SAN ANTONIO – A recent study by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) reveals a significant drop in theft rates for Hyundai and Kia vehicles following the implementation of a software upgrade to prevent theft.

The upgrade, initiated in February 2023, effectively curbed theft by requiring the owner’s key or an identical duplicate to start the vehicle, eliminating the possibility of theft without the proper key.

Moreover, the addition of a deterrent sticker further dissuaded thieves, as stated by HLDI.

How many were upgraded?

Approximately twenty-three Hyundai and Kia models spanning from 2011 to 2022 were eligible for the software update.

The report showcases a 55% reduction in theft claim frequencies for upgraded Hyundais and a 51% drop for upgraded Kia vehicles compared to their non-upgraded counterparts, resulting in a combined 53% decrease in theft claim frequencies among the upgraded vehicles, according to HLDI.

How many vehicles were eligible?

Despite only 30% of eligible Hyundais and 28% of eligible Kias receiving the upgrade by December 2023, Hyundai and Kia continue to upgrade vehicles, with an estimated 60% of eligible vehicles upgraded as of mid-July 2024.

Software upgrade/vandalism increases

According to Matt Moore, senior vice president of HLDI, the software upgrade has proven to be highly effective in reducing theft rates. Owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles without electronic immobilizers are urged to contact their local dealer for the upgrade.

While the upgrade lowered theft claim frequencies, it led to an increase in vandalism claim frequency, with incidents more common in upgraded vehicles than non-upgraded ones, as noted by the report.

Overall, the report anticipates a gradual decline in claim rates for Hyundai and Kia vehicles as the software upgrade continues to thwart thieves and the initial trend fades.

For more information, you can read the full report below:

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