Kia, Hyundai Release Software to Stop TikTok Challenge Fueling Car Thefts

A viral TikTok challenge that’s been causing teens to steal Kia and Hyundai vehicles with a mere USB cable is prompting the carmakers to release a free software update to stop the thefts. 

The anti-theft software update will arrive for millions of Kia and Hyundai vehicles in the US, according(Opens in a new window) to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

The software promises to address a flaw in certain Kia and Hyundai cars, which can be started without the keys using only a screwdriver and USB cable. Last year, a group of thieves known as the “Kia boys” demonstrated the flaw via TikTok videos, which spurred others to try to hijack Kia and Hyundai vehicles.  

So why the flaw? Certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles possess no immobilizer to prevent the engine from starting without the correct key. As a result, you can pull off the plastic under the cars’ steering wheels and slot in(Opens in a new window) a standard USB cable to easily turn(Opens in a new window) the ignition cylinder. No data from the USB cable needs to be exchanged at all. 

Since the TikTok challenge went viral, police departments across the US have seen(Opens in a new window) an increase in car thefts targeting Kia and Hyundai cars. “Vehicle theft is up an astounding 767% due to an emerging TikTok Challenge,” the Chicago Police Department said(Opens in a new window) in August. 

The NHTSA adds that the TikTok challenge “has spread nationwide and has resulted in at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities.”

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In response, Hyundai, which owns Kia, says(Opens in a new window) it developed a software update that can effectively lock down the car’s engine. “As a result, locking the doors with the key fob will set the factory alarm and activate an ‘ignition kill’ feature so the vehicles cannot be started when subjected to the popularized theft mode,” the car maker said. “Customers must use the key fob to unlock their vehicles to deactivate the ‘ignition kill’ feature.”

NHTSA adds: “The software updates the theft alarm software logic to extend the length of the alarm sound from 30 seconds to one minute and requires the key to be in the ignition switch to turn the vehicle on.”

Hyundai is first releasing the software update to over 1 million vehicles before rolling it out more widely to almost 4 million cars by June. Priority has been given to the highest-selling models and those targeted the most in the wave of car thefts. 

“The free upgrade will be performed by Hyundai dealers and will take less than one hour for installation,” the company added. However, the software upgrade won’t work with every car model. So to compensate, Hyudai says it’s “finalizing a program” to reimburse affected owners with a steering wheel lock.

According to the NHTSA, affected car owners can contact Hyundai at 800-633-5151 or Kia at 800-333-4542 to learn how they can receive the free software update. Hyundai has also created a dedicated website(Opens in a new window) about the update. Vehicle models dating from last year to as far back as 2011 can be affected. 

Meanwhile, Kia told PCMag it’s already notifying owners about the free software upgrade and “anticipates making it available to most owners of affected vehicles over the next few months.”

“The company also continues to make steering wheel locks available at no cost through interested local law enforcement agencies, subject to available supply,” Kia adds.