ST. LOUIS—Hyundai owners around St. Louis whose car models have been targeted by persistent thefts will be able to get the anti-theft software for free this weekend. 

Hyundai is partnering with the St. Louis County Police Department and the Urban League to offer a two-day clinic to residents with certain vehicle types manufactured between 2011 and 2022. 

The mobile clinic will be held Sept. 9-10 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Urban League’s Jenning’s location at 8960 Jennings Station Road, 63136. No appointments are needed. 

St. Louis is one of many areas nationwide that saw a spike in car thefts involving Hyundai and Kia vehicles after TikTok videos put a spotlight on some of the vehicles' lack of an immobilizer. 

Earlier this year, St. Louis filed suit against the automakers, demanding a recall of the vehicles. Other cities, like Seattle, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Buffalo, Madison and Milwaukee joined the multi-district suit.

St. Louis County Police say Hyundai and Kia thefts soared in 2022, up 1000% from 2021.  Motor vehicle thefts shot up 78% in St. Louis in that same period, with 7,366 reportedly stolen. 

The software upgrade can also be done at Hyundai dealerships across the country. You can learn more about making an appointment at a dealer on Hyundai’s anti-theft software upgrade site.

If you own an affected Kia, you can find out if your vehicle is eligible for a software upgrade by heading to the automaker’s Customer Care Center on its website.