Kia and Hyundai issue software update after viral challenge causes thefts

Kia and Hyundai have issued software updates for millions of their vehicles after a TikTok theft challenge went viral.

Thieves have been targeting models without push-button ignitions and immobilisers which can supposedly be “hot wired” using a USB cable and a screwdriver.

The thefts have led to 14 accidents and eight deaths in the US.

Affected models include those made between 2011 and 2021 across both brands.

The free software update is said to increase the duration of the vehicle’s alarm sound from 30 seconds to one minute as well as requiring the key to be in the ignition to turn the vehicle on.

Both Hyundai and Kia have also provided owners with 26,000 steering locks to prevent their cars from getting stolen.

Approximately 4.5 million Kias and 3.8 million Hyundais will be eligible for the software update according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US.

Hyundai Motor America said it will roll out its security updates for 1 million of the near 4 million vehicles first including the model year 2017-2020 Elantra, 2015-2019 Sonata and 2020-2021 Venue.

The update is scheduled to become available for the remaining Hyundais in June 2023.

“Hyundai is committed to ensuring the quality and integrity of our products through continuous improvement and is pleased to provide affected customers with an additional theft deterrent through this software upgrade,” said Randy Parker, CEO, Hyundai Motor America. 

New Zealand Hyundai owners can be rest assured that the security updates aren’t needed for local models, according to Stuff.

As for Kia, the carmaker has already begun rolling out software updates for models in the US but it isn’t clear whether or need to be updated locally.