Kia Hyundai Theft Fix: Stop the TikTok Car Theft Trend

fIf you own a Kia or Hyundai between 2011 and 2022, you’ve probably heard that you are potential victim of a nationwide epidemic of thieves targeting your vehicles. The Kia Boys challenge was viral on social media and showcased how to hack handful of Kia and Hyundai models within minutes using none other than USB cable. The Kia Hyundai theft fix is now one of the most researched topics by Kia owners and for a reason. Cars in the range of vulnerability in which you do not have any steps taken to address the vulnerability are at genuine risk.

Why These Vehicles Were Targeted

The only vulnerability was that. Kia and Hyundai produced many vehicles for sale in the U.S. from 2011 to 2022 that did not have an engine immobiliser as standard equipment. An immobiliser is the electronic system which requires the correct transponder chip signal from the key to unlock the car. If it weren’t there, the only thing that would stop a thief from getting at a running engine would be the ignition cylinder.

The ignition cylinders of the affected models may have been broken with simple tools to expose the starter wires behind the steering column. A USB cable connector was in place to complete the circuit required to start that engine, but by chance.By chance, a USB cable connector was in place to complete the circuit required to start that engine. After that, the car began to start without any key. With its easy-to-follow process, it could be made into a film and disseminated broadly, and that is exactly what happened.

The situation was quite serious. Theft of the affected Kia and Hyundai models jumped several hundred percent in some cities throughout the country compared to the previous year’s figures. In response, insurance companies began to refuse to insure some of the models in high theft regions and some cities sued the manufacturers. The Kia Hyundai theft fix became not just a personal safety concern but a major automotive industry issue.

Which Vehicles Are Affected

The affected models are those manufactured without a factory immobiliser. Not every Kia and Hyundai from this period is vulnerable. Trim levels that came with push button start rather than a traditional key ignition were generally equipped with an immobiliser as part of that system. The vulnerability primarily affects models with a traditional key ignition that were sold without the immobiliser as standard.

In general, the vehicles encompass Kia vehicles from the 2011-2022 model years, and Hyundai vehicles of same years, such as Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Tucson, Santa Fe and Venue. It will depend on the model year(s) and should be checked directly with Kia or Hyundai for specific model.

The Official Software Update

Both Kia and Hyundai released a free software update in response to the theft wave. This update adds an anti theft feature that extends the alarm activation time and makes the ignition harder to start without the correct key by modifying how the vehicle’s electronics respond to ignition manipulation attempts. It does not add a full hardware immobiliser but it does significantly increase the time and difficulty involved in the theft method, making the car a less attractive target.

The software update is available from Kia and Hyundai dealerships free of charge for affected vehicles. It takes around an hour to install and represents the most widely accessible first step in the Kia Hyundai theft fix process. Keep in mind however that this is not a 100% safe measure, it will make it more difficult for thieves to steal your information. Additional measures may be considered for higher risk areas or for those owners who desire more extensive protection.

The Steering Wheel Lock

Kia and Hyundai responded to the theft crisis by offering to supply owners of the vehicles affected by the thefts with a free steering wheel lock. Physical steering wheel lock is a deterrent that is physically visible. Typically, if thieves see a physical barrier in place, they will move on to an easier target to take the easy pick. It doesn’t keep anyone from getting into the car, or even turning the key in the ignition, but it keeps them from driving away, which is what’s most important.

The combination of the software update and a steering wheel lock addresses both the starting vulnerability and the driving away stage of a theft. Used together, they represent a meaningful improvement in protection for affected vehicles without requiring any permanent modification to the car.

Hardware Immobiliser Installation

For owners who want the most comprehensive Kia Hyundai theft fix, installing an aftermarket immobiliser addresses the root cause of the vulnerability rather than making the theft process harder around the edges. A properly installed immobiliser system requires the correct electronic credential, either from the original key transponder or from a separate security device, before allowing the engine to start. Without that credential, the starter circuit is physically interrupted and the car does not start regardless of what is done at the ignition.

Aftermarket immobiliser installation needs to be done by a professional with experience in automotive security systems. An immobiliser that is installed incorrectly can create reliability problems where the vehicle occasionally fails to start for the owner, or can have vulnerabilities in the installation that defeat the purpose of fitting it. Done correctly by a trained automotive locksmith, it is one of the most effective permanent security additions available for the affected vehicles.

Additional Security Measures Worth Considering

Beyond the software update, steering wheel lock, and immobiliser, there are a few other steps that add layers of protection for affected Kia and Hyundai owners.

