Hyundai and Kia's Anti-Theft Software Proves Effective

Abdullah

07 Aug 2024

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Hyundai and Kia's Anti-Theft Software Proves Effective

More than a year after Hyundai and Kia introduced their upgraded anti-theft software, there has been a notable drop in the number of stolen vehicles equipped with this new technology. Despite this improvement, overall theft statistics remain concerningly high, as revealed by recent insurance claim analyses.

Origins of the Software Update

The automotive giants began deploying these anti-theft upgrades in February 2023. This initiative followed a sharp increase in vehicle thefts involving specific Hyundai and Kia models over the past three years, a trend that was exacerbated by viral social media content showing how to bypass these vehicles' security systems.

Reduction in Theft Claims

Data from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) indicates that theft claims for Hyundai and Kia models fitted with the updated software have plummeted by 64%. This contrasts sharply with the theft rates for similar models that have not received the upgrade.

Matt Moore, Senior Vice President of HLDI, commended the software’s success, emphasizing its substantial role in curbing theft incidents.

Targeting Vulnerable Vehicle Models

The software update primarily addresses older Hyundai and Kia models manufactured before 2023, which are particularly prone to theft. These vehicles often lack advanced anti-theft features found in newer models, such as electronic immobilizers that are standard in many contemporaneous vehicles.

Pre-Update Theft Surge

From early 2020 to mid-2023, there was a staggering 1,000% increase in thefts involving these Hyundai and Kia vehicles. This surge was largely driven by social media tutorials that demonstrated how to steal these cars with relative ease.

Settlement and Software Distribution

In response to the theft crisis, Hyundai and Kia agreed to a $200 million settlement and began offering free software upgrades for affected models starting in February 2023. To date, more than 2 million vehicles have been equipped with this new anti-theft technology.

Persistent Theft Issues

Despite the software upgrade, theft rates for these older models continue to be high. By the end of 2023, only about 30% of eligible vehicles had received the update. Currently, around 61% of eligible Hyundai vehicles have been upgraded. However, some models lack the necessary hardware for the software, leading Hyundai and Kia to provide alternative solutions, such as steering wheel locks.

Challenges with New Security Measures

Ongoing thefts may be partly due to incorrect use of the new security software. For optimal effectiveness, the vehicle must be locked using the key fob’s button rather than the traditional metal key.

Future Prospects

Matt Moore predicts that theft rates will continue to decline as more new vehicles are upgraded with the new software. He also noted that the initial spike in thefts was fueled by a social media trend, with many perpetrators acting out of curiosity rather than criminal intent. Moore believes that as interest in this trend wanes, thefts will likely decrease.

Hyundai Kia AntiTheft Software Vehicle Theft Car Security Automotive Updates Theft Reduction Insurance Claims Auto Technology Security Measures

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