[Leukopla Kia]

Yeah, I would demand either my money back or at least a generous discount under those circumstances.

Lifetime warranties mean little to me when a place could go out of business the next month or lose the paperwork covering it. How much does it cost as an option to upgrade to a lifetime warranty anyway?

Anyway, I wouldn't stand for that with extra mistakes being found after the first one. That's all I'll say on that so that I'll stay on topic.

 

[missingcurlybracket]

Yeah, I would demand either my money back or at least a generous discount under those circumstances.

Lifetime warranties mean little to me when a place could go out of business the next month or lose the paperwork covering it. How much does it cost as an option to upgrade to a lifetime warranty anyway?

Anyway, I wouldn't stand for that with extra mistakes being found after the first one. That's all I'll say on that so that I'll stay on topic.

I am aware of the nature of fine print, that the whole chain could fold tomorrow and your clear superiority. (As for lifetime guarantee on the work, it’s included. Or you might think it’s been marked up to account for it, or they be difficult, they have a mysterious billionaire subsidizing it since there’s no such thing as a free lunch, etc but I can’t foresee them all.)

But since I’m hanging onto a 2.4L GDI Kia, middling work sadly won’t end up being the biggest concern long-term

 

[Leukopla Kia]

Where did my "clear superiority" work into any of this as you said? I have no such thing. I'm here trying to advocate for you, me, and the collective us that no one gets taken advantage of and charged full price when there's multiple go-backs and egregious errors.

Personally, I have installed a remote start with keyless entry (on a chipped key system at that) which is even more involved than an alarm, so I know what it takes to do the job right and if I were paying someone to do mine I'd demand the same attention to detail. Nothing superior about that, just insisting on standards for the process and respect for the customer's money.

No one is my adversary here. I have nothing to prove and just hope to help out where I can.

 

[missingcurlybracket]

Where did my "clear superiority" work into any of this as you said? I have no such thing. I'm here trying to advocate for you, me, and the collective us that no one gets taken advantage of and charged full price when there's multiple go-backs and egregious errors.

Personally, I have installed a remote start with keyless entry (on a chipped key system at that) which is even more involved than an alarm, so I know what it takes to do the job right and if I were paying someone to do mine I'd demand the same attention to detail. Nothing superior about that, just insisting on standards for the process and respect for the customer's money.

No one is my adversary here. I have nothing to prove and just hope to help out where I can.

You’re absolutely right, I am unhappy with how I didn’t put up a fuss wasting time in the shop with such heinous lapses and I took it out on you, you are just being realistic and smart. You didn’t deserve the snark, I’m sorry about that!

I’m planning to make use of the chain’s guarantee to get a look over by another tech and the shock sensor somehow remaining active when driving off after a remote start. Confidence inspiring but at least I haven’t been able to cause anything else that shouldn’t be happening yet.

No blue LED installed here though since the tech thought the extra drilling wouldn’t be worth it (preferring not to do it on his personal vehicle) but I’m debating whether to insist it go in. I did get some Compustar stickers to go on the window, so either way maybe I’ll stick it on the rear windows.

 

[missingcurlybracket]

Saw a thread pop up on Reddit, seems like this mysterious update is going live.

 

[Taipan01]

Saw a thread pop up on Reddit, seems like this mysterious update is going live.

I've already got my recall notice and I'm scheduled to go in today at 8:00 A.M. to address it, 2020 KIA Sportage.

 

[Taipan01]

Just to update my above.
Made it by 8:00, out at 8:30 for time length.

Here's the work done and invoice:

The sticker mentioned is red and on the passenger window.

 

[missingcurlybracket]

Just to update my above.
Made it by 8:00, out at 8:30 for time length.

Here's the work done and invoice:
View attachment 127680


The sticker mentioned is red and on the passenger window.

I don’t suppose you heard more about what this update changes beyond a sticker addition? Will the car still start if locked by the fob?

 

[Leukopla Kia]

I believe I know exactly what this is and they really cheaped out. The only software solution is to add a line of code that says "disable power to injectors when key cylinder is turned and door hasn't been unlocked with remote." (or something effectively similar.)

You have to lock car, then use remote to unlock, and then it can be started with key.

Even cheaper is to require outside lock to turn (presuming with key) eliminating coat hanger or window smash and reach in attacks) for it to start.

The real irony will be when a slightly more sophisticated approach is used to capture and relay the keyless remote and then someone can still disassemble the ignition and turn with a screwdriver to start. But hey, they eliminated the most casual attack while doing the absolute bare minimum.

