The Kia Challenge is the viral TikTok trend to which a series of motor vehicle thefts is attributed, targeting Kia and Hyundai vehicles in the United States manufactured between 2011 and 2021. The trend, which began in October 2022, has led to eight fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.[1]
Background
Absence of immobilizers (2011–2021)
Until 2011, most Hyundai and Kia vehicles were manufactured with immobilizers—electronic security devices that prevent the engine from being started unless a proper key is inserted—a system present in most Hyundai vehicles until 2016. In Kia Sportage models manufactured in 2010, the immobilizer system comprised a transponder in the ignition key, an antenna coil in the key cylinder, and a SMARTRA unit. Kia vehicles manufactured from 2011 to 2021 for the US market and Hyundai vehicles manufactured from 2016 to 2021 for the US market that use a steel key, in comparison to a key fob and a push-button start mechanism, lack immobilizers.[3]
Kia Boys and thefts (2021–2023)
In February 2021, Milwaukee, Wisconsin began experiencing an increase in reckless driving and car thefts, particularly cars manufactured by Kia and Hyundai.
Incidents
Australia
In Brisbane, two Kia cars were damaged by Kia Challenge participants in failed attempts to steal the vehicles.[10] This is despite the vulnerability not existing in Australian cars manufactured since 2001.[11]
Canada
Immobilizers are required by law in all new vehicles sold in Canada since 2007,[12] so only cars imported from the US are susceptible.
On November 11, 2023, a senior woman in Summerland, British Columbia had her car severely damaged, with the words "Kia Boys Failed" and other vulgar language written on it. The vandals targeted her car due to its make, and it is suspected that they returned to steal the vehicle after the initial vandalism.[13]
Responses from involved companies
TikTok has committed to removing pertinent videos uploaded by Kia Challenge thieves from the platform. Kia and Hyundai have both expressed awareness of the increased thefts of their vehicles, with Kia also noting that new vehicles starting with their 2022 model year now come with immobilizers installed.[20]
Starting February 14, 2023, Hyundai introduced a free anti-theft software patch for some models of vehicle, and by June 23, all remaining eligible vehicles will have a patch that can be installed at a Hyundai dealership. Some models are unable to be upgraded, and instead customers will be reimbursed for steering wheel locks.[21]
To settle a class-action lawsuit in the United States against Hyundai and Kia, the two brands agreed to pay about US$200 million, of which up to $145 million would offset out-of-pocket losses that car owners had incurred. The settlement was announced on May 18, 2023, and requires approval by a federal judge.[22] However, it was rejected by federal judge James V. Selna.[23]
See also
- Devious lick, a 2021 internet challenge which encouraged theft and vandalism of school property
References
- Andrew J. Hawkins. Hyundai and Kia agree to $200 million settlement over TikTok car theft challenge The Verge, 2023-05-18, retrieved 2023-07-15^
- Nico Demattia. These Hyundai and Kia Models Are Blacklisted By State Farm Insurance Over Thefts The Drive, February 5, 2023, retrieved May 18, 2023^
- Annalise Frank. Thieves across America are stealing Hyundais and Kias in seconds