Hyundai is launching a series of free anti-theft software installation clinics. The move comes in partnership with a number of local government officials, police departments, and community organizations. The automaker continues to walk a fine line between accepting and rejecting responsibility for the rise in thefts of its products. In numerous cities, thefts had spiked by an astonishing “thousands of percentage points,” as revealed by a recent Motherboard data report.
The social media phenomenon, sparked by a viral challenge on TikTok, which taught people how to easily steal a Hyundai or Kia without an immobilizer may be moving closer to a resolution. Both companies are hard at work to install software that will make the popularized method ineffective. Hyundai says this upgrade is already on almost one million cars.
“Our customers are the top priority and we encourage all eligible Hyundai owners and lessees to take advantage of the free software upgrade to help protect their vehicle,” said David VandeLinde, vice president of after-sales, Hyundai Motor America. “We are committed to ensuring the quality and integrity of our products, all of which are fully compliant with federal anti-theft requirements.”
More: Police Arrest Four Juveniles Going 115 MPH In Stolen Hyundai For TikTok Clout
Hyundai says that 13 different models are eligible for the upgrade but each will need to fall into a specific set of model years. Currently, events are scheduled for New York City, NY on the weekend of October 28th, Chicago, IL starting November 3rd, Minneapolis, MN beginning on November 10th, St. Paul, MN on November 12th and 13th, and finally in Rochester, NY on November 17th and 18th.
Interestingly, owners who can’t make it to one of those events can go to their local Hyundai dealer says the automaker. It says that some vehicles without immobilizers aren’t eligible for this software upgrade and in those cases, it’ll reimburse those owners for the cost of a wheel lock.
Notably, Hyundai isn’t alone in offering this anti-software upgrade. Kia has already begun offering the same sort of free clinic across the country. Just last week it held events in St. Louis and Wauwatosa. Despite pouring all of this time, energy, and effort into providing a solution, Hyundai and Kia continue to stand by the fact that they never broke any laws by selling cars without immobilizers.
Eligible Affected Vehicles