In mid-2022, Hyundai and Kia were subject to a social media trend that promoted a “car hack” where users could start these vehicles without using keys. Widespread knowledge of this software flaw resulted in an increased number of thefts impacting vehicles built between 2010 and 2021.   Hyundai and Kia have both recently announced they will be offering a free Anti-Theft software upgrade in response to the increasing thefts.   We encourage you to work with your manufacturer to install the software patch as soon as possible to remediate the theft potential. 

  How many vehicles are Impacted?

  •    Approximately 3.8 million Hyundai vehicles and 4.5 million KIA cars

When will the free software upgrade be made available by Hyundai and KIA?

  •    HYUNDAI’s upgrade became available beginning on February 14, 2023.  For more information on impacted and eligible vehicles, please visit Hyundai’s consumer site specifically for this issue HERE.    

•    KIA has not yet announced a specific date for availability of the upgrade but did mention they will be rolling out its free software update in a phased approach beginning later this month, with ensuing phases throughout the next several months. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also provided toll free numbers for both Hyundai and KIA as another means for impacted vehicle owners to obtain information on the free update: (Hyundai:  800-633-5151) and (KIA:  800-333-4542).