• GPS tracking device: A hidden GPS tracker does not prevent theft but significantly improves the chances of recovery if the vehicle is taken. Law enforcement can use the real time location data to recover a stolen vehicle quickly, and insurance companies often look more favourably on insuring vehicles with tracking devices fitted.
• Parking in well lit and observed locations: Opportunistic theft of the kind this vulnerability enabled is reduced by simple visibility. Thieves looking for a quick and unobserved theft will choose the car in a dark corner over one parked under a light in view of cameras.
• Window VIN etching: Vedges on the windows, which are labeled with VIN number, make the car less appealing to car parts sellers.
• Visible alarm: If a potential thief observes a flashing LED or alarm indicator on the dashboard it will tell them that the car has a visible security system. A mere deterrent will work if the alarm system doesn’t prevent the theft method, just as long as it is noticeable to someone that they should take a different car.

How AZ Cars Locksmith Can Help

At AZ Cars Locksmith, we help Kia and Hyundai owners implement a proper Kia Hyundai theft fix through professional automotive locksmith security services. Our mobile team can assess your specific vehicle and recommend the most appropriate combination of measures for your situation. Here is what we offer:

• Aftermarket immobiliser installation: We supply and install aftermarket immobiliser systems for affected Kia and Hyundai models. Our installations are done properly, with clean wiring, concealed components, and full testing to ensure the system works correctly for the owner without reliability issues. This is the most effective permanent security solution available for the affected vehicles and we have the experience to do it right.
• Ignition repair after theft attempts: If your Kia or Hyundai has already been targeted and the ignition has been damaged, we repair or replace the ignition cylinder and restore the vehicle to proper working order. Driving with a damaged ignition left from a theft attempt is both a security and reliability risk that needs addressing as soon as possible.
• Key and security system assessment: We assess the current state of your vehicle’s ignition and security system and give you a clear picture of what protection you have and what would meaningfully improve it. Some owners have already had the software update done and want to know whether additional hardware measures are worthwhile. We give honest answers based on your specific situation rather than a standard recommendation that may not fit your circumstances.
• New key cutting and programming: If your Kia or Hyundai key was taken along with the vehicle or during a break in, we cut and program replacement keys on site. All new keys are correctly programmed into the vehicle and run thrus to ensure they work correctly before we leave.

Why Choose AZ Cars Locksmith

When it comes to the Kia Hyundai theft fix, here is why drivers trust AZ Cars Locksmith to get it right:

• We understand the specific vulnerability: Our team knows exactly how the affected ignition systems work and what the theft method exploits. That specific knowledge means we can assess your vehicle accurately and recommend measures that address the actual vulnerability rather than general security advice that may or may not apply to your car.
• Professional immobiliser installation: Aftermarket immobiliser installation done poorly creates new problems. Done well, it provides reliable, long term protection. Our installations are clean, professionally wired, and properly tested. We do not rush immobiliser work because the reliability of the outcome depends on it being done correctly.
• Mobile and available when needed: Security concerns do not wait for business hours. Our mobile locksmith service operates 24 hours a day and we come to wherever your vehicle is. If you have just discovered your car was targeted or you want security work done at a time that suits you, we accommodate it.
• Honest recommendations: We tell you what will genuinely improve your vehicle’s security and what the realistic protection level of each measure is. Not every situation requires an aftermarket immobiliser. Some vehicles are better served by the software update, a wheel lock, and sensible parking habits. We give you the honest picture and let you decide.
• Clear upfront pricing: All security work is quoted before it starts. You know exactly what any installation or repair will cost before we begin and the price does not change when the job is done.

Final Words

Many owners were targeted by the Kia and Hyundai theft epidemic, and some of the results were from the inconvenience of a stolen stereo to the loss of the entire car. The great news is that Kia Hyundai theft fix options nowadays are available and productive. The combination of the manufacturer software update and steering wheel lock is free and provides a basic amount of information.

An aftermarket immobiliser fitted by a professional is a more thorough solution to the problem of vulnerability and works on the principle of fixing the vulnerability at the source for owners in areas with a higher risk, or those desiring the greatest protection.

Call AZ Cars Locksmith

If you’re a car owner and you own a Kia or Hyundai car from the affected years, and you’re asking yourself what’s protecting you? We have a mobile team of mechanics that will come to your home, inspect your vehicle and give you honest advice about what’s best to do. No pressure, no needless upselling.

Call AZ Cars Locksmith today to get a professional and affordable Kia Hyundai theft fix evaluation and installation. We’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and here to keep your vehicle safe.

Phone: 602-586-5999

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