Hyundai and Kia have offered more than one free response to thefts associated with the “Kia Boys” method: a software upgrade launched in 2023 and, under a separate multistate settlement announced in December 2025, a zinc-reinforced ignition-cylinder protector for eligible vehicles. Which remedy applies depends on the vehicle; check its VIN through the manufacturer rather than assuming eligibility from the model year.
What are Hyundai and Kia fixing?
The phrase “Kia Boys” refers to a social-media-popularized theft method that targeted certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles. The issue described in the campaigns concerns vehicles without an engine immobilizer, a device that prevents the engine from starting without the vehicle’s coded key. It does not mean every Hyundai or Kia can be stolen this way, and the remedies do not guarantee that a vehicle cannot be stolen.
In February 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said approximately 3.8 million Hyundai vehicles and 4.5 million Kia vehicles were involved in the manufacturers’ service campaigns. The campaigns addressed certain vehicles with turn-key ignitions and no engine immobilizer. NHTSA’s 2023 announcement describes the campaign scope.
What did the 2023 software upgrade change?
The free upgrade modified the theft-alarm logic: instead of sounding for 30 seconds, the alarm sounds for one minute, and the vehicle requires the key to be in the ignition switch to start. Hyundai said its phased campaign began February 14, 2023, with rollout through May. This was a software response for eligible vehicles, not a physical replacement of the ignition cylinder.
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- HIGHLY VISUAL DETERRENT AND SAFE:The bright color of the car lock is a fine choice for maximum visibility both day and night,which tells the thief "Not this car"!The anti car theft device greatly reduces the possibility of being targeted by thieves and protects your car security effectively.Tevlaphee steering wheel lock gives you more peace of mind!
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The upgrade is intended to deter the theft method, not make theft impossible. The North Carolina Department of Justice said thieves were able to bypass the software update and thefts continued, which was part of the context for the later settlement.
What is the later ignition-cylinder protector?
On December 16, 2025, North Carolina’s Department of Justice announced that Hyundai and Kia had reached a multistate settlement with 35 other state attorneys general. One announced term is a free zinc-reinforced ignition-cylinder protector for eligible owners or lessees. The protector is a separate hardware remedy, and eligible vehicles can include ones that previously qualified only for the software upgrade.
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- DOUBLE PROTECTION DESIGN&EASY TO USE:The steering wheel lock adopts the humanized design of four locking hooks and twin bars, which can be locked on the steering wheel more firmly and with a sense of security.The car theft prevention device is easy to use, install and remove. It's simple to lock and unlock with keys in seconds!
- HIGHLY VISUAL DETERRENT AND SAFE:The bright color of the car lock is a fine choice for maximum visibility both day and night,which tells the thief "Not this car"!The anti car theft device greatly reduces the possibility of being targeted by thieves and protects your car security effectively.Tevlaphee steering wheel lock gives you more peace of mind!
- A+ GRADE ANTI-THEFT LOCK:Car wheel lock is made of top-grade steel, featuring a high-strength solid locking beam that makes it difficult for thieves to break. The pure copper lock core is durable and provides secure anti-theft protection! The precise double spring crescent lock sub-type encoding key is specially designed to prevent professional thieves and mutual open rate!The overall body of the anti-theft steering wheel lock is treated with a plastic dipping process that will not damage you steering wheel
- WORK FOR MOST CARS:The universal anti theft steering wheel lock can be adjusted to fit steering wheels with inner diameter between 5.3”-14.1” for sedans,SUV,pickup trucks,vans,trucks etc.You have the flexibility to make adjustments as you wish!
- YOU DESERVE THE BEST:If you are not satisfied with your purchase or have any questions about our steering lock,please find Tevlaphee team via Amazon! You have no risk in trying. We promise you will get friendly products and service from us. You can buy with confidence!
The state announcement says eligible owners will be notified and have one year from notice to schedule an appointment. Service timing and individual eligibility depend on current program instructions, so use the manufacturer or settlement administrator’s official information. The announcement also describes up to $4.5 million in restitution for qualifying consumers whose vehicles were damaged by theft on or after April 29, 2025, before they had an opportunity to have the protector installed. This is a maximum pool, not a guaranteed payment to each claimant. See the North Carolina settlement announcement for its stated terms.
