SPOKANE, Wash. — A recent string of car thefts attributed to the "Kia Boyz" has impacted Spokane throughout the year, but a simple solution is being offered to prevent it from happening to anyone else.
Approximately 5,400 Hyundais across Eastern Washington have fallen under a recall for a fault that makes them easy to steal. To combat this, Spokane Hyundai is holding a recall event over the weekend, where Hyundai drivers can receive an anti-theft software upgrade at no cost. Hyundai employees and local law enforcement are hopeful these upgrades will minimize the number of stolen vehicles.
Over the summer, Spokane police and Spokane County deputies dealt with the spike in stolen cars seen nationwide. Law enforcement said when vehicles get stolen, they're often used in the commission of other criminal acts and driven in dangerous ways.
"Puts our deputies and officers in potential danger plus the public," Spokane County Sheriff's Cpl. Mark Gregory said. "So this truly is a community event."
A joint task force was able to make a dent in the problem, but Hyundais and Kias are still susceptible to theft, and thieves are still causing crashes and even deaths as near as King County.
This means a quick software upgrade is key.
The Safety Recalls and Service Campaigns (993 Campaign) recalls certain 2011-2022 model year Hyundai vehicles without a push button ignition or immobilizer lamp in the instrument cluster. These vehicles are eligible for the free anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign.
The potentially affected Hyundai vehicles are:
- 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
- 2011–2022 Tucson
- 2012–2017 & 2019–2021 Veloster
- 2020–2021 Venue
"Easiest way to find out if your vehicle is affected or not, just Google 'Hyundai recall' and look for the Hyundai USA version," said Craig Fruin, the general manager of Spokane Hyundai.
From there, you can scan your license plate or enter your vehicle identification number (VIN). Anyone with a push-start button is not part of the recall.
"When you lock the vehicle with your key fob, it engages the immobilizer and your vehicle is not unlocked with your key fob," Fruin said. "It will not be able to be stolen."
Spokane Hyundai's recall event runs Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can visit the shop, located at 8801 East Sprague avenue in Spokane Valley, with or without an appointment. Depending on demand, however, you may have to wait. The update it free for anyone that falls under the recall. To see if your Hyundai falls under the recall, click here.
Kia owners are recommended to call the local dealership to get the software fix.
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