Hyundai rolls out free anti-theft software upgrade in US

Hyundai has rolled out an anti-theft software upgrade for its customers in the United States (US) for free.

According to Hyundai’s US arm, the rollout of the software upgrade commenced on February 14, 2023. It was made available for almost four million Hyundai vehicles including 2017-2020 Elantra, 2015-2019 Sonata, and 2020-2021 Venue units.

The anti-theft software upgrade was carried out by Hyundai dealers and took less than an hour, the carmaker said. In addition, each vehicle that underwent the upgrade was fitted with window decals to alert would-be thieves that the vehicle is equipped with enhanced anti-theft technology.

“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. We have prioritized the upgrade’s availability for owners and lessees of our highest-selling vehicles and those most targeted by thieves in order for dealers to service them first,” said Hyundai Motor America Chief Executive Officer Randy Parker.

Hyundai explained that the software update “modifies certain vehicle control modules on Hyundai vehicles equipped with standard ‘turn-key-to-start’ ignition systems.” That said, locking the doors with the key fob will set the factory alarm and activate an “ignition kill” feature so the vehicles cannot be started when subjected to the popularized theft mode. Customers must use the key fob to unlock their vehicles to deactivate the “ignition kill” feature.

The software upgrade is scheduled to be available for the remaining eligible affected vehicles by June 2023. These are the 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, and the 2012-2017, 2019-2021 Veloster.

Hyundai’s customers in the US are notified of the anti-theft service campaign through multiple points of contact such as mail, email, outbound phone contact, and a dedicated website. Those contacted are instructed to bring their vehicle to the nearest Hyundai dealership to have the free software installed.

Photos from Hyundai

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