Hyundai's anti-theft software update is about to end a TikTok trend where people film themselves stealing cars.
Hyundai is about to put an end to the TikTok trend where people film themselves stealing cars from the Asian manufacturer. In the videos, the thieves can be seen removing the ignition hoods from Hyundai cars, starting them with a screwdriver or a USB cable, and driving away. But Hyundai hopes that All this is forgotten.
During the pandemic, car thefts have skyrocketed. Some vehicles are targeted because they are expensive, while others are targeted for ease of theft, with Hyundai being the most vulnerable.
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| Hyundai anti-theft software update |
Hyundai is offering a free anti-theft software update in response to an increase in thefts targeting its vehicles in the United States. This technology was made available through a service campaign that began on February 14 and has covered nearly four million vehicles.
More than one million Elantra vehicles produced between 2017 and 2020, including the 2015-2019 Sonata and 2020-2021 generation, will be the first to receive the update.
The software update will be available for the remaining eligible vehicles by June 2023. The update is free of charge and will be carried out by Hyundai dealers. The procedure will not take more than an hour to complete.
As if updating wasn't enough, every vehicle will have a warning on the window letting potential thieves know that the vehicle they're trying to steal is equipped with enhanced anti-theft technology.
As if updating wasn't enough, every vehicle will have a warning on the window letting potential thieves know that the vehicle they're trying to steal is equipped with enhanced anti-theft technology.
Since theft is not a new problem, the Korean company Hyundai has taken action since 2021. All Hyundai cars manufactured after November are equipped with an engine immobilizer as standard equipment. Those who own or lease the affected vehicles can also get steering wheel locks.
Customers with vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2022 that lack engine mounts and are unable to receive the software update will be entered into a program that helps them purchase steering wheel locks.
The software upgrade modifies some vehicle control modules in Hyundai vehicles with start-ready ignition systems, as a result, using the ignition key to lock the doors triggers the factory alarm and activates the "ignition off" feature, preventing vehicles from starting, to disable the "ignition off" feature. Ignition Kill", customers must unlock their cars with the key fob.
Customers who wish to know if their Hyundai vehicle will be recalled can do so by visiting the manufacturer's website. To determine if their vehicle qualifies for a software update, they must enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Thieves seem to target vehicles other than Hyundai. Kia cars also appeal to the perpetrators. Surprisingly, many people film themselves stealing these cars. The irony is that in some cases, the perpetrators were caught by the police after they posted a video of the theft online.
Starting today, we are rolling out a free anti-theft software upgrade that prevents certain Hyundai vehicles from starting during a method of theft recently popularized on TikTok and other social media channels. Learn more about this software upgrade here: https://t.co/43stzSXpVj
— Hyundai USA (@Hyundai) February 14, 2023