2021-2022 Hyundai Anti-Theft Software Upgrade & Protectors

Hyundai has implemented several service campaigns to enhance the security of certain 2011-2022 models. These vehicles, which were manufactured without an engine immobilizer, have become targets for theft. The company's response includes a software upgrade, physical ignition cylinder protectors, and steering wheel locks, aiming to deter theft and provide peace of mind to owners.

The initiatives stem from a class action settlement against Hyundai Motor America (HMA). This settlement addressed allegations that specific 2011-2022 Hyundai vehicles, referred to as “Class Vehicles,” had design flaws due to the absence of an engine immobilizer, making them susceptible to theft. While Hyundai has not been found liable, the voluntary settlement provides relief to affected owners and lessees in the United States and its territories. This comprehensive effort ensures that owners of affected vehicles, including those concerned about the Hyundai Tucson anti-theft software issue, receive necessary security enhancements.

Why This Matters: Addressing Theft Vulnerability

Criminals have specifically targeted certain Hyundai models that lack an engine immobilizer, a device that prevents the engine from starting without the correct key. This vulnerability became widely known through social media, leading to a coordinated campaign of thefts. These vehicles typically feature traditional “turn-key-to-start” ignition systems. Hyundai's campaigns aim to mitigate this risk by providing additional layers of security.

Hyundai's Multi-faceted Security Solution Overview

Hyundai has rolled out several service campaigns to address the anti-theft concerns, each tailored to different vehicle configurations and eligibility criteria. These campaigns work in conjunction to provide comprehensive security enhancements.

Campaign 993: Anti-Theft Immobilizer Software Upgrade

Service Campaign 993 focuses on a software upgrade for the Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module (IBU/BCM). This upgrade enhances the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system operation and ignition start logic. It also includes the installation of anti-theft decals on the front driver's-side and passenger-side windows, with additional decals optional for rear windows. This software update is detailed in TSB 24-01-009H-1, which supersedes TSB 24-01-009H and TSB 23-01-014H-6. This is a key part of resolving the Hyundai Tucson anti-theft software issue.

This campaign applies to certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles that are not equipped with a push button ignition or an immobilizer lamp in the instrument cluster. The software upgrade became available for various models on different dates, including February 13, 2023, for Elantra (2017-2020MY), Sonata (2015-2019MY), and Venue (2020-2021MY); March 21, 2023, for Kona (2018-2022MY) and Veloster (2012-2017MY, 2019-2021MY); and April 6, 2023, for Accent (2018-2022MY), Elantra (2021-2022MY), Elantra GT (2018-2020MY), Santa Fe (2013-2018MY), Santa Fe Sport (2013-2018MY), Santa Fe XL (2019MY), Sonata (2011-2014MY), Tucson (2011-2022MY), Palisade (2020-2021MY), and Genesis Coupe (2013-2014MY).

Campaign 9A5: Anti-Theft Ignition Cylinder Protector & Decal Installation

For certain 2011-2017 model year Hyundai vehicles that cannot receive the Campaign 993 software upgrade, Hyundai offers Campaign 9A5. This campaign involves installing an anti-theft ignition cylinder protector and two anti-theft decals. The procedure for this installation is outlined in TSB 24-01-007H, which revises decal part number to NP002-SC9A5 and supersedes TSB 23-01-092H-1. Applicable vehicles include certain 2012-2017MY Accent (RB), 2011-2012MY Santa Fe (CM), 2011MY Accent (MC), 2013-2014MY Elantra Coupe (JK), 2011-2012MY Elantra Touring (FD), 2011-2012MY Veracruz (EN), and 2011-2012MY Genesis Coupe (BK).

Campaign P32: Steering Wheel Lock Distribution

Hyundai also provides anti-theft steering wheel locks to owners of certain 2011-2017 model year vehicles that are not eligible for the Campaign 993 software upgrade. These locks are distributed through Hyundai dealers at no cost to the customer, with part number 6009L. The process for providing these locks is described in TSB 23-01-055H-1.

