TikTok Challenge Leads to Hyundai, Kia Thefts

Kia and Hyundai are introducing software updates after a TikTok video challenged young users to steal specific models of their vehicles with a USB cord.

The challenge, called ‘Kia Boys,’ has led to at least 14 reports of crashes and eight deaths, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in a press release.

The TikTok challenge highlighted vehicles that do not have immobilizers and showed users how to hot-wire Hyundai and Kia vehicles with only a USB cord and a screwdriver, according to NBC 5 DFW.

The models in question span from 2010-2021 and use mechanical keys. 

Authorities in St. Petersburg said the trend accounted for a third of all car thefts in July, according to CNBC.  

Meanwhile, Los Angeles police saw an 85% year-over-year increase in Hyundai and Kia cars stolen in 2022, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

The software update will increase the duration of the cars’ alarm sound to one minute and require the key to be in the ignition for the car to turn on, according to the NHTSA.

The NHTSA said around 3.8 million Hyundais and 4.5 million Kias qualify for the update.  

Hyundai and Kia will start software updates this month and run through June. The cars in question include the 2017-2020 Hyundai Elantra, 2015-2019 Kia Sonata, and 2020-2021 Hyundai Venue, according to NBC 5 DFW. 

“We have prioritized the upgrade’s availability for owners and lessees of our highest selling vehicles and those most targeted by thieves in order for dealers to service them first,” Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, said in a press release. 

Hyundais and Kias that do not contain immobilizers saw a vehicle theft claim rate of 2.18 per 1,000 insured vehicle years, nearly double the industry average, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute, the Associated Press reported. A vehicle that has been insured for one year counts as an insured vehicle year.

A crash in Buffalo, New York, that led to four teen deaths was allegedly linked to the challenge, according to the Associated Press. 

Hyundai said all models manufactured after November 1, 2021, include immobilizers as a standard feature. Hyundai also said it would provide window stickers alerting potential thieves that the cars have anti-theft protection, NBC 5 DFW reported.