If you own a Hyundai or Kia or are thinking of getting one, you’ve probably heard about the uptick in safety concerns that car owners have been dealing with over the last few years. The problems started after a viral Tiktok trend revealed a security vulnerability in some models that made these cars easy to steal.
Here at Red Key LLC in Buffalo, we’ve been following the story carefully and helping Hyundai and Kia owners in the area make changes to improve their security. In this article, we’ll explain more about the specific security faults, preventative measures you can take, and more!
What did the Tiktok trend reveal about Hyundai and Kia?
Kia and Hyundai are reliable, popular cars that haven’t had any major issues in handling and functionality. But when it comes to security, the company has had to contend with one major flaw: the lack of anti-theft technology in their key ignition cars. More specifically, Kias and Hyundais made between the years of 2011 and 2021 are not equipped with immobilizers.
Immobilizers are transponder chips embedded in the car key which send signals to the car’s engine control unit (ECU.) The signal, which contains either a static or rolling (changing) code unique to the car and car key, authorizes that the correct key is being used to start the car.
While immobilizers are standard in most cars on the market today, Kias and Hyundai sold in the US between 2011 and 2021 were not equipped with the technology. The company hasn’t stated directly why their cars were not outfitted with immobilizers, but have pointed out that they were in compliance with US federal anti-theft requirements of the time. In other words, there was no specific regulation requiring the anti-theft technology, so they weren’t breaking any kind of law in excluding them.
Problems arose, however, when a Tiktok trend emerged bringing the security vulnerability to light. In this wave of videos, users could learn how to start a Kia or Hyundai without the key, since there was no technology preventing ignition without a transponder chip.
The result has been a nightmare for Kia and Hyundai owners as well as local law enforcement in cities all over the country. There have even been instances of casualties as car thefts have led to car chases and then destructive crashes. The snafu also affected the company’s credibility as one of America’s most popular manufacturers.
What changed after 2021?
In 2021, Hyunda and Kia rolled out push-to-start technology for their cars with anti-theft technology built in. For this reason, models purchased after 2021 are not likely to be the target of car theft.
What is the fastest way to protect your Hyundai and Kia against theft?
If you do own a Hyundai or Kia that is vulnerable to car theft, what can you do? Luckily, there are a few solutions that can give you peace of mind:
- Contact your local law enforcement office to ask about a free steering wheel lock. Hyundai and Kia have partnered with various law enforcement agencies all over the country to offer free steering wheel locks for affected car models. Be aware that you will have to provide proof of ownership.
- Have your auto locksmith install an immobilizer. Our team of auto locksmiths at Red Key LLC can install an immobilizer in your car. We’ll provide you with your new transponder keys and program spares so that you can have an extra set.
- Contact Kia or Hyundai for a free software update. As of this year, Kia and Hyundai are rolling out free software updates to fix the security threat once and for all. Be aware that this process will happen in phases, with higher crime areas receiving priority, so you may have to wait to have your car serviced. Contact your local dealership for more information on when you’ll be able to schedule your software upgrade.
What should you do if your car has been tampered with?
Even though Kia and Hyundai are doing what they can to quickly roll out security upgrades, the reality is, car thieves may continue to try their luck when they see one of these cars. And there have been a few cases of car owners coming back to their car only to realize that someone has attempted to break-in before being interrupted or realizing that the car’s software has been updated.
Here are a few ways that your local auto locksmith can help in this kind of situation:
- Car rekeying. The lack of an immobilizer can mean that anyone can cut a spare key for your car and drive away. If you think that your keys have fallen into the wrong hands or you’ve lost a key, Red Key can rekey your locks and ignition to restore your security.
- Car lock repair. Often, someone who is attempting a car break-in will treat your door locks quite brutally in order to get inside the car as quickly as possible. In this case, you may need to have your lock replaced or repaired.
- Ignition repair or replacement. As with the door locks, a hotwiring attempt is often done with rough handling of your ignition. If the keyless ignition was not successful, chances are, the thief will leave your ignition in bad shape. Our auto locksmiths will arrive on site to repair or replace the ignition as needed.
Have more questions about immobilizers for Kia and Hyundai ? Call our auto experts !
Red Key LLC is Buffalo NY’s premiere locksmith service for auto security, and we have the latest information you need about Kia and Hyundai immobilizers. Call us for more info on the current situation or to schedule an immobilizer installation. We’ll also help with security restoration if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of an attempted break-in.
We offer our services to Kia and Hyundai owners all over the Buffalo area, including Tonawanda, Clarence, Scranton, Billington Heights and more!
