Kia and Hyundai Introduce a Software Patch That Helps Prevent Cars From Getting Stolen

Millions of owners of certain Hyundai and Kia models are going to be offered a free software patch to prevent their cars from being stolen.

The specific models are 2015-2019 Hyundai and Kia models with turn-key ignitions. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, many of those models “lack electronic immobilizers that prevent thieves from simply breaking in and bypassing the ignition. The feature is standard equipment on nearly all vehicles of that vintage made by other manufacturers.”

Hyundai and Kia announced the development of a software patch that requires an actual key in the ignition to turn the vehicle on. CNN reported “thieves have been using the tips of USB cables to turn the ignition switch.” Additionally, “The software will also block the car from being started after the doors have been locked using the key fob remote control. The vehicle will need to be unlocked before it can be started. The software also extends the length of the alarm sound from 30 seconds to a full minute.”

In 2021, the specific car models became the subject of a viral social media trend in which thieves filmed themselves stealing the vehicles. CNN and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported at least 14 crashes and eight deaths that were results of the thefts.

The software will be provided immediately by Hyundai to the most vulnerable models, and Kia owners will be offered the update in the coming months.