Bea Beltran Auto 02.15.2023 00:Feb AM EST

Hyundai and Kia Updates Their Software Due to Illegal TikTok Challenge

Hyundai and Kia cars are at risk of being stolen due to the "Kia Challenge" made popular on TikTok. There have already been thousands of car thefts reported since 2020, and the car manufacturers aim to resolve this by updating the anti-theft software of the affected models.

Anti-Theft Software Update

For those who might own vehicles that could be subjected to theft due to the trend, you may get the software update for free by taking it to a local dealership. The affected models are Hyundai and Kia vehicles manufactured between 2015 to 2019.

The service campaign covers a total of up to four million cars which started on February 14th. It will be rolling out first for more than a million the model year 2017 to 2020 Enlantra, 2015 to 2019 Sonata, and 2020 to 2021 Venue cars.

Technicians will install the software update in under an hour. The owners will also get a decal suggesting that the vehicle has been fitted with the updated anti-theft technology, as mentioned by The Verge, to warn potential thieves from even attempting.

The update also made it so the car can only be turned on using the actual key in the ignition switch. Vehicles with standard "turn-key-to-start" ignition systems will now have an "ignition kill" feature once the car is locked using the key fob.

Aside from the ignition kill, locking the doors with a key fob with also activate its factory alarm, which has been extended from 30 seconds to a minute. To deactivate the security measures, the driver will have to use the key fob to unlock the vehicle, according to Hyundai.

Aside from the update, Hyundai is also providing steering wheel locks to law enforcement agencies to distribute to local residents with affected models. The same goes for owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles that cannot accommodate the software upgrade.

Service Campaign Schedule for Vehicles

Phase 1 (Starting February 14, 2023)

2017-2020 Elantra
2015-2019 Sonata
2020-2021 Venue

Phase 2 (Starting June 2023)

2018-2022 Accent
2011-2016 Elantra
2021-2022 Elantra
2018-2020 Elantra GT
2011-2014 Genesis Coupe
2018-2022 Kona
2020-2021 Palisade

Theft Incidents

Not only did the TikTok trend lead to many car thefts, but crashes and fatalities as well. There have been 14 reported crashes and eight deaths due to the challenge, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In one incident that happened in Buffalo, New York, six teenagers decided to try out the "Kia Challenge." This resulted in four deaths and two injuries. One of the survivors was put in intensive care.

The driver who was 16 years old, was treated in a hospital and has been charged with third-degree unauthorized use of a vehicle and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, as mentioned in Daily Mail.

Authorities in Milwaukee have reported 469 Kias and 426 Hyundais stolen in 2020 alone. That has grown to 3,557 Kias and 3,406 Hyundais in the following year, according to reports. 4.5 Million Kias and 3.8 Million more Hyundais could fall victim to the trend.