Hyundai, Kia Finally Offer Free Fix for Easily-Stolen Vehicles

The thefts have become so rampant that some insurance companies have declined to issue new policies for these models.

Since 2021, owners of certain Kia and Hyundai models have been facing a much higher than average threat of their vehicles being stolen.

Videos shared widely on social media have shown ways thieves can exploit a lack of safeguards in many Kia and Hyundai vehicles produced in the 2015-2019 model years.

The thefts have become so rampant that some insurance companies have declined to issue new policies for these models.

After several attempts to solve the problem did little to impact the situation, the two automakers have announced a new plan.

Hyundai and Kia will offer free software upgrades to more than 8 million customers in the U.S.

Reuters reports that the fix will upgrade the alarm system and also “require the key to be in the ignition switch to turn the vehicle on."

Hyundai will also provide window stickers so customers can advertise the fact that the anti-theft protection is in place.

Since this vehicle theft problem emerged, insurance claims on Kias and Hyundais have surged by 30 times the 2019 level.

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