Don't Let Your Hyundai Fall Victim to Car Theft Trend on TikTok - Kunes Auto and RV Group

Mar 10, 2023

In case you missed it, Hyundai is upgrading security measures to protect their customers’ cars from being stolen. Apparently, there’s this trend on TikTok and other social media channels where people are stealing cars without push-button ignitions and anti-theft devices. Not cool! But, Hyundai is stepping up to help their customers out with a free software upgrade to prevent this kind of theft.

The CEO of Hyundai Motor America, Randy Parker, issued a statement declaring that they’re committed to making sure their cars are safe and of good quality, and they’re prioritizing cars that are most at risk of being stolen.

On February 14th, Hyundai initiated the upgrade plan for nearly 4 million cars, with the initial phase targeting more than a million Elantra, Sonata, and Venue cars from specific model years. The upgrade should be available for all eligible models by June 2023. It will only take about an hour to install.  Our dealership will put special decals on the windows to let others know your vehicle is now protected.

• 2017 – 2020 Elantra
• 2015 – 2019 Sonata
• 2020 – 2021 Venue

• 2018 – 2022 Accent
• 2011 – 2016 Elantra
  • 2021 – 2022 Elantra
  • 2018 – 2020 Elantra GT

• 2011 – 2014 Genesis coupe
• 2018 – 2022 Kona
• 2020 – 2021 Palisade
• 2013 – 2022 Santa Fe
  • 2013 – 2018 Santa Fe Sport
  • 2019 Santa Fe XL

• 2011 – 2014 Sonata
• 2011 – 2022 Tucson
• 2012 – 2017 Veloster

This upgrade is installed in the vehicle’s computer with a few updates of the controls. If someone tries to steal it after you lock the doors with the key fob, the vehicle will not start and the alarm will turn on. To deactivate the alarm, you’ll have to use the key fob to unlock the car. After that, you can start the car as you normally would.

If you’re curious if your car is eligible for the upgrade, you can go to www.hyundaiantitheft.com and put in your car’s VIN number to find out.