Responding to a surge in vehicle thefts facilitated by a widely shared hack on social platforms, Hyundai has officially endorsed an aftermarket security package. This package, produced by Compustar, will hit the market on October 1 and can prevent certain models from being stolen using basic tools and a USB cable.
However, there is a caveat. The price tag of $170 only covers the cost of the security kit itself. The total expenses for installation remain undisclosed. Hyundai’s spokesperson, Ira Gabriel, told Automotive News, that the installation process would take approximately 2.5 hours at a certified dealership. All 820 dealerships in the United States are authorized to perform the installation and are currently undergoing training.
Jonathan Michaels, the lead counsel for MLG, responsible for initiating a lawsuit against Hyundai due to the absence of immobilizers in their vehicles, estimates that installation costs could reach approximately $500 based on dealership quotes. This aligns with standard dealership labor rates exceeding $100 per hour in most urban areas, sometimes more. A 2.5-hour task could easily accumulate up to $300 in labor costs alone.
Hyundai is also developing a software update to reinforce security measures for the affected vehicles. Most Hyundai models manufactured from 2016 to 2021 that utilize a physical key and ignition fall into this category, posing a broad risk to potential theft. Vehicles equipped with a push-button start are not susceptible to this vulnerability due to the more intricate security mechanisms integrated. Hyundai cars with physical keys lack an immobilizer, a feature typically standard in modern vehicles.
The South Korean automaker has partnered with local law enforcement to alert owners about potential threats and distribute complimentary steering wheel locks. To date, there have been 15 class action lawsuits filed across 14 states concerning Hyundai and Kia vehicles lacking immobilizers.
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