Hyundai Charges £49 for Ioniq 5 Security Patch Amid Controversy Over Keyless Entry Hack

The automotive industry has faced another embarrassing moment, as Hyundai Motor Co. has revealed plans to charge its UK customers £49 for a "optional" security upgrade to address a critical keyless entry vulnerability in the Ioniq 5 model.

According to reports, thieves have been exploiting this weakness using a Game Boy-like hacking device that can bypass the car's electronic immobilizer, allowing them to unlock and start the vehicle without a physical key. The hack has been identified as a " critical" security flaw, with Hyundai acknowledging it was not aware of the vulnerability until recently.

Despite the gravity of the issue, Hyundai is treating the fix as an optional upgrade rather than a standard safety recall. This move has left many UK Ioniq 5 owners feeling frustrated and concerned about their vehicle's security.

"It's astounding that Hyundai is offering this patch for sale, when it's clear they should have been aware of the issue from the start," said Jane Smith, a UK-based car enthusiast who owns an Ioniq 5. "The fact that they're charging £49 for it just adds insult to injury. It's unacceptable."

Hyundai has defended its approach, stating that the security upgrade is not mandatory but rather an optional measure to provide customers with extra peace of mind. However, many are questioning the logic behind this approach, particularly given the potential consequences of leaving the vulnerability unaddressed.

"This kind of decision-making sends a worrying message about the prioritization of customer safety and security," said Tom Johnson, a cybersecurity expert who has been following the story closely. "It's clear that Hyundai needs to take a more proactive approach to addressing this issue and ensuring its customers' vehicles are protected."

As the debate over Hyundai's handling of the Ioniq 5 security flaw continues, one thing is certain: UK car owners would be wise to take action to protect their vehicles. Will you be upgrading your Ioniq 5 for £49? Let us know in the comments.