Campaign 9A8: Dealer Best Practices

Service Campaign 9A8 involves an IBU/BCM upgrade to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system operation and ignition logic. This campaign is particularly relevant for certain 2018MY Elantra (AD) vehicles that previously received the Anti-Theft Software Upgrade under Campaign 993, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance. Customers with this service campaign will also receive an incentive for getting this campaign performed at their local Hyundai dealership.

Important Warnings and Owner Information

Owners should be aware of several critical points regarding these security enhancements:

• Aftermarket System Incompatibility: "This software upgrade may be incompatible with aftermarket/add-on alarms and remote start systems." Installation of the software upgrade in vehicles equipped with these devices may cause the software, aftermarket alarm, and/or remote start system to malfunction. Owners may opt-out of the software upgrade by signing a form provided by the dealership. The opt-out form explicitly states: "I acknowledge that my vehicle is already equipped with an aftermarket alarm and/or anti-theft system. I further acknowledge that the Anti-Theft Software Upgrade (Service Campaign 993) may not be as effective when combined with the aftermarket alarm/anti-theft system on my vehicle and if installed, might interfere with the functionality of the aftermarket alarm/anti-theft system. Accordingly, I decline the Anti-Theft Software Upgrade (Service Campaign 993), which has been offered to me, to be performed on my vehicle."
• OEM Remote Start Horn Honking: "Vehicles equipped with the OEM Genuine Hyundai remote start system may exhibit the horn honking when remote starting the vehicle after receiving the software upgrade." Refer to TSB 23-BE-010H for a module upgrade to eliminate this issue.
• Opt-Out Process: If a customer declines the software upgrade or ignition cylinder protector, the dealer will document this decision on the Repair Order, and the customer will need to sign an acknowledgment form. Opting out will close the relevant campaign for the vehicle.
• Key Fob Usage: After the software upgrade, it is crucial to "always use your key fob button to lock and unlock the vehicle to activate/deactivate the anti-theft system." Using the mechanical door lock may not activate the anti-theft system, potentially preventing the vehicle from starting. For vehicles with an exposed key cylinder on the driver's door lock, Hyundai recommends always using the key fob button. However, the key can also be used to disarm the alarm/deactivate the "ignition kill" feature. This recommendation does not apply to Kona 2018-2022MY (OS) or Elantra GT 2018-2020MY (PD).
• Tinted Windows: If your vehicle has aftermarket window tint, the anti-theft decals applied during Campaign 993 may cause damage to the tint if later removed.
• Campaign Closure: "NOTE: Service Campaign 993 will be considered closed on your vehicle at this time. If you later wish to receive the Anti-Theft Software Upgrade, please contact 1-877-446-2922. If you sell your vehicle, please provide the aforementioned contact number to the buyer in case they wish to have the Anti-Theft Software Upgrade performed."

Reimbursement Program

Hyundai offers reimbursement for customers who own or lease 2011-2022 model year vehicles without immobilizers that are not eligible for the Campaign 993 software upgrade. This includes:

• Up to $300 for the purchase of a different anti-theft device, such as an alarm kit.
• Reimbursement for the purchase of a steering wheel lock. Steering wheel locks are also available under Campaign P32.

Owners can contact Hyundai at 888-498-0390 for more information on reimbursement. Hyundai has also been working with local law enforcement offices to provide free steering wheel locks to customers.

Class Action Settlement Details

The class action settlement provides relief to current and previous owners or lessees of affected vehicles in the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. Eligible class members began receiving notice of the settlement by mail and email starting February 12, 2024. For questions regarding the settlement, customers can visit www.HyundaiTheftSettlement.com or call 833-982-3330.

Repair Procedure Summary

The overall repair process involves several steps, depending on the specific campaign applicable to the vehicle:

1. Eligibility Check: Dealers first verify vehicle eligibility for Campaign 993, 9A5, or P32 using the WebDCS Vehicle Information Screen based on VIN. Vehicles equipped with a push button ignition or an immobilizer lamp in the instrument cluster are already equipped with an immobilizer, and Campaign 993 software does not apply to them. For such vehicles, the campaign can be closed by submitting an inspection-only claim as outlined in TSB 24-01-009H-1.
2. Software Upgrade (Campaign 993): For eligible vehicles without an immobilizer or START/STOP ignition button, the Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module (IBU/BCM) software is updated to enhance the burglar alarm system and ignition start logic. This is a quick software upgrade.
3. Decal Installation (Campaign 993 & 9A5): Anti-theft deterrent decals (P/N NP002-SC9A5) are applied to the front driver's and passenger's side windows. Technicians must take photos of the installed decals along with a piece of paper displaying the last 6 digits of the VIN and the repair date. These photos are required for warranty claims.
4. Ignition Cylinder Protector Installation (Campaign 9A5): For vehicles not eligible for the software upgrade, an anti-theft ignition cylinder protector assembly is installed. This procedure is described in TSB 24-01-007H and utilizes JB Weld Steel Reinforced Epoxy (Dark Grey, 4-6 hours set time). Specific protector kits are used based on the vehicle model.
5. Steering Wheel Lock Distribution (Campaign P32): Eligible customers receive a complimentary steering wheel lock (P/N 6009L) through the service drive. Dealers receive an initial shipment of 8 pieces and can order additional supplies.
6. Post-Repair Verification: After the software update, the vehicle's OEM anti-theft alarm and engine immobilizer (if applicable) are tested to ensure proper functionality. For vehicles with OEM remote start, checks are performed to ensure no "horn honking" issues, potentially requiring an upgrade per TSB 23-BE-010H.

Warranty Information

For Service Campaign 993, Hyundai pays 0.3 M/H (0.4 M/H for Elantra CN7/CN7a) to perform the software upgrade and decal installation. The operation time includes taking STUI photos and uploading them. Claims must include acceptable STUI photos of the immobilizer lamp (if present) or the installed anti-theft decals with VIN and date. Claims without proper photos will be subject to debit. For Campaigns 9A5 and P32, claims are submitted as "Campaign" type, and for 9A5, epoxy use is reimbursed.

Required Tools or Parts

• Anti-Theft Protection Decal: P/N NP002-SC9A5
• JB Weld Steel Reinforced Epoxy: Dark Grey, 4-6 hours set time. Can be purchased online or through any retailer. One package is sufficient for up to 4 vehicles.
• Ignition Cylinder Protector Kits (Campaign 9A5):
  • Santa Fe (CMa): 81921-0W000QQH (includes 1 protector, 1 bracket, 2 safety bolts, 1 deco-ring if illuminated ring light)
  • Elantra Touring (FD): 81921-2L000QQH (includes 1 protector, 1 bracket, 2 safety bolts, 1 deco-ring if illuminated ring light)
  • Accent (RB): 81921-1R000QQH (includes 1 protector, 1 bracket, 2 safety bolts)
  • Veracruz (EN): 81921-3J000QQH (includes 1 protector, 1 bracket, 2 safety bolts)
  • Elantra Coupe (JK): 81921-3X000QQH (includes 1 protector, 1 bracket, 2 safety bolts)
  • Accent (MC): 81921-1E000QQH (includes 1 protector, 1 bracket, 2 safety bolts)
• Steering Wheel Lock: P/N 6009L

Owner Action

If you own a 2011-2022 Hyundai Tucson anti-theft software affected vehicle, or any other Hyundai model from the specified years, you should:

1. Check Eligibility: Visit www.HyundaiTheftSettlement.com or contact your local Hyundai dealership to determine if your vehicle is affected by Campaign 993, 9A5, or P32. You can also check eligibility by VIN on the WebDCS system.
2. Schedule Service: If your vehicle is eligible, schedule an appointment with your Hyundai dealer to receive the appropriate anti-theft enhancement free of charge.
3. Discuss Aftermarket Systems: If you have an aftermarket alarm or remote start system, discuss potential incompatibilities with your dealer before the software upgrade. You may choose to opt-out.
4. Utilize Key Fob: After any software upgrade, remember to use your key fob to lock and unlock your vehicle to ensure the anti-theft system is properly armed and disarmed.
5. Reimbursement: If you purchased an alternative anti-theft device or steering wheel lock, inquire about the reimbursement program by calling 888-498-0390.

This proactive approach will help secure your vehicle against theft and ensure you benefit from the available security enhancements.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11000788