Basic, non-car, non-security folks will get a false sense of confidence and leave their doors unlocked making them just as vulnerable as before (unless coded to activate once keys are out and door is closed...which would cause major problems for people without immediate access to their keyless remote.) What fun!

 

[XAOS777]

I had mine in the shop yesterday to install fog lights and the alarm. If you buy the Compustar alarm that is recommended, it will also need some diodes, resistors, and a relay when it gets installed. Fortunately I have a good installer here, so I wasn't charged for the additional items needed, but be aware that you might be charged for a few parts.

 

[ricbrk]

I just got a letter from KIA offering a free anti theft software update on our 2020 Sportage. I have until 8-01-2024 to get it done for free. I haven't been able to find much info on it online other than KIA & Hyundai was working on it. It takes upwards of 2 hours to complete it. Just curious if anyone has had it done or knows how the update works. Our insurance company is charging us a surcharge of $50 each for our Sportage and 2021 Hyundai Kona every 6 months when our policy is due apparently due to the theft issue. So, a extra $200 a year just because of this issue. My Son's insurance company, Progressive, is not renewing his policy on his Hyundai Elantra or issuing policies for most KIA & Hyundai models effective February 25th. What a freeking mess.

 

[missingcurlybracket]

I just got a letter from KIA offering a free anti theft software update on our 2020 Sportage. I have until 8-01-2024 to get it done for free. I haven't been able to find much info on it online other than KIA & Hyundai was working on it. It takes upwards of 2 hours to complete it. Just curious if anyone has had it done or knows how the update works. Our insurance company is charging us a surcharge of $50 each for our Sportage and 2021 Hyundai Kona every 6 months when our policy is due apparently due to the theft issue. So, a extra $200 a year just because of this issue. My Son's insurance company, Progressive, is not renewing his policy on his Hyundai Elantra or issuing policies for most KIA & Hyundai models effective February 25th. What a freeking mess.

I would ask your insurance if the update is sufficient to waive the surcharge and/or what standards would need to be met. Leukopla and some others speculate above (and on Reddit) that it disables starting if the vehicle wasn't unlocked by key/fob first and that's probably the best solution without additional hardware. I guess time will tell whether that band-aid is enough.

 

[Karen W]

Unfortunately, the thieves tried to start and steal my neighbors Sorento friday night. They busted the window and steering column but couldn't steal it. Apparently it wouldn't start. However, they ruined her car and Insurance is giving her the run around. Same night another neighbors Elantra was stolen. I went old school and purchased a truck club (steering wheel lock) hoping it will deter the thieves until I can get my sorento to the dealer next month. I'm sure the thieves have a way to pop that also.

 

[Leukopla Kia]

Friend's Canadian-issued (and thus "immobilizered") will need something similar. I will request of the dealership a window sticker.

If these losers were educated at all, they'd see the VIN starting with a '2' and know it likely is pointless to break a window or bust the ignition.

Using a Club (or any mock-up that looks like one) as a deterrent is an excellent idea. Maybe glue a disco light onto it to draw extra attention, lol. Loop a heavy chain through the driver side door frames and B-pillar then through the steering wheel, then through the tire and anchored to the suspension and lock it. There

Might want to slap an airtag in there for tracking. Use a silent alarm that notifies you so you can catch them rather than have a smashed window and an alarm startles them so they run away. You want them to catch a grand theft auto felony charge rather than simple misdemeanor "vandalism."

 

[LaKings55]

Does anyone have any details on how this will actually function? My understanding is the software will prevent ignition if the car is not unlocked. Wouldn't using the lock/unlock within the car achieve the same result? I'll probably have this done, but I'm not optimistic that this "fixes" anything. If my insurance drops me due to this, I think I'm done. I might be looking to sell my '18 LX and move on to a Rav4 or something. I'm lucky that the "Kia Boyz" trend isn't prevalent in my area...yet. I also park in a driveway with motion lights, cameras and use a steering wheel lock.

 

[LaKings55]

Unfortunately, the thieves tried to start and steal my neighbors Sorento friday night. They busted the window and steering column but couldn't steal it. Apparently it wouldn't start. However, they ruined her car and Insurance is giving her the run around. Same night another neighbors Elantra was stolen. I went old school and purchased a truck club (steering wheel lock) hoping it will deter the thieves until I can get my sorento to the dealer next month. I'm sure the thieves have a way to pop that also.

