Kia Slated To Release New Anti-Theft Software This Month As Thefts Keep Climbing

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Months have passed since Hyundai and Kia announced the development of software aimed at stopping a wave of thefts inspired by social media. However, it appears the software still needs some work.

According to Automotive News, Kia informed dealers it had identified a “compatibility issue involving vehicles equipped with remote start accessories.” The original notice was sent out in February and a more recent update, from last week, revealed the problem still hasn’t been fixed.

When the publication reached out for comment, they were told new software should be available later this month that is “compatible with the subset of vehicles equipped with remote start.” The problem appears to be that if consumers use remote start, it will trigger the vehicle’s alarm.

More: First Reported Case Of Kia Stolen After Receiving Security Update

As we have previously reported, the original update makes changes to the alarm software and requires the key to be in the ignition for the vehicle to be turned on. It also extends the length of the alarm from 30 seconds to one minute. The update has been being rolled out in phases, but it’s a daunting task as millions of vehicles are involved.

Automotive News says only 9% of eligible Hyundai owners have gotten the update, while that number sits at 11% for Kia. This likely explains why the software update hasn’t had much of an impact on thefts.

Last month, data compiled by the Associated Press found the “number of Hyundai and Kia thefts is still growing despite the companies’ efforts to fix the glitch.” At the time the article was published in early May, Minneapolis had experienced 1,899 Kia and Hyundai thefts which was nearly 18 times what it was in 2022. The publication also noted that a number of cities are now saying the majority of auto thefts involve Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

While no one wants to walk out and find their car stolen, lives are being lost in the process. In February, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration noted the so-called Hyundai / Kia Challenge has resulted in at least 14 crashes and eight fatalities.