If you have been following the news closely, a large number of cars stolen in the New Jersey region lately have been Hyundais and Kias. That’s because a software flaw, popularized on TikTok allowed non-skilled would-be thieves to be able to access the vehicles easily.
Today, the carmakers announced a software upgrade is available to fix that flaw.
In response to a method of theft popularized by TikTok and other social media platforms, Hyundai and Kia have announced the availability of a software update for 8.3 million U.S. vehicles that will prevent the vehicles from starting when stolen. In the United States, Hyundai and Kia vehicles will be eligible for the free upgrade.
As of February 14th, Hyundai’s 2017-2020 Elantra, 2015-2019 Sonata, and 2020-2021 Venue vehicles will be able to receive the software upgrade. The remaining eligible affected vehicles will receive the software upgrade by June 2023.