The Korean automaker continues to walk a fine line between accepting and denying responsibility for the rise in thefts of its products. In numerous cities, thefts have increased by an astonishing "thousands of percentage points," according to a recent Motherboard data report.
The social media phenomenon sparked by a viral challenge on TikTok that taught people how to easily steal a Hyundai or Kia car without an immobilizer may be nearing a resolution. Both companies are working hard to install software that will prevent the popular method from working. Hyundai says the upgrade is already in nearly a million vehicles.
“Our customers are the top priority and we encourage all eligible Hyundai owners and lessees to take advantage of the free software upgrade to help protect their vehicle,” said David VandeLinde, vice president of after-sales, Hyundai Motor America. “We are committed to ensuring the quality and integrity of our products, all of which are fully compliant with federal anti-theft requirements.”
According to Hyundai, 13 different models are eligible for the upgrade, but each must fall within a specific set of model years. Events are currently scheduled for New York City, NY on the weekend of October 28th, Chicago, IL starting November 3rd, Minneapolis, MN starting November 10th, St. Paul, MN on November 12th and 13th, and finally Rochester, NY on November 17th and 18th.
Owners who can't make it to one of these events can visit their local Hyundai dealer, the automaker says. It adds that some vehicles without immobilizers aren't eligible for this software upgrade, and in those cases, it will reimburse those owners for the cost of a wheel lock.
Notably, Hyundai isn't alone in offering this anti-software upgrade. Kia has already begun offering the same kind of free clinic across the country. Just last week, it held events in St. Louis and Wauwatosa. Despite all this time, energy and effort to provide a solution, Hyundai and Kia continue to stand by the fact that they never broke any laws by selling cars without immobilizers.
Source: Hyundai Motor America