A viral TikTok trend has exposed just how vulnerable more than 400,000 cars in Texas are to theft, prompting car manufacturers to offer free services to help bolster security.
First posted in 2021, the “Kia Challenge” shows viewers how to start certain Kia and Hyundai models with household tools, such as a USB cable or a screwdriver. The affected models do not have an immobilizer that prevents the car from starting without a key in the ignition, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
According to Carfax, there are approximately 4.9 million such cars across the United States, making Texas the state with the third most Kia and Hyundai models vulnerable to the “Kia Challenge,” trailing only Florida and California.
The Dallas-Fort Worth area came in fourth for most affected vehicles out of all U.S. metroplexes, with roughly 191,000 cars. Houston came in ninth, with approximately 132,000, according to WFAA.
As of July 28, car thefts in Dallas are up more than 34% year over year. Roughly 10,200 incidents have been reported to the Dallas Police Department, which has been suffering from a serious staffing shortage. Only about 3,100 officers are currently policing the streets — far fewer than the estimated 4,000 recommended by a City analysis.
Kia and Hyundai settled a class action lawsuit in May 2023 for roughly $200 million, which will be used to help reimburse those who have had their cars stolen.
The settlement, which covers more than 8 million models released between 2011 and 2022, will provide free software upgrades to eligible vehicles, while drivers of ineligible vehicles can claim up to $300 to purchase a steering wheel lock.
It also includes “compensation for a range of out-of-pocket damages, including total loss of vehicles up to $6,125, damage to vehicle and personal property up to $3,375, insurance-related expenses and other related expenses including car rental, taxi costs, ride share costs or public transit payments not otherwise covered by insurance.”
Jason Erb, Hyundai Motor North America’s chief legal officer, said the two companies look forward to helping those affected.
“We appreciate the opportunity to provide additional support for our owners who have been impacted by increasing and persistent criminal activity targeting our vehicles,” said Erb, per AP News.
Despite the fixes being provided by the two companies, many car owners have still not taken advantage of the safety upgrades.
“I think the problem, primarily, is that the notification comes in the mail. We live on our phones now,” Patrick Olsen, Carfax’s editor in chief, told KENS 5.
“Also very common, people put this down and say, ‘I will get to this next week, next month,’ and they frankly forget about it. That’s why we are out here rattling the window shades to make consumers aware there is [sic] 4.9 million of these cars nationwide and 430,000 in Texas alone,” Olsen added.
Many of Dallas’ auto thefts occur in the downtown area. According to an analysis conducted by the Metroplex Civic and Business Association, Dallas police noted 70 instances of motor vehicle theft in the neighborhood in March 2023, while Fort Worth’s downtown area only reported three. Downtown Fort Worth is patrolled by a dedicated police unit and private security guards.