The automaker’s first major effort was a software fix that addressed the vulnerability being exploited by thieves, but not all targeted cars were compatible. Now, the company has developed a hardware solution for those vehicles.
The fix involves a reinforcement that protects the ignition cylinder — the thing the key slides into in the steering column — and prevents its removal, which is necessary for the means of theft being promoted on social media.
Installation takes about 30 minutes and will be free for owners of affected Hyundais at dealerships nationwide. After installing the ignition-cylinder protector, Hyundai dealers will affix decals to the windows of the car to help deter would-be thieves. Hyundai hopes to install the hardware in some 646,000 vehicles that could not have their vulnerability addressed by the previously developed software fix.
Only vehicles without push-button start are susceptible to this particular means of theft. Hyundai will start notifying affected customers on Dec. 20 with further instructions on getting the fix installed; more information can also be found at HyundaiAntiTheft.com. Eligible models include some variants of the following:
2011-17 Accent
2013-14 Elantra Coupe
2011-12 Elantra Touring, Genesis Coupe, Santa Fe, Veracruz
Since February 2023, Hyundai has installed anti-theft software updates in more than 1 million vehicles, and it continues to host clinics in cities around the country where owners can bring their cars to have it installed for free. There is one currently in downtown Baltimore through Sunday. Having fine-tuned the process, Hyundai says the software upgrade now takes less than 20 minutes.
