A TikTok social media challenge turned vehicular pandemic with thousands of stolen Kia and Hyundai vehicles. How can you protect your Kia or Hyundai from this thievery?

Although a weakness in these models was found, it shouldn’t have ever been allowed to be exploited on social media, but it happened. The internet has nearly equal parts good and bad, mostly because humans are involved. That said, there are some ways to avoid having your vehicle stolen in the same manner as shown on TikTok, which could spell good news for some drivers.

Which vehicles are the target of the TikTok challenge?

The targeted models are Kia branded vehicles from 2011-2021 and Hyundai models from 2015-2021. The problem has gotten so far out of hand that some auto insurance companies are refusing to cover affected vehicles. The insurance companies refusing coverage aren’t small-market brands but big names including State Farm and Progressive. Thankfully, they haven’t stopped coverage in all areas, but that could be on the horizon. If you own one of the impacted vehicles, you’ll want to know how to avoid becoming a victim of the Kia and Hyundai thievery scheme.

How easy is it to steal these vehicles?

Unfortunately, some groups become famous for doing harm to others. The “Kia Boys” became social media famous and now legally infamous because they learned how easily these vehicles can be stole and shared it with the world. All that’s required is a screwdriver and a USB charging cord, which makes it too easy to steal one of these models.

The reason these vehicles are so easy to steal is they weren’t equipped with an engine immobilizer when manufactured. To date, no explanation has been given for this oversight, but both brands are working on a solution for current owners.

How are the brands addressing this problem?

To help thwart the Kia Hyundai thievery outbreak, both brands have agreed to provide necessary software free of charge to ensure thieves cannot steal these vehicles. The brands will also provide window stickers that warn thieves that this vehicle isn’t going to be an easy target and the next victim of the TikTok challenge. Unfortunately, some models cannot accept the software updates, which leaves owners without a solution to ensure their vehicle will be parked where they left it when they return the next day.

In some areas, both Kia and Hyundai have sent steering wheel locks to law enforcement agencies to issue to owners of potential targets of this crime ring.

What does the software upgrade do?

This software upgrade modifies the vehicle control module to activate an ignition kill feature when the vehicle is locked using the key fob. Owners must us the key fob to unlock their vehicles to deactivate this ignition kill feature. Currently, this software is going out to Hyundai owners and Kia should have its version of similar software in the next few months.

Are newer models made without an engine immobilizer?

Thankfully, if you own a 2022 or newer Hyundai or Kia vehicle, you won’t become a victim of this thievery scheme. All vehicles wearing these brands that have been produced since November 2021 include an engine immobilizer. This is certainly a lesson learned for these brands, especially since the TikTok challenge went viral and thousands of these vehicles were stolen using the simple process shown.

How can you avoid your Hyundai or Kia being stolen?

If you have one of the Kia or Hyundai models from the model years without the engine immobilizer, there are few things you can do to protect your vehicle. The Indianapolis Police department offers the following tips:

• Park inside a garage whenever possible
• Install a steering wheel locking device
• Install quality video surveillance cameras and alarms
• Install a GPS tracking device
• Leave porch lights on if you park on the street or in the driveway
• Call police regarding suspicious activity in your area
• Lock all windows and doors
• Never leave your car running
• Establish relationships with neighbors and nearby business owners
• Contact dealerships regarding anti-theft options for the vehicle
• Keep information including make, model, model year, license plate, and VIN accessible in case the vehicle is stolen

Using these tips can help protect your vehicle. Hopefully, with the addition of the software upgrades and more awareness, fewer Kia and Hyundai vehicles will become victims of this thievery scandal that has swept across the nation.