Hyundai’s EV Security Controversy: A Flaw That Could Cost Customer Loyalty

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hyundai want its customers to pay to fix security flaw that allowed their pre 2024 EV’s to be stolen in seconds, even if keys were 100’s of miles away.

Hyundai’s electric vehicles were hailed as a revelation. The Ioniq 5, in particular, was met with near-universal praise—its retro styling, smooth ride, and futuristic comfort made it a darling of the motoring world. But behind the accolades lies a troubling truth: this car has a serious security flaw, and Hyundai’s response to it may be even more damaging than the flaw itself.

Let’s get straight to it. The Ioniq 5 has become one of the most stolen EVs in the UK, thanks to a vulnerability that allows thieves to unlock and drive the car using a device disguised as a Game Boy. This isn’t a signal booster or a relay attack—it’s a standalone hacking tool that doesn’t require the key to be anywhere near the vehicle. In fact, the key could be in another country, and the car would still be gone in seconds.

This isn’t just a technical oversight. It’s a fundamental breach of trust. And Hyundai’s solution? For 2025 models, an over-the-air update. For earlier models, a hardware fix—at the customer’s expense.

Yes, you read that right. Hyundai is asking owners of pre-2025 vehicles to pay £49 to secure their cars against a flaw that was baked into the original design. It’s not about the amount—it’s about the principle. Customers are being asked to foot the bill for a vulnerability they didn’t create, in a product they trusted to be secure.

From a PR standpoint, this decision is baffling. In an era where brand loyalty is fragile and competition is fierce, Hyundai risks alienating a large portion of its customer base. Asking owners to pay for a fix to a critical security flaw sends the wrong message: that corporate convenience outweighs consumer protection.

If Hyundai wants to retain the trust it’s built through innovation and design, it needs to own this mistake—fully. Cover the cost. Apologize. Reassure customers that their safety and investment matter.

Because if I were one of those owners, I wouldn’t just be questioning the £49 charge. I’d be questioning whether I’d ever buy from Hyundai again.