Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty The Power of TikTok Head to a dealership to install a security kit for any vulnerable Hyundai or Kia vehicles, but it’s a $170 aftermarket purchase. Hyundai estimated the update would be available in certain models in the first half of next year, with others following later in 2023. Hyundai’s newly available sensor kit is supposed to target how the thieves are gaining access to the cars.īoth Kia and Hyundai said in an updated email statement this week that the companies are looking into updated software to prevent thefts for targeted vehicles. Hyundai and Kia have distributed locks to police departments to offer a free deterrent to Hyundai and Kia owners. Meanwhile, steering wheel locks can prevent the Tik Tok-fueled thefts. Starting Saturday Hyundai started offering a Compustar Firstech glass-break sensor security kit at dealerships and Compustar locations, but customers will have to pay $170 for the kit and additional installation fees. But in 2021 alone Hyundai sold 738,081 vehicles with the Tucson, Santa Fe and Elantra as top-sellers.įor many owners (mostly affected are Kia vehicles from 2011 to 2021 that use a key to start the car and Hyundais from 2016 to 2021: Accent, Elantra, Elantra GT, Sonata, Veloster, Venue, Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Sport, Santa Fe XL and Palisade) it’s gotten so bad that Hyundai and Kia have stepped in with a solution. 1, 2021 come standard with the anti-theft immobilizer, so many 2022 models and all 2023 units are safe from the brazen thefts. Hyundai Ramping Up SecurityĪll Hyundai and Kia vehicles after Nov. The Hyundai Accent is a low-cost vehicle prime for the taking. The carjackings are part of a TikTok trend called the “Kia Challenge.” The thieves can quickly hotwire the system with something as simple as a USB cable once the ignition cover is pried off. These older, lower-cost models like the Kia Rio and Sportage and the Hyundai Accent have a traditional turn-key ignition but no engine immobilizer, which requires a matching chip in a key fob to start the engine. The keyless hack is spreading widely on social media to the point that Hyundai is selling an aftermarket security kit and both companies are developing a theft-prevention software update for next year. Louis, because of a missing steering wheel component that makes it easy to drive off with a simple hack. It’s a tough time to be a Kia or Hyundai owner.Ĭars from 2021 and earlier are being targeted, especially in the Midwest in cities like Milwaukee and St. In a Tuesday statement, the company wrote, “Kia also remains concerned about incidents of car theft targeting certain Kia models, encouraged in some cases by social media content promoting criminal conduct, and is committed to supporting law enforcement and owners in addressing these crimes.” Free wheel locks are also available through law enforcement. Kia similarly is offering a software update and is notifying eligible customers over the next few months. A dedicated anti-theft resources website is up with a VIN check and other information. Hyundai will continue to provide free steering wheel locks that owners can receive through local law enforcement agencies. Some Hyundai vehicles from 2011 through 2022 do not support the software update, so Hyundai will reimburse owners for wheel lock purchases. The next batch of eligible vehicles will go in for the software update in June and includes a long list of Kia models, including: Once updated a window decal will (hopefully) alert and deter thieves from targeting the vehicle. Affected owners can bring in the car to Hyundai dealerships for the free anti-theft upgrade. The first million eligible cars are 2017 to 2020 Elantra, 2015 to 2019 Sonata and 2020 to 2021 Venue vehicles. PT: Hyundai is offering a free software update to prevent thefts on certain targeted vehicles, starting Tuesday on nearly 4 million Hyundais on the road. Kia and Hyundai vehicles without engine immobilizers in cars from 2021 and earlier are targeted because of relatively easy access.
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