El Paso Hyundai faces an epidemic of car theft

Step.- Hyundai will have a large-scale mobile clinic in El Paso that will update anti-theft software and fix security vulnerabilities that make some of its vehicles easy targets in a nationwide epidemic of auto theft.

A mobile anti-theft refresher clinic will be open to El Paso-Las Cruces area residents on Wednesday, February 7 and Thursday, February 8 from 8 am to 6 pm in the parking lot off US 54 at Camp Cohen Water Park. 9700 Gateway North Blvd. in Northeast El Paso.

A specially trained Hyundai service technician will be on site to install and complete the software update, which should take less than 30 minutes. Drivers will also get a complimentary steering wheel lock.

The update is free. No appointment, enrollment or registration required.

There have been 420 thefts and attempted thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles in El Paso over the past year and into early 2024, El Paso police officials said Tuesday at a news conference announcing the Hyundai event.

The thefts are linked to a viral video, known as the “Kia Challenge”, which emerged in 2021 and taught viewers how to steal cars with security flaws.

“It’s become an epidemic across the United States, involving kids in car thefts,” El Paso Police Chief Peter Pacillas said at a news conference.

The mobile clinic is part of Hyundai’s efforts to install free anti-theft software updates for customers through its nationwide dealer network.

Kia and Hyundai car thefts in El Paso and other cities across the country have increased since the security breach was posted in videos on TikTok and other social media sites.