A software upgrade designed to enhance security in Hyundai and Kia vehicles led to a 53% reduction in theft claims, according to new research from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI).
The upgrade, rolled out in February 2023, only allows vehicles to start if the owner’s key or an identical duplicate is present, effectively reducing the surge of thefts that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The upgrade has been installed in 30% of eligible Hyundai vehicles and 28% of eligible Kia vehicles as of December 2023. Research indicates the frequency of whole vehicle thefts dropped by an even larger margin of 64% among vehicles that received the upgrade.
“The companies’ solution is extremely effective,” said Matt Moore, senior vice president of HLDI. “If you own a Hyundai or Kia vehicle without an electronic immobilizer, you should call your local dealer about getting the software upgrade today.”
The surge in thefts, driven by viral social media trends showing how to steal these vehicles, particularly affected models sold without electronic immobilizers. As a result, Hyundai and Kia responded with this software upgrade, which also includes a window sticker designed to deter potential thieves.
Despite the success of the upgrade, theft claim frequency for Hyundai and Kia vehicles remains higher than that of other brands. HLDI reports that in the second half of 2023, theft claim frequency for 2003-23 Hyundai and Kia models was more than 11 times higher than in the first half of 2020, and more than eight times higher than that of other brands for the same period.
Vandalism claims have also risen, particularly for vehicles with the new software, which saw a 61% increase in vandalism claim frequency compared to those without the upgrade. This spike in vandalism is likely due to failed theft attempts, which often result in damaged windows, scratched doors, or tampered steering columns.
Moore added that while theft and vandalism rates continue to rise, the rate of increase for theft has slowed significantly, and he expects claim rates for Hyundai and Kia vehicles to eventually align with those of other brands as the theft trend fades.
As of mid-July 2024, approximately 60% of eligible Hyundai and Kia vehicles had received the software upgrade, with the automakers continuing their efforts to protect their customers from theft and vandalism.
