Who would have thought that a viral TikTok video is all it will take for Kia and Hyundai cars to become popular? For all the wrong reasons. In a shocking development, a viral TikTok video has prompted Americans to try stealing cars using a screwdriver and a phone charging cable.
The now viral TikTok videos that have been widely shared on multiple social media platforms have sparked car thefts across the country. Certain Kia and Hyundai models are particularly vulnerable, and the owners of these vehicles have been at the receiving end of this prank.
Viral TikTok Videos and Car Thefts
In Cook County, Illinois, local officials reported that the state has seen a 767% increase in Kia and Hyundai car thefts since 2021. They mentioned that in comparison to 74 reported car thefts last year, by July 2022, the county had already received reports for 642 stolen vehicles. In a statement, the Cook County sheriff urged the public to be vigilant and that law enforcement agencies will work closely with public officials to reduce car thefts and carjackings.
The viral TikTok videos demonstrate how to hotwire a car and thieves appear to be targeting vehicles which do not have a starter button, rather work with a physical key. The hack does not work on vehicles that have engine immobilizers, a type of anti-theft technology that uses a computer chip to help an engine recognize a corresponding key.
North Portland resident Joseph Conroy had his Kia Soul stolen last Friday. He says that through the TikTok challenge, “individuals have taught people how to easily break into these vehicles and steal them.” He told KPTV that it has become a matter of concern as Kia and Hyundai owners are constantly worried about theft.
In a social media post, the Illinois police stated that the 2011-2021 Kia and 2015-2021 Hyundai models are most likely to be at risk and can be easily hotwired as they do not have a push-start button.
Safety Measures
Meanwhile, Kia has taken note of the rise in crimes and issued a statement. “While no car can be made theft-proof, criminals are seeking vehicles solely equipped with a steel key and “turn-to-start” ignition system. The majority of Kia vehicles in the United States are equipped with a key fob and “push-to-start” system, making them more difficult to steal. All 2022 Kia models and trims have an immobilizer applied either at the beginning of the model year or as a running change.”
Kia America also said that it is providing law enforcement officials with free steering wheel lock devices to deter vandalism and theft. The company is providing the locks for Kia owners whose vehicles were not originally equipped with an immobilizer. Earlier this year, Kia had recalled some models to fix an airbag issue.
Hyundai has plans to roll out security kits for the models made before November by October of this year. In a statement, the company revealed that it is working with law-enforcement personnel to make steering wheel locks available to affected Hyundai owners.
Kia and Hyundai have urged customers to contact them on their toll-free numbers to ask questions and clarify concerns. The toll-free number for Kia is 1(800)333-4542 while for Hyundai it is 1(800)633-5151.
The National Insurance Bureau recommends using visible or audible devices, such as steering wheel locks, brake locks, wheel locks, steering column collars, audible alarms, and theft deterrent decals, to prevent car thefts. The police, meanwhile, have suggested parking in well-lit areas or public spaces to reduce the chances of vehicles getting stolen.
Some Kia and Hyundai owners have filed lawsuits blaming the companies for not installing anti-theft devices to save money. The lawsuits have been filed in Kansas and Missouri. Although none of the plaintiffs in the suit have been the victim of car thefts, the lawyers stated that all owners could be affected because of this issue. The suits call on Kia and Hyundai to either fix or replace the models without the immobilizers.
