition module that allows would-be thieves to easily bypass the ignition in order to turn on the vehicle and steal it. The process is as simple as connecting the USB port of a phone charger and getting the vehicle to
start.
Software Update in the Works for Kia and Hyundai Vehicles
In an effort to push back against the PR crisis, both Kia and Hyundai have announced that they were working on a software solution that would “enhanced security software designed to restrict the operation of the vehicle’s ignition system.” The automakers vowed to provide the software to Kia and Hyundai owners for no extra charge. Both automakers plan to have the upgrade software available to most affected vehicles by the Summer of 2023. Once rolled out, the
software should keep would-be thieves from being able to bypass the vehicle’s ignition system.
Qualifying vehicle owners will need to contact their local Kia or Hyundai dealer to get the software upgrade.
Social Media Challenges with Deadly Consequences
Between 2021 and 2022, rates of stolen Kias and Hyundais skyrocketed across the nation, with the city of St. Louis seeing a 1,300% increase in vehicle thefts, specifically of models made by the automakers. Other major cities across the nation also noted an uptick in the auto thefts of Kia and Hyundai models. In some cases, the stolen cars have even turned deadly. In October 2022, four teens were killed after they were able to carjack a Kia using the easy method shared online.
Auto Insurance Backlash Against Kia and Hyundai
Kia’s and Hyundai’s tarnished reputations continued to crumble after some of the nation’s leading insurance companies announced they would no longer cover certain Kia and Hyundai models.
Companies including Progressive and State Farm announced the high risk of certain Hyundai and Kia models made them difficult to insure. Insurance company State Farm shared, “We take seriously our responsibility to manage risk and the impact of excess claim costs on all our customers.” Adding, “In this case, it became necessary to take action to protect our policyholders and our business.”
The Lawsuits are Rolling In
After it became clear just how easy it was to steal certain Kia and Hyundai models, hundreds of owners found themselves the target of would-be thieves. Ultimately, numerous lawsuits were filed against the companies accusing them of manufacturing and distributing a defective product. The lawsuits argued that specific models built before 2020 were not equipped with an immobilizing device that would keep the vehicles from being stolen.
Your Local Dealer or Police Station May Have a Hardware Fix
The free software measure would be the latest effort by Kia and Hyundai to help fight against stolen vehicles after the trend first gained popularity in 2020. The automakers provided car clubs to police departments that could then be distributed throughout the community. Local Hyundai and Kia dealerships also offered enhanced security kits to vehicle owners for an added fee. To learn more about the available software updates and when you can get yours, contact
your local Kia or Hyundai dealer.
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