After a Rise in Thefts, Hyundai Offers a Free 'Ignition Kill' Software Update
More than 4 million vehicles are eligible for the new software, which prevents the vehicle from starting without a key in the ignition
Hyundai announced today that it will provide certain vehicles with a free “ignition kill” software update designed to prevent vehicle thefts. The automaker says the new software will keep cars from starting without a key in the ignition, a trick that gained headlines after being showcased in TikTok videos. Kia also plans to offer a similar update.
Among 2015-2019 model-year vehicles, theft claims were nearly twice as common for Hyundai and Kia vehicles as a group than for all other manufacturers, according to a recent report from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), which tracks insurance claims.
The software update is only for vehicles with a physical ignition key and is available starting today for more than 1 million 2017-2020 Elantra sedans, 2015-2019 Sonata sedans, and 2020-2021 Venue SUVs. About 3 million more vehicles will be eligible in June. Although the software update will be provided for free, it’s not part of a recall.
Hyundais Eligible for a Software Update
Owners can go to hyundaiantitheft.com and input their vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if their car or SUV is eligible for the free software update.
Eligible Now
2017-2020 Elantra
2015-2019 Sonata
2020-2021 Venue
Eligible in June 2023
2018-2022 Accent
2011-2016 Elantra
2021-2022 Elantra
2018-2020 Elantra GT
2011-2014 Genesis Coupe
2018-2022 Kona
2020-2021 Palisade
2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport
2013-2022 Santa Fe
2019 Santa Fe XL
2011-2014 Sonata
2011-2022 Tucson
2012-2017 and 2019-2021 Veloster