[SorentoMan2016]

Has anyone with a standard key been contacted by Kia yet to schedule the install of the new engine immobilizer security patch?

I asked my dealer about it during my last oil change, and the svc. mgr. said that they're already processing them. Affected owners are supposed to receive a letter, which means then to schedule your update.

Thanks,

-SM2016

 

[XAOS777]

Kia has not contacted me yet. Twice I have contacted the dealer that sold me my car via their online contact email, and no one is getting back to me about when I can get the update. I will not be buying another Kia after this.

 

[sixpinyoda]

Don't know a thing about it. I don't know what a "standard key" is either.

 

[chuckwalla]

Is this the SW patch where the car won't start unless it was unlocked by the car's remote?

 

[SorentoMan2016]

Is this the SW patch where the car won't start unless it was unlocked by the car's remote?

Yes.

I know Hyundai's installing their version already.

-SM2016

 

[ecanderson]

Don't know a thing about it. I don't know what a "standard key" is either.

No pushbutton start, just ordinary key.

 

[kiadude65]

Kia has not contacted me yet. Twice I have contacted the dealer that sold me my car via their online contact email, and no one is getting back to me about when I can get the update. I will not be buying another Kia after this.

Same here.

There are reports the software patch doesn't work and people are still getting their cars stolen.

 

[missingcurlybracket]

No letter yet but I did move so not sure if I should expect it. If anything my parents would probably receive it.

I'm not too excited between:

A) That horrible bit of irony where this guy post a video testing the update and watched his Elantra get stolen less than a week later.

B) I bet it'll interfere with my aftermarket alarm/remote start.

I'm thinking if the system gives me trouble in a year maybe I'll then rip it out and get the update, but who knows what could happen until then.

 

[scottsmith30]

We were contacted and have had the patch applied but we have a Sportage with standard key.

 

[coderspy]

I had it installed, and now the remote start doesn't work. They did tell me this ahead of time to warn me that it would be non-functional, and I decided to go ahead with the update, since I don't really need the remote start.

 

[Osprey Flyer]

Nope. No word from Kia. My wife even called Kia and our ownership information is registered correctly. My Kia is registered with Edmunds also and they haven't sent me a notification. My brother-in-law is both a Kia & Hyundai certified mechanic. He said a few are coming through the Hyundai dealer he works for. Hasn't heard anything about Kia. I'm waiting...

 

[malibupaul]

Has anyone with a standard key been contacted by Kia yet to schedule the install of the new engine immobilizer security patch?

I asked my dealer about it during my last oil change, and the svc. mgr. said that they're already processing them. Affected owners are supposed to receive a letter, which means then to schedule your update.

Thanks,

-SM2016

No letter. I have flip key, no push button start. I make sure the doors are locked which enables some security.

 

[dutchhillcoyote]

Yes got the recall notice & had software installed
Have no idea whether it works or not

 

[SorentoMan2016]

I had it installed, and now the remote start doesn't work. They did tell me this ahead of time to warn me that it would be non-functional, and I decided to go ahead with the update, since I don't really need the remote start.

Yikes! That's definitely news-we-can-use! So you're witnessing that the patch kills the factory remote start? That's sure a bummer up here in the Great White North! I'll be asking my dealer about that, to see what they've been seeing.

Thanks!

-SM2016

 

[Solidventur]

This report is a bit confusing on what the software patch is; does it require the key to be present or not?

Safety Advocates Say Kia, Hyundai Software Update Isn't Enough

Some Hyundai and Kia driver’s cars are eligible for a free anti-theft upgrade, but some safety experts say more should be done. The rash of thefts across the country started after a trend spread swiftly on social media, something we’ve seen happen right here in Connecticut. Thieves shared how...

www.nbcconnecticut.com

"Last month, the two companies announced they will provide a free software update to deter these thefts, which will lengthen a car alarm from 30 seconds to one minute and requires the key to be in the ignition to turn on the car"

 

[Solidventur]

A little more info here:

Hyundai, Kia patch bug allowing car thefts with a USB cable

Automakers Hyundai and KIA are rolling out an emergency software update on several of their car models impacted by an easy hack that makes it possible to steal them.

www.bleepingcomputer.com

"The announcement explains that the software upgrade will modify the "turn-key-to-start" logic to kill the ignition when the car owner locks the doors using the genuine key fob. After the upgrade, the ignition will only activate if the key fob is used to unlock the vehicle."

 

[missingcurlybracket]

Kia vehicles are apparently SUPER easy to steal

Wow, ok, there's so much confusion over what's being said until we define our terms. Remote starts are one thing and key fobs are another. A key will have an RFID chip in it to have the security system satisfied for a start. If you have remote start, the system still has to "see" a chip, so...

www.kia-forums.com

There's a thread with some more details/speculation here. I'd say the highlight is the redditor that posted a video testing the update out, but then watching his Elantra get stolen less than a week later.

 

[tom4416]

This is not creating a chipped key. They are making a software change where if the car is locked with the remote and then must be unlocked with the remote to reset the logic of the software. Any other method to unlock it will result in a vehicle that, theoretically, will not start. If someone has cloned your remote, suspect that it can still be easily stolen. While better than nothing, Hyundai/Kia needs to make immobilizer circuits standard equipment on lower end models. They aren't theft proof either but have a pretty proven track record of making it a lot harder on the thieves.

If I get the letter, I will certainly have the update done but so far haven't heard a word from Kia.

 

[asubram3]

So those who had the patch applied please tell me: will the car start if you unlock it using your key instead of with the remote? If it won't isn't it removing a functionality from your vehicle, that you cannot unlock it using your key anymore?

 

[missingcurlybracket]

So those who had the patch applied please tell me: will the car start if you unlock it using your key instead of with the remote? If it won't isn't it removing a functionality from your vehicle, that you cannot unlock it using your key anymore?

I saw a comment indicate locking the car with the physical key from the outside lets you unlock and start later that same way but can't say for sure. But otherwise yep, you nailed it. That's why proactive battery replacements are recommended and why this isn't normal behavior for a car from the factory.