Anti-theft software program replace is right here for Hyundai automobile, automotive

Automobile thefts have been a widespread downside since summer season 2022.

In December 2022, the Information Tribune reported on the rise of automotive thefts in Pierce County all through 2022, most of which concerned Kia and Hyundai-brand fashions. In January, the Tacoma Police Division commented on the continuing thefts, noting that Kia fashions from 2011-2021 and Hyundai fashions from 2015-2021 are most in danger from theft attributable to a producing oversight.

Lots of these fashions quickly will obtain software program updates offering an additional layer of safety. House owners can get them freed from cost.

On Feb. 14, Hyundai introduced it’s providing updates to thousands and thousands of its automobiles to curb additional thefts. Some automobiles received’t have the ability to obtain the replace, however the Puget Sound Auto Theft Activity Pressure is distributing free steering wheel locks in coordination with native legislation enforcement businesses.

The replace will set up an “ignition kill” characteristic on automobiles upon locking doorways. Presently, three fashions can obtain the replace:

• 2017-2020 Elantra

• 2015-2019 Sonata

• 2020-2021 Venue

Greater than a dozen different fashions can get the replace in June:

Kia is rolling out software program updates at a later date, in accordance with the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration.

Getting anti-theft gadgets in WA

Anybody with a Hyundai mannequin with out an engine immobilizer can obtain the replace at any Hyundai dealership. The set up course of ought to take beneath an hour.

An engine immobilizer is a safety machine that stops a automobile from beginning with out the proper key or fob. Right here’s the right way to decide in case your automobile has that characteristic:

Should you nonetheless aren’t positive, look on Hyundai’s marketing campaign web site to see in case your automobile qualifies for an anti-theft software program improve. You have to to enter your automobile identification quantity to verify for those who’re eligible. The VIN is a 17-character quantity that you could find in your driver’s-side dashboard or on a sticker positioned inside the motive force’s-side door jamb.

To schedule an appointment with a neighborhood Hyundai, go to Hyundai’s anti-theft marketing campaign web page on its web site.

Within the meantime, you would possibly have the ability to get a free steering wheel lock at a close-by legislation enforcement workplace. The Puget Sound Auto Theft Activity Pressure is distributing free steering wheel locks to Washington residents who personal these automobiles:

• Hyundai 2015-2021 Accent, Elantra, Kona, Santa Fe and Tucson

• Hyundai 2015-2018 Veloster

• Kia 2015-2021 Forte, Optima, Rio, Sedona, Soul and Sportage

• Kia 2015-2016 Optima, Hybrid Sorento

The duty drive is distributing steering wheel locks at numerous places in Washington. You may choose one up on the following places:

• Pierce County Sheriff’s Division – South Hill Precinct

• Lakewood Police Division

• Puyallup Police Division

• Edgewood Police Division

• Eatonville Police Division

• College Place Police Division (accessible beginning Feb. 28)

• Bonney Lake Police Division

• Fife Police Division

• Federal Approach Police Division

• Auburn Police Division

• Des Moines Police Division

• SeaTac Police Division

• Tukwila Police Division (proof of residency required)

To obtain a free lock, deliver your automobile’s registration and key to a police division.

Why automobiles are stolen

The county Sheriff’s Division attributed the uptick in thefts to TikTok challenges that started in summer season 2022. The movies present the right way to exploit an ignition system in automobile fashions that lack sure anti-theft performance.

The NHTSA says that the social media development has resulted in no less than 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities nationwide. In January, two teenagers in Tacoma died in a automotive crash that concerned a stolen Kia Optima.

In January, Seattle metropolis attorneys filed lawsuits towards Hyundai and Kia for failing to adequately deal with the rise in thefts.

This story was initially printed February 23, 2023, 12:08 PM.