--- title: "Hyundai’s Anti-Theft Software Update Tour Hits New York City" description: "Hyundai hosted a clinic in New York City to install anti-theft software in vehicles it previously sold without immobilizers." date: "2023-10-30" modified: "2023-10-30" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/hyundais-anti-theft-software-update-tour-hits-new-york-city" categories: - "Hyundai News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "compact" - "Elantra" - "Hyundai" - "sedan" --- # Hyundai’s Anti-Theft Software Update Tour Hits New York City ![]() *\Hyundai\* Last year, certain entry-level Hyundai and Kia models were being stolen at such an alarming rate that insurance companies stopped providing policies for many of them. The rash of thefts was due to a lack of immobilizers in certain models, which made them far easier to steal, prompting a [wave of class-action lawsuits]() against the automakers. To remedy the issue, [Hyundai]() and [Kia]() began offering immobilizers as-standard on new models and provided software updates to existing vehicles to guard against theft. Over the weekend, Hyundai hosted an event in New York City to install anti-theft software for all owners that need it. "Violent crime is down in New York City, but we aren’t going to take our foot off the gas when it comes to combatting car thefts," said NYC Mayor Eric Adams. "This event will provide a free and easy way for Hyundai owners to protect themselves from falling victim to auto theft, and I encourage residents to take advantage of this clinic as we continue to attack this issue from every angle." ![]() **Hyundai** At the event, certified service technicians installed anti-theft software in owners' cars, and the installation took less than an hour per car. These are the Hyundai vehicles that stand to benefit from the update: - 2018-2022 Accent - 2011-2022 Elantra - 2013-2020 Elantra GT - 2013-2014 Genesis Coupe - 2018-2022 Kona - 2020-2021 Palisade - 2013-2022 [Santa Fe]() - 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport - 2019 Santa Fe XL - 2011-2019 Sonata - 2011-2022 Tucson - 2012-2017 & 2019-2021 Veloster - 2020-2021 Venue Hyundai and Kia models without immobilizers proved so easy to steal that thieves had used USB cables, of all things, to do the job. With simple tools, thieves were able to take apart the steering column cover use the cable's end to turn the ignition tumbler. Those models employed traditional ignitions and keys (remember those?) and didn't come with immobilizers, which is why theft was as simple as wedging in a phone's charging cord. A software-install event doesn't exactly sound like fun but it's certainly useful for many owners at risk of having their cars jacked. Plus, it was probably more fun than watching any New York sports. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()