ST. LOUIS–Kia and Hyundai owners may soon be getting a free fix to help cut down on thefts involving these makes of vehicles. Kia says a software upgrade is available for certain models and Hyundai says it is working on one for its affected vehicles as well.
The software upgrade is expected to help prevent the type of theft due to a security flaw involving the engine immobilizer.
Motor vehicle thefts shot up 78% in St. Louis in 2022 with 7366 reportedly stolen. St. Louis officials pointed to a rise in Hyundai and Kia thefts for the uptick.
There was also a rise in Hyundai and Kia thefts nationwide, a trend Buffalo, N.Y. police referred to as part of the “Kia Challenge” fueled by social media videos.
Kia says it has started to notify owners of certain models of the free software upgrade. The company also anticipates it will make software upgrades available for most affected vehicles over the next few months, according to a statement sent to Spectrum News.
Hyundai says the software upgrade will be available in the “very near future” and will be provided at no cost to customers. The automaker told Spectrum News it will soon be releasing more information about the timing and vehicles eligible for the software upgrade.
A Kia statement also says:
"Kia remains concerned that criminal actors are targeting certain Kia cars with a steel key and “turn-to-start” ignition systems. While no car can be made completely theft-proof, Kia continues to make steering wheel locks available to customers through interested local law enforcement agencies.”
Hyundai is also providing free steering wheel locks to law enforcement across the country.
Both automakers say engine immobilizers now come standard on vehicles, a practice Kia started with its 2022 models and Hyundai started in November 2021.
Kia customers with questions regarding their Kia vehicle should contact the Kia Consumer Assistance Center directly at 1-800-333-4542.
Hyundai customers can contact the automaker’s Consumer Assistance Center at 1-800-633-5151.