In order to protect vehicles from theft, Hyundai and KIA are rolling out a critical patch to several of their car models, which were vulnerable to hackers.
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In response to an increase in vehicle thefts targeting cars that lack ignition switches and anti-theft immobilizers, Hyundai is offering a free software update that can thwart a theft method that has become popular on social media platforms like TikTok, it highlighted in its recent announcement.
Since July 2022, TikTok has been abuzz with a “challenge” focused on hacking . In videos circulating online, users reveal how they access and unlock the hidden USB-A socket in their steering column cover, allowing them to wire their vehicles at will.
The problem lies in a glitch that allows the “ turn-key-to-start ” system to bypass the immobilizer, thus ignoring its purpose of authenticating and verifying the code from the key’s transponder to the vehicle’s ECU. This allows criminals to easily start the car by using any USB cable to forcefully activate the ignition cylinder.
The influence of the infamous “Kia Challenge” was colossal, resulting in a dramatic 85% increase in thefts for both brands in Los Angeles by 2022 compared to the previous year. In Chicago, that figure skyrocketed to nine times more than before!
Yesterday, the US Department of Transportation (NHTSA) released a report revealing that approximately 3.8 million Hyundai vehicles and 4.5 million KIA cars are affected by a security vulnerability.
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According to the organization, these violations have proven deadly, with 14 traffic accidents and eight deaths reported.
For nearly a year, the two automakers have been working with law enforcement across the U.S. to provide hundreds of thousands of steering wheel locks as a means of protecting drivers and passengers. Fortunately, a software update is now available to address the security issue more effectively.
Every affected car, including the 2017-2020 Elantra, 2015-2019 Sonata , and 2020-2021 Venue, will receive a free software.
By June 2023, the second phase of the upgrade will be completed and will include these models:
- 2018-2022 Accent
- 2011-2016 Elantra
- 2021-2022 Elantra
- 2018-2020 Elantra GT
- 2011-2014 Genesis Coupe
- 2018-2022 Kona
- 2020-2021 Palisade
- 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport
- 2013-2022 Santa Fe
- 2019 Santa Fe XL
- 2011-2014 Sonata
- 2011-2022 Tucson
- 2012-2017, 2019-2021 Veloster
Upgrade your Hyundai vehicle quickly and effortlessly at any authorized dealership or service center in the US, as installation takes less than 60 minutes! manufacturers will personally notify eligible car owners of their eligibility.
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KIA has promised to start upgrading its software soon, however it has not revealed any news with clear dates and information so far.
Hyundai Motor Company has come a long way since its founding in 1967. From the small, family-owned business it once was, to one of the world's leading automakers, Hyundai is today a leader in the automotive industry and is known for its innovation and quality.
