{"id":475,"date":"2023-02-14T18:36:16","date_gmt":"2023-02-14T18:36:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.autobuyersmarket.com\/news\/?p=475"},"modified":"2025-05-05T10:24:47","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T10:24:47","slug":"hyundai-kia-introduce-software-update-to-combat-tiktok-theft-challenge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autobuyersmarket.com\/news\/2023\/02\/14\/hyundai-kia-introduce-software-update-to-combat-tiktok-theft-challenge\/","title":{"rendered":"Hyundai, Kia Introduce Software Update to Combat TikTok Theft Challenge"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Hyundai,
Sibling automakers Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. are introducing new software updates<\/a> to over 8 million of their vehicles in an attempt to curb the spread of the so-called \u201cKia Boys\u201d<\/em> challenge. File photo: Jonathan Weiss, Shutter Stock, licensed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – In response to a popular trend on TikTok and other social media platforms where young teens steal certain cars off the street using a USB cord, sibling automakers Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. are introducing new software updates<\/a> to over 8 million of their vehicles in an attempt to curb the spread of the so-called \u201cKia Boys\u201d<\/em> challenge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to reports, certain makes and models of 2010-2021 Kia and Hyundai vehicles without immobilizing anti-theft devices that use a mechanical key \u2013 not a key fob and push-button to start the car \u2013 have been the target of the TikTok challenge, with the number of cars stolen having surged since last year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trend challenges teens \u2013 many not even old enough to legally drive \u2013 to steal a car by breaking into it, removing the steering wheel column and hot wiring the vehicle using a USB cable; the stolen cars are then used to joyride or commit other crimes, often to be abandoned on the side of the road afterwards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To date, the challenge has resulted in at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities, authorities say.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u26a0\ufe0f Consumer Alert \u26a0\ufe0f Hyundai and Kia launch a service campaign to prevent theft of millions of vehicles targeted by a TikTok challenge. Approximately 3.8 million Hyundais and 4.5 million Kias are involved. More: https:\/\/t.co\/b4mm16KrlE<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/jo3tW9hWej<\/a><\/p>— nhtsagov (@NHTSAgov) February 14, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>