Car Fix DIY Videos

SPOKANE, Wash. — Kias and Hyundais have been a primary target for thieves. In just a matter of seconds, these cars can be stolen using a simple USB cord.

Spokane law enforcement and Hyundai of Spokane are teaming up to make sure you aren’t a victim.

“Its just been, you know, crazy, still have a lot of glass all over the interior of my car,” said Valerie Scott, a car theft victim.

Scott had her Kia stolen in August. She says police were able to find it quickly, but it was destroyed. Since then, she’s had to drive five different cars between repairs.

“It’s just kind of been a whirlwind of situations and it has a huge trickle down effect that people don’t understand,” Scott said.

According to the Spokane Police Department, theft for Kias and Hyundais peaked during the summer, and slowed down once several arrests were made.

However, it’s still happening now.

“I still have friends and people who own Hyundais and Kias who don’t even know this is happening, and it’s still happening,” Scott said.

If you have a 2011-2022 Hyundai that uses a standard key, you can bring it in to Hyundai of Spokane Valley this weekend, where they’ll install a free software update that will protect your car from theft.

Here is a list of the potentially affected Hyundai vehicles:

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
2022 Tucson
2017 & 2019-2021 Veloster
2020-2021 Venue

You can also check to see if your car requires the anti-theft software upgrade here: https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/Campaign993/MicroSiteTemplate/MicroSiteTemplateVINValidate/4457

“Hyundai, myself, our staff, are mega invested in ensuring that our customers again don’t fall victim to this, so 100% free,” said Craig Fruin, general manager at Hyundai of Spokane Valley.

This Saturday and Sunday, no appointments are necessary. Updates should only take around 30 minutes.

“This is free, and I guarantee you it’s going to be less time and less money than having your car stolen and having to get it repaired and deal with insurance companies,” said Mark Gregory with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

If you have a Kia, you can contact Kia of Spokane for a similar service.

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