I've done the same (with an additional fake alarm light- I have very bad luck with actual aftermarket alarms, so I'm not going there...). The steering wheel locks are certainly not foolproof, but most of these Kia/ Hyundai thefts are by teenage amateurs. They're looking to joy ride and wreck cards with their bros, not for a challenge. A pro? Takes them about 30secs to 1:30 to remove any type of lock, even the ones that cover the entire steering wheel. Punks are far less likely to bother- though they might still smash your window and do other damage.

 

[ricbrk]

Does anyone have any details on how this will actually function? My understanding is the software will prevent ignition if the car is not unlocked. Wouldn't using the lock/unlock within the car achieve the same result? I'll probably have this done, but I'm not optimistic that this "fixes" anything. If my insurance drops me due to this, I think I'm done. I might be looking to sell my '18 LX and move on to a Rav4 or something. I'm lucky that the "Kia Boyz" trend isn't prevalent in my area...yet. I also park in a driveway with motion lights, cameras and use a steering wheel lock.

I called our dealer about the security update. It was explained to me the vehicle will not start unless the door is unlocked by the key fob or actual key. I didn't think about asking them about the unlock door switch. We had a genuine KIA remote start installed by the dealer when we purchased the Sportage new. I asked if the remote key fob would work with the update. They were pretty sure it would, but would not give me a definite answer. I will probably get it done, but will try the remote before we leave the dealer. I have Cartman steering wheel locks for both our KIA & Hyundai. Both are garage kept and I park in a secure lot at work. My wife is a traveling nurse so hers is more of a issue. We are being charged a $100 each vehicle surcharge per year by our car insurance. I am considering having a alarm system installed in at least her car.

 

[LaKings55]

I called our dealer about the security update. It was explained to me the vehicle will not start unless the door is unlocked by the key fob or actual key. I didn't think about asking them about the unlock door switch. We had a genuine KIA remote start installed by the dealer when we purchased the Sportage new. I asked if the remote key fob would work with the update. They were pretty sure it would, but would not give me a definite answer. I will probably get it done, but will try the remote before we leave the dealer. I have Cartman steering wheel locks for both our KIA & Hyundai. Both are garage kept and I park in a secure lot at work. My wife is a traveling nurse so hers is more of a issue. We are being charged a $100 each vehicle surcharge per year by our car insurance. I am considering having a alarm system installed in at least her car.

That sounds alright then. Unfortunately, it won't do much to deter window breaking at least...but, hopefully it does enough to stop the actual joy riding. For myself, I opted for the Club double hook. An auto parts shop had them on discount recently, seem very solid to me. A pro could probably pry it off or cut the wheel. Don't think a teenager will be bothered. Also doubt how attractive a Kia is to a pro.

 

[billybob70]

Hyundai and Kia release software update to prevent TikTok thefts
The patch comes after at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities.

Katie Malone|@kathrynamalone|February 14, 2023 2:30 PM
Kia and Hyundai released a software update on Monday after a viral TikTok challenge taught users how to hack the vehicles. But for now, it’s only available to a selected one million vehicles, out of the four million cars that will eventually need the patch.
It started as the “Kia Challenge” dating back to at least May on TikTok, demonstrating how “Kia Boys” use USB cords to hot-wire cars. Owners soon caught on to the widespread theft and began suing the car manufacturers for a lack of response. The class action lawsuit said that certain models of Kia and Hyundai cars lacked engine immobilizers, a common device that prevents car theft, making it easy to gain access, TechCrunch reported last September.
Car owners of affected models like the 2017-2020 Elantra, 2015-2019 Sonata and 2020-2021 Venue can visit a local dealership to install the anti-theft update, Hyundai said in a release. The updates include an anti-theft sticker to deter attack, a longer alarm, and the need for a physical key, rather than just a push start, to turn the vehicle on. Updates for other affected vehicles will be available by June, and you can find the whole list on Hyundai’s website.

In the meantime, Kia and Hyundai have provided about 26,000 steering wheel locks to vehicle owners to prevent theft, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA got involved in the saga after thefts sparked by the Kia Challenge resulted in at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities, the agency said, turning it into a matter of public safety. Hyundai and Kia release software update to prevent TikTok thefts | Engadget

 

[Tripplec]

Primarily for US model as immobilizer were no equipped in all. Never the less, I like to see what they're going to do later for Canadian models as a ton are stolen her as it is even though we have it built in.