Viral videos have led to a nationwide increase in thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
CARFAX is partnering with automakers to provide consumers with free detailed information on how they can secure their vehicles. The automakers are offering consumers free steering-wheel locks or free software upgrade to the more than 4.9 million owners still needing the anti-theft measures. CARFAX is highlighting the issue on its vehicle history reports.
“We’re proud to work with Hyundai and Kia to make these cars and SUVs less of a target for car thieves,” said Faisal Hasan, General Manager for Data at CARFAX in a press release. “By highlighting this important software upgrade on CARFAX Vehicle History Reports, we’re making consumers aware that help is available and free. And that’s both for the cars they own as well as any cars they’re considering buying.”
Consumers shopping for a used Hyundai or Kia can see if a vehicle has had the software update in the free vehicle history report.
At risk are vehicle models 2010 through 2022 with keyed ignitions. They include anti-theft mechanisms but do not have an engine immobilizer. Viral videos have shown how to break into these vehicles and drive off. The theft alarm software logic update extends the length of the alarm sound from 30 seconds to one minute and requires the key to be in the ignition switch to turn the vehicle on.
Fifteen states have more than 100,00 of these vehicles on the road. California and Florida have more than 500,000. Texas has 433,000.
The affected models are:
Hyundai Models
2011-2019 Sonata
2011-2022 Tucson
2011-2022 Elantra
2013-2014 Genesis Coupe
2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport
2013-2020 Elantra GT
2013-2022 Santa Fe
2018-2021 Veloster
2018-2022 Accent
2018-2022 Kona
2019 Santa Fe XL
2020-2021 Venue
2020-2021 Palisade
Kia Models
2010-2022 Soul
2011-2020 Optima
2011-2021 Forte
2011-2021 Rio
2011-2021 Sedona
2021-2022 Seltos
2011-2022 Sorento
2011-2022 Sportage
2021-2022 K5
