Unresolved vehicle compromises persist for Hyundai and Kia, despite software updates
In the past few years, Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been disproportionately targeted for theft and vandalism, with claims surging since 2022 and continuing through 2023. This trend is in stark contrast to other brands' rates, according to recent data.
The vulnerabilities in the keyless entry systems of these vehicles, particularly the susceptibility to relay attacks, have been exploited by thieves, contributing to the rise in theft incidents. This trend has been particularly prominent in major metropolitan areas such as Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles.
In response, both manufacturers have taken steps to enhance vehicle security. They have implemented software updates, recommended the installation of immobilizers and advanced alarm systems, encouraged the use of steering wheel locks or parking in secured areas, and provided software patches to improve vehicle security and disable remote start features vulnerable to hacking. Additionally, they have offered telematics and GPS tracking features to aid vehicle recovery.
However, as of December 2023, only 30% of upgradable Hyundai vehicles and 28% of upgradable Kia vehicles had received the software updates. This leaves a significant number of vehicles still at risk.
The surge in vandalism closely mirrors these theft patterns, with states like Colorado, Wisconsin, Minnesota, California, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, and New Mexico experiencing surges in vandalism claims. Despite the increase in vandalism claims, the severity (cost per claim) for vandalism on Hyundai-Kia vehicles remains lower than for other brands.
In 2023, theft claim frequencies for 2003-2023 model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles reached 11.7 claims per 1,000 insured vehicle-years, which is eight times higher than for vehicles from all other makes. The theft frequency for Hyundai and Kia vehicles in 2023 was more than 11 times what it had been in early 2020.
In February 2023, Hyundai and Kia began distributing free anti-theft software upgrades, steering-wheel locks, and ignition-cylinder protectors in response to the increasing theft and vandalism issues. According to the HLDI, vehicles that received the software experienced a 53% reduction in overall theft claims and a 64% decrease in total vehicle theft.
However, even updated vehicles exhibited elevated rates of theft claims in the second half of 2023, relative to the broader vehicle population. This underscores the enduring nature of the theft crisis and the brands' continued vulnerability.
Owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles should verify if their vehicle is eligible and has received the software patch, and consider supplementary physical deterrents like steering-wheel locks as a fallback. Other states, including Maryland, Washington, Kentucky, and Connecticut, saw emerging spikes in the latter half of 2022 through 2023.
While the situation is improving, it is essential for owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their vehicles from theft and vandalism.
- In an attempt to combat the rising issues in the manufacturing industry, Hyundai and Kia have implemented various financial measures, such as offering free anti-theft software upgrades, steering-wheel locks, and ignition-cylinder protectors to address the ongoing theft and vandalism problems.
- With a substantial number of upgradable Hyundai and Kia vehicles still unpatched as of December 2023, the finance sector continues to play a crucial role in the industry's efforts to improve vehicle security, as the cost of vandalism on these vehicles remains lower than for other brands, albeit with surging claims.
