Hyundai has a solution for owners of its vehicles being targeted as part of a social media-driven spate of thefts across the United States.
Customers who want an added layer of security can now purchase a Compustar anti-theft security kit for $170. All of the automaker’s 820 dealerships across the United States are authorized to sell and install the kit.
While the kit itself is reasonably priced if it prevents a vehicle being stolen, the cost of installation is expected to be around $500, according to the attorney filing a class action lawsuit against Hyundai for not installing immobilizers on impacted vehicles, Jonathan Michaels.
“The dealers have been notified and are currently receiving training bulletins and instructions on how to perform the installation, which will take about 2.5 hours to complete,” Hyundai spokesperson Ira Gabriel told Auto News. “The kits are at our distribution centers, which are located around the country, so they’ll have it in inventory this week.”
Hyundai is also developing a software update that will add an extra layer of protection. This fix will be available for select vehicles in the first half of 2023 before being rolled out to other models.
Among the Hyundai models being targeted by thieves due to their lack of engine immobilizers are 2016-2021 Accent, Elantra, Elantra GT, Veloster, Sonata, Venue, Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Sport, Santa Fe XL, and Palisade models.
Hyundai is also working alongside law enforcement agencies in select areas to distribute free steering wheel locks. A host of Kia models from the 2011-2021 model years also lack immobilizers but the company has not yet announced plans to offer a security kit for affected models and continues to offer free steering wheel locks.
