Decrease in Hyundai and Kia thefts following anti-theft software upgrade

The rate of thefts involving Hyundai and Kia models is finally decreasing, as indicated by recent research from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). This positive development follows a period during which Hyundai and Kia vehicles were frequently targeted by thieves due to their perceived vulnerability to theft.

To address this issue, Hyundai and Kia introduced a software upgrade in February 2023 that prevents the vehicle from starting unless the owner’s key or an identical duplicate is used in the ignition. According to HLDI data, the theft claim frequencies for vehicles that had received the upgrade by December 2023 were 53% lower compared to those without the upgrade. It is worth noting that initially, only around 30% of eligible Hyundais and 28% of Kias had undergone the software fix. However, the adoption rate has since increased significantly, with approximately 60% of eligible vehicles now having the upgrade as of mid-July 2024.

The reported 53% reduction in theft claim frequencies encompasses various types of theft-related incidents, not just cases of complete vehicle theft. HLDI data suggests that claims for damage to stolen and recovered vehicles, theft of vehicle parts, and items stolen from inside the vehicle have also decreased. In fact, the frequency of “whole vehicle theft” is estimated to have dropped by 64%, indicating a significant improvement in security.

Despite these advancements, HLDI points out that certain user behaviors may still leave vehicles susceptible to theft even with the software upgrade. Owners are reminded to lock their vehicles using the fob rather than relying on keyless entry/exit features on the door handle for the immobilizer fix to be fully effective.

As part of their theft deterrent measures, Hyundai and Kia have introduced a sticker to indicate if a vehicle is equipped with the new anti-theft software upgrade. Interestingly, vehicles with the anti-theft software were more likely to experience vandalism claims, attributed to unsuccessful theft attempts resulting in broken windows, damage to the steering column, and other related issues.

Looking ahead, Matt Moore, senior vice president of HLDI, anticipates a gradual decline in claim rates for Hyundai and Kia vehicles as thieves realize they are no longer easy targets. He emphasizes the importance of having the software upgrade applied to affected Hyundai and Kia models to enhance security and deter theft effectively.