Hyundai and Kia Theft Fix: Software Update, Cylinder Protector
Millions of key-start Hyundai and Kia cars lack an engine immobilizer, which made them easy to steal. Here is which models are affected, what the free fixes are and how to claim theft compensation.
Hyundai and Kia cars built from about 2011 to 2022 with a turn-key ignition and no engine immobilizer are the vehicles targeted in the theft wave that spread on social media in 2022. Owners can get a free anti-theft software upgrade at a dealer, and under a December 2025 settlement with state attorneys general, a free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector as well.
Owners whose upgraded cars were still stolen or damaged on or after April 29, 2025 may also be able to claim compensation from a limited settlement fund.
Which Hyundai and Kia models are affected?
The affected cars are mainly base trims with a metal key and no push-button start, built without an immobilizer, which stops the engine from starting without the car’s coded key. Hyundai says nearly 4 million of its vehicles are involved. Hyundai’s anti-theft site and the multistate settlement site list these models, covering only cars not factory-equipped with an immobilizer:
| Hyundai model | Model years | Kia model | Model years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accent | 2018 to 2022 | Forte | 2014 to 2021 |
| Elantra | 2011 to 2022 | K5 | 2021 to 2022 |
| Elantra GT | 2013 to 2020 | Optima | 2011 to 2020 |
| Genesis Coupe | 2013 to 2014 | Rio | 2012 to 2021 |
| Kona | 2018 to 2022 | Sedona | 2011 to 2021 |
| Palisade | 2020 to 2021 | Seltos | 2021 to 2022 |
| Santa Fe | 2013 to 2022 | Sorento | 2011 to 2022 |
| Santa Fe Sport | 2013 to 2018 | Soul | 2020 to 2022 |
| Santa Fe XL | 2019 | Sportage | 2011 to 2022 |
| Sonata | 2011 to 2019 | ||
| Tucson | 2011 to 2022 | ||
| Veloster | 2012 to 2017 and 2019 to 2021 | ||
| Venue | 2020 to 2021 |
A listed model is affected only if that specific car has a turn-key ignition and no immobilizer, so check the VIN. Hyundai says immobilizers are standard on all Hyundai vehicles produced as of November 2021.
What is the free anti-theft software upgrade?
The software upgrade changes the car’s security logic so it cannot be started by the popular theft method without the key. Hyundai and Kia launched it as a service campaign in 2023, and Hyundai says all of its affected vehicles are now eligible.
The update only works when it is armed. According to Hyundai’s anti-theft program site, owners need to lock the doors with the key fob to set the factory alarm and activate the software’s ignition kill feature. Make locking with the fob a habit every time you leave the car.
Hyundai says owners of 2011 to 2022 models that had no immobilizer and cannot take the software upgrade can get a free steering wheel lock from a Hyundai dealer; call ahead to check stock.
What does the 2025 attorneys general settlement add?
The settlement adds a hardware fix and some money for theft victims. A bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general announced it on December 15 and 16, 2025. According to the California Attorney General’s announcement, Hyundai and Kia agreed to:
- Equip all future vehicles sold in the US with industry-standard engine immobilizer technology.
- Offer free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors to owners and lessees of eligible vehicles, including cars that had previously been eligible only for the software update.
- Provide up to $4.5 million in extra restitution for eligible consumers whose cars were damaged by thieves.
- Pay $4.5 million to the states for the cost of the investigation.
Eligible owners are to be notified and then have one year from the date of the notice to book the cylinder protector installation at a Hyundai or Kia dealer. When it was announced, the settlement was pending court approval; the settlement website has current status.
Can I get compensation if my car was stolen?
Possibly, if the theft happened after the software upgrade. The multistate settlement website lists these terms as of November 2026:
| Loss | Maximum payment |
|---|---|
| Total loss from a qualifying theft | Up to $4,500 |
| Partial loss from a qualifying theft | Up to $2,250 |
| Qualifying theft attempt | Up to $375 in reasonable expenses |
To qualify, the car must have had the software upgrade installed, or an appointment scheduled for it, at the time of the theft or attempt. The theft must have happened on or after April 29, 2025, and before the earlier of the date the zinc sleeve was installed or March 31, 2027. Funds are limited and paid on a rolling basis until they run out. This is separate from the earlier private class action settlement, which had its own claims process.
How do I check whether my car is eligible?
- Find your VIN on the dashboard at the windshield, the driver’s door jamb, or your registration and insurance card. Our guide to reading a VIN explains the characters.
- Enter it in the VIN check on Hyundai’s anti-theft site, or contact Kia’s customer care or a Kia dealer.
- Book the software upgrade if it has not been done, and ask the dealer about the cylinder protector once you receive notice.
- Keep the dealer’s repair order showing the date of each upgrade; you will need it for a compensation claim.
This is a service campaign, not a federal safety recall, so the NHTSA recall lookup may not show it. Still run the VIN through our free recall check, because the same car may have open safety recalls.
Bottom line
If you own a key-start Hyundai or Kia from these years, get the free software upgrade, always lock it with the fob, and book the zinc cylinder protector once you are notified. If an upgraded car was stolen after April 29, 2025, file a settlement claim early, before the fund runs out.
FAQ
Does the fix cost anything?
No. The software upgrade, the steering wheel lock for ineligible Hyundai models, and the settlement’s cylinder protector are all free at authorized dealers.
Why is my insurer charging more for my Hyundai or Kia?
Theft losses on these models rose sharply, and some insurers raised rates or limited coverage. Hyundai says it worked with AAA insurers to offer coverage options in most states for owners having trouble getting insurance. See why car insurance went up.
My car has push-button start. Is it affected?
Generally no. The thefts targeted turn-key ignitions without immobilizers. Push-button models use a smart key with an immobilizer, but a VIN check confirms it.
What if my car was stolen before April 29, 2025?
The multistate fund covers only thefts on or after that date. Earlier losses were covered, if at all, by your own insurance or the private class action’s claims process, which had its own deadlines.
