Hyundai and Kia models made between 2011 and 2022 may be susceptible to thefts due to defects and lacking safety features.
Many of these Kia and Hyundai cars lacked immobilizers: computer chips that must be recognized by another chip in the steering column before the engine starts.
Most vehicle manufacturers require these immobilizer chips in their cars, but Hyundai and Kia have reportedly lagged behind the automotive industry as a whole in implementing them.
The “Kia Challenge” started on TikTok and spread to other social media channels, encouraging teens to break into Hyundai and Kia vehicles and exploit the lacking safety features to steal cars and drive recklessly.
Theft popularized on social media was at an all-time high in 2022, with more than 7,000 Kias and Hyundais stolen in Chicago alone.
How are Kia and Hyundai Cars Stolen?
Thieves have stolen Kia and Hyundai vehicles using only a screwdriver or USB cable.
This is due to the fact that affected cars lacked immobilizers.
In order to steal a Kia or Hyundai with a steel key ignition system, thieves peel back the steering column and dismantle the key slot.
Then, a USB cable or a screwdriver can be used to turn the ignition and start the car.
Kia and Hyundai cars can be stolen in under one minute using this technique popularized on social media.
Who are the “Kia Boys”?
“Kia Boys” or “Kia Boyz” are the names that thieves have given themselves on social media.
Spreading information on how to steal cars and posting videos of their dangerous joyriding, Kia boys have inspired impressionable teens to take part in auto theft across the country.
At least eight fatalities have occurred as a result of crashes caused by “Kia Boys” and thieves inspired by trends spread on social media channels.
How Has Kia and Hyundai Responded?
No official recall has been announced for Hyundai and Kia vehicles impacted by the lacking safety features that make the cars more prone to theft.
A class action lawsuit was filed against these companies, resulting in a $200 million settlement.
Kia and Hyundai are both offering free software upgrades to owners of vehicles with the security flaw, and they believe that will solve the issue.
However, reports have surfaced of car owners who have been victims of car thefts even after receiving the software upgrades pushed by Kia and Hyundai.
How to Prevent Hyundai and Kia Car Thefts
Owners of affected vehicles are encouraged to implement safety features and anti theft devices to keep their vehicles out of the hands of thieves.
These anti theft tactics include:
- Steering wheel locks
- Engine immobilizer upgrades
- Software upgrades implemented by Kia America and Hyundai Motor North America
- Other anti theft features that prevent ignition and steering wheel use
