Hyundai, Kia anti-theft software upgrade is effective but theft is still up for those brands, new report says

ARLINGTON, Va. — Some Hyundai and Kia owners may soon be able to sigh in relief. A new report out of the Highway Loss Data Institute found that a software upgrade for vehicles without electronic immobilizers has cut theft by more than half.

Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been subject to significantly higher rates of theft over the past few years after a social media challenge went viral on TikTok in late 2020 teaching people how to steal certain models with a USB cord. The HLDI says the theft is possible by exploiting the vehicles’ lack of electronic security devices called immobilizers that keep a car from being turned on without the correct key.

This study focuses specifically on models eligible for software upgrades. In February 2023, Hyundai and Kia announced the free anti-theft software upgrade for their vehicles that don't have immobilizers. 

With the upgrade, the frequency of whole vehicles reported stolen was 64% lower than those without it. The frequency of all reported theft, including parts, contents and damage related to stolen and recovered cars, was 53% lower compared to cars without the upgrade.

The upgrade helps deter theft by increasing the length of car alarm songs from 30 seconds to one minute and prevents the car from being turned out without the key in the ignition, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

But even after the upgrade was rolled out early in the year, Hyundai and Kia theft remained high throughout the second half of 2023. Between July and December of 2023, the theft claim frequency for 2003-23 Hyundai and Kia models was more than 11 times as high as in the first half of 2020, and more than eight times higher than the theft claim frequency for other brands in that same time period, according to the HLDI.

Owners of affected cars may be eligible for some relief, though. Kia will pay owners of certain models in a class action settlement announced February 2024. If you’re eligible, you must provide lots of documentation and all the claims must be in by Jan. 11, 2025. For more specific information about the settlement, check here for Hyundai and here for Kia.

Additionally, local Hyundai owners may be able to get a free steering wheel lock. Loudoun County police will provide one to anyone residing in the county who owns a Hyundai car manufactured between 2016 and 2021 that does not have a key fob or push-button start.