Home » Auto News » This Just In » Hyundai, Kia Announce Free Anti-Theft Upgrades

Hyundai and Kia are introducing free anti-theft software upgrades for their most vulnerable models in order to combat the rise of targeted thefts. These software enhancements are tailored specifically for models sold without push-button ignitions and engine immobilizers. In an official statement published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the fix will also go out to approximately 4.5 million Kias and 3.8 million Hyundais. In Hyundai’s own statement, updates will be first available for more than 1 million vehicles, part of a larger campaign to service almost 4 million units. The first wave is available for the 2017-2020 Elantra, the 2015-2019 Sonata and 2020-2021 Venue. The upgrade is free and performed by Hyundai dealers. Even better, it takes less than an hour for the process to be all buttoned up, including the application of a sweet window decal that alerts potential thieves of the extra security. What does the update do? It’s rather simple: By locking the doors with the vehicle key fob, both the alarm will prime and an “ignition kill” feature will activate. The fob will be needed in order to deactivate the “ignition kill” function. This specifically targets the popular method of theft gone viral via social media. For anyone rocking a Hyundai produced since November 2021, engine immobilizers have been equipped as standard since. Other models in need of the new software will be eligible by June 2023; Hyundai will reach out to affected customers through various means.

Hyundai and Kia are introducing free anti-theft software upgrades for their most vulnerable models in order to combat the rise of targeted thefts.

These software enhancements are tailored specifically for models sold without push-button ignitions and engine immobilizers. In an official statement published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the fix will also go out to approximately 4.5 million Kias and 3.8 million Hyundais. In Hyundai’s own statement, updates will be first available for more than 1 million vehicles, part of a larger campaign to service almost 4 million units.

The first wave is available for the 2017-2020 Elantra, the 2015-2019 Sonata and 2020-2021 Venue. The upgrade is free and performed by Hyundai dealers. Even better, it takes less than an hour for the process to be all buttoned up, including the application of a sweet window decal that alerts potential thieves of the extra security.

What does the update do? It’s rather simple: By locking the doors with the vehicle key fob, both the alarm will prime and an “ignition kill” feature will activate. The fob will be needed in order to deactivate the “ignition kill” function. This specifically targets the popular method of theft gone viral via social media.

For anyone rocking a Hyundai produced since November 2021, engine immobilizers have been equipped as standard since. Other models in need of the new software will be eligible by June 2023; Hyundai will reach out to affected customers through various means.

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