Hyundai and Kia have been forced to roll out free software updates to counter a challenge that has gone viral on TIkTok. Thieves have revealed on the social network how to bypass the security system of vehicles to take possession of them. Thousands of cars have been stolen.
For several years now, Kia and Hyundai cars have been victims of thorny security flaws. So much so that TikTokeurs have launched a malicious challenge to Internet users: manage to steal them by applying their advice. Known as the “Kia Boyz”, they have published tutorials on how to bypass the security system with very accessible tools like a USB cable.
The flaw lies in the absence of an immobilizer on many Hyundai vehicles released between 2015 and 2019. This electronic device prevents a vehicle from starting without its key. In the United States, there has been no national tally of the number of stolen vehicles due to this insidious technique.
But the local statistics are telling. In Milwaukee, for example, police report that 469 Kias and 426 Hyundais were stolen in 2020. The following year, 3,557 Kias and 3,406 Hyundais were stolen, according to NPR.
Read > Hyundai: a “very affordable” electric car planned for the European market
Hyundai, Kia: a TikTok challenge causes thousands of thefts
Faced with this scourge, Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia have deployed a free software update which is intended for 8.3 million cars. This makes it possible to extend the duration of the alarm sound from 30 seconds to one minute. Vehicles now require having a key in the ignition switch to turn on. “Customers must use the key to unlock their vehicles to disable the ‘ignition kill’ feature”says Hyundai.
Owners of affected vehicles are advised to visit a local dealership. Technicians will be able to upgrade their cars in less than an hour. Upgraded vehicles will also be entitled to a sticker indicating that they have been equipped with anti-theft technology. You can go to This site to find out if your vehicle is eligible.
