July 26, 2024

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Hyundai and Kia issuing software update that prevents TikTok challenge car thefts

Hyundai and Kia issuing software update that prevents TikTok challenge car thefts

Hyundai and Kia have a Valentine’s Working day present for some of their consumers.

The sister automakers have formulated new software package aimed at protecting against an auto theft technique focusing on numerous of their cars that’s been distribute on TikTok and other social media, ensuing in tens of thousands of thefts around the previous 12 months.

The strategy worked on certain more mature reduced-end versions from 2011 to 2021 that used a keyed ignition as an alternative of a pushbutton start and were not geared up with immobilizers.

The videos confirmed how the steering column go over could be taken off and the idea of a USB cable used to turn the ignition.

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The theft method was shared on social media.

The theft technique was shared on social media. (Azaela Wilburg/Fox News)

The program update reprograms the motor vehicle so that locking the doorways with the important fob sets the manufacturing facility alarm and activates an “ignition kill” element. This stops the cars from becoming started off until the important fob is employed to unlock them, which reactivates the ignition.

Hyundai on Tuesday began creating it readily available to entrepreneurs of the 2017-2020 Elantra, 2015-2019 Sonata and 2020-2021 Location, when it will be accessible for other versions in June.

Several 2011 to 2021 models have the vulnerability.

Various 2011 to 2021 versions have the vulnerability. (Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“Hyundai is committed to making sure the top quality and integrity of our products and solutions by way of steady enhancement and is pleased to supply affected shoppers with an additional theft deterrent by means of this application up grade,” said Randy Parker, CEO, Hyundai Motor The us.

“We have prioritized the upgrade’s availability for proprietors and lessees of our maximum promoting cars and those people most focused by robbers in order for sellers to support them first.”

All 2022 Hyundai and Kia automobiles built due to the fact November 2021 have normal immobilizers.

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Nearly four million cars are eligible for the software, Hyundai explained.

The 2017 Elantra Sedan is one of the first that will get the update.

The 2017 Elantra Sedan is 1 of the very first that will get the update. (Hyundai)

Hyundai mentioned numerous 2011 to 2021 versions are not suitable with the update and that Hyundai will deliver steering wheel locks no cost of cost to these house owners.

Kia stated it has begun to contact owners and said it will be offered to most homeowners of impacted automobiles around the upcoming handful of months, but did not release a certain product by model rollout.

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State Farm and Progressive final thirty day period mentioned they had stopped creating insurance policies for some Hyundai and Kia models thanks to the situation.

The Hyundai models that will get the update in June are:

2018-2022 Accent

2011-2016 Elantra

2021-2022 Elantra

2018-2020 Elantra GT

2011-2014 Genesis Coupe

2018-2022 Kona

2020-2021 Palisade

2013-2018 Santa Fe Activity

2013-2022 Santa Fe

2019 Santa Fe XL

2011-2014 Sonata

2011-2022 Tucson

2012-2017, 2019-2021 Veloster