Beware: Growing Auto Thefts of Kias, Hyundais

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Brazen TikTok-led social media car theft challenge is targeting certain Kia and Hyundai models

The surge of Kia and Hyundai vehicle thefts across the U.S. have been fueled by TikTok-led social-media challenges targeting certain models of the cars because they are so easy to steal. The stolen vehicles typically are used for joy riding or to commit other crimes.

The issue affects some models of Kia built between 2011 and 2021 and certain models of Hyundai between 2016 and 2021.

Police departments from Atlanta to Seattle have warned about increases in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. The thefts are affecting Hyundai and Kia models because crooks only need to break in and use a USB cable to drive the vehicle away. Making the situation worse, there are videos on social media demonstrating how to pull off this crime.

The affected vehicles allegedly don’t have engine immobilizers, according to Automotive News. This makes it possible to plug the cord into a certain spot and start the powerplant without needing the key or fob.

A group of lowlifes going by the name “Kia Boys” on TikTok social media is reportedly posting videos of stealing the affected Hyundai and Kia models. They then show themselves joyriding in these vehicles.

In Chicago, 601 Kias and Hyundais were reported stolen in August, compared with 58 in August 2021, according to data released by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.

In St. Louis, 3,970 motor vehicles have been reported stolen this year through Aug. 29, up from 3,784 for all of last year, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Of the cars stolen this year, 48% were Kias or Hyundais.

The companies are facing numerous lawsuits seeking class-action status by owners in several states, alleging that the cars are defective. Hyundai Motor Co., based in Seoul, owns about a third of Kia Corp.

Hyundai and Kia say they are aware that social-media campaigns are targeting certain years and models of their cars. They say more recent versions of the models are equipped with a device called an immobilizer matched to a key with a chip that makes them harder to steal.

To learn more about how you can protect your vehicle against theft, you are encouraged to reach out to your vehicle’s manufacturer or local police departments.

Manufacturers request that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) readily available, which can be found on your vehicle’s registration.

Hyundai customers who have questions can contact the Hyundai Consumer Assistance Center at 800-633-5151.

Kia customers with questions regarding their Kia vehicle should contact the Consumer Assistance center directly at 1-800-333-4542 (Kia).

References:

  1. Joe Barrett, “Police, Car Owners Wrestle With Growing Thefts of Kias, Hyundais”, The Wall Street Journal, Sept. 8, 2022. https://www.wsj.com/articles/police-car-owners-wrestle-with-growing-thefts-of-kias-hyundais-11662638401
  2. https://www.motor1.com/news/602283/some-hyundai-kia-models-can-be-stolen-with-just-a-usb-cable/
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