How to check whether your vehicle qualifies
Eligibility is vehicle-specific. Hyundai says vehicles with push-button start or produced after November 2021 have an engine immobilizer and are outside the software campaign described on its owner page. For turn-key vehicles, Hyundai directs owners to its VIN lookup. Kia likewise directs owners to check a 17-digit VIN for software-upgrade or ignition-cylinder-protector eligibility.
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- Find your vehicle identification number (VIN), a 17-character identifier typically visible through the windshield or on registration and insurance documents.
- Use Hyundai’s Anti-Theft Software Upgrade page or Kia’s Anti-Theft Support Actions page to enter the VIN.
- Follow the result for your vehicle and contact an authorized dealer or the settlement administrator as directed. Do not rely on a broad make/model/year list in place of the VIN result.
How the remedies differ
| Response | What it does | Who it may apply to |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 software upgrade | Extends the alarm from 30 seconds to one minute and requires the key in the ignition switch to start. | Certain vehicles without an engine immobilizer; confirm by VIN. |
| 2025 settlement ignition-cylinder protector | Free installation of a zinc-reinforced protector in the ignition cylinder. | Eligible owners or lessees, including some vehicles that received only the earlier software upgrade; confirm by VIN and settlement notice. |
| Steering-wheel lock | Visible, supplemental physical deterrent; it is not the software upgrade or the ignition-cylinder repair. | Some impacted owners and lessees may receive one through manufacturer support programs. |
Can owners get a free steering-wheel lock?
Kia says it continues to offer free steering-wheel locks for impacted owners and lessees, alongside the software upgrade and the protector for vehicles not eligible for the upgrade. Availability and distribution can vary. NHTSA reported in 2023 that the manufacturers had provided more than 26,000 locks since November 2022 through 77 law-enforcement agencies in 12 states; that dated figure does not establish current inventory or availability in every location.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How this differs from the earlier class-action settlement
The 2025 multistate agreement is distinct from an earlier consumer class-action settlement. Hyundai’s service page describes the earlier litigation as allegations concerning certain 2011–2022 model-year vehicles without engine immobilizers, and says no party was found liable because the matter ended in a voluntary settlement. Hyundai also says the software upgrade and related service campaigns should continue to be performed by dealers. Details are on Hyundai’s service campaign and settlement page.
Quick Recap
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- DOUBLE PROTECTION DESIGN&EASY TO USE:The steering wheel lock adopts the humanized design of four locking hooks and twin bars, which can be locked on the steering wheel more firmly and with a sense of security.The car theft prevention device is easy to use, install and remove. It's simple to lock and unlock with keys in seconds!
- HIGHLY VISUAL DETERRENT AND SAFE:The bright color of the car lock is a fine choice for maximum visibility both day and night,which tells the thief "Not this car"!The anti car theft device greatly reduces the possibility of being targeted by thieves and protects your car security effectively.Tevlaphee steering wheel lock gives you more peace of mind!
- A+ GRADE ANTI-THEFT LOCK:Car wheel lock is made of top-grade steel, featuring a high-strength solid locking beam that makes it difficult for thieves to break. The pure copper lock core is durable and provides secure anti-theft protection! The precise double spring crescent lock sub-type encoding key is specially designed to prevent professional thieves and mutual open rate!The overall body of the anti-theft steering wheel lock is treated with a plastic dipping process that will not damage you steering wheel
- WORK FOR MOST CARS:The universal anti theft steering wheel lock can be adjusted to fit steering wheels with inner diameter between 4.9”-13” for sedans,SUV,pickup trucks,vans,trucks etc.You have the flexibility to make adjustments as you wish!
- YOU DESERVE THE BEST:If you are not satisfied with your purchase or have any questions about our steering lock,please find Tevlaphee team via Amazon! You have no risk in trying. We promise you will get friendly products and service. You can buy with confidence!
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
