TikTok’s so-called “Kia Challenge” has led to thousands of cars being stolen in the U.S., including at least 14 crashes that killed eight, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
An account called Kia Boyz posted tutorial videos on how to bypass car security systems using a regular USB cable. Theft was especially common due to the lack of electronic immobilizers in vehicles (especially 2015-2019 Kia models) – devices without which it is impossible to start the engine.
Kia Challenge: Thieves steal Kia and Hyundai cars using just a smartphone USB cable
Currently, Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia are proposing a software update that will, among other things, increase the duration of the alarm from 30 seconds to one minute, and also require the key to be in the ignition to start the car.
Here’s what Hyundai says the update will consist of:
“The software update changes some control modules in Hyundai vehicles equipped with standard keyless ignition systems. If you close the door with the key fob, the “ignition off” function is activated, so the cars cannot be started in the way used during thefts. You can turn off the function to unlock the vehicle using the key fob.
There’s no national data on thefts — but in Milwaukee alone, police said 469 Kias and 426 Hyundais were stolen in 2020, and the numbers rose to 3,557 Kias and 3,406 Hyundais the following year, according to NPR.
The free update will be offered to about 3.8 million Hyundais and 4.5 million Kias – owners must take the cars to dealerships, where technicians will install it in less than an hour. Each will receive a special sticker stating that the vehicles are equipped with anti-theft technology.
In the list of cars that can apply for updates starting this week: Elantra 2017-2020, Sonata 2015-2019 and Venue 2020-2021. The Kona, Palisade and Santa Fe will begin service in June 2023. Customers can enter their vehicle’s VIN on the site to find out when they can qualify for an upgrade.
Previously, Hyundai charged car owners at least $170 for security kits to address the theft problem (with installation and labor, these costs can rise to $500). Hyundai and Kia have also offered a theft-deterrent wheel locking system to some owners, with 26,000 such locks given out since November 2022, according to the NTSA.
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Source: The Verge
