This measure is especially important because some of the Kia and Hyundai models can’t be fixed with a software update. The automakers have also teamed up with law enforcement agencies in 12 states to provide steering wheel locks to affected drivers. On the insurance side, Hyundai has partnered with AAA to offer coverage to affected vehicle owners - a helpful move as some major providers refuse to cover these vehicles on new policies. Hyundai is also sending window stickers that alert potential thieves to the updated anti-theft protection. This software improves the alarm system and requires the key to be in the ignition switch for the vehicle to start. ![]() Kia and Hyundai have developed free theft deterrent software for their vehicles that lack immobilizers. Still, that’s a lot of vehicles on the road without this simple security feature. Now, all models produced since November 2021 have standard immobilizers. That number has inched higher in the years since, with 78% of 2021 Kia and Hyundai models featuring standard immobilizers. Once inside one of these vehicles, all a car thief needs to do is pull down on the steering column housing to rip it off, tear out the ignition cylinder and use the end of a standard USB cable to turn the ignition.Ī report from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) shows that only about 26% of 2015 Kia and Hyundai models feature standard immobilizers compared to 96% for all other combined manufacturers. ![]() Over 3.8 million Hyundai autos and 4.5 million Kia vehicles from model years 2011 to 2022 share this security flaw, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Those who steal these specific Kia and Hyundai vehicles don’t face much resistance, whether the theft is for a social media stunt or not. This means they don’t require a key or key fob to start the engine. There’s a simple reason why it’s so easy to steal certain Kia and Hyundai models: the vehicles aren’t equipped with engine immobilizers.
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