Viral TikTok movies have proven vulnerabilities in thousands and thousands of Hyundai and Kia automobiles which have led to many thefts. A number of fashions have been bought lacking crucial anti-theft software program. That made it straightforward for thieves to steal these vehicles without having a key. A software program patch is lastly rolling out to assist cease auto thefts.
Learn on for extra particulars on this scary vulnerability and the way to get your car up to date should you personal one of many at-risk fashions.
TikTok movies result in auto thefts
Viral TikTok movies have triggered many an issue over time. Who might neglect the loopy NyQuil hen problem? Faucet or click on right here should you want a refresher. However it’s not usually that you simply see a pattern chargeable for the theft of tons of of automobiles.
That is really what is going on. A pattern known as the “Kia Problem” includes TikTok customers replicating the strategies of thieves often called “the Kia Boyz” to bypass Hyundai and Kia safety methods. Breaking into the vehicles is feasible by means of easy strategies, similar to utilizing a USB cable.
The vehicles in query? Kias produced after 2011, and Hyundai vehicles constructed after 2015. Automobiles manufactured in 2022 and later needs to be fantastic. The issue is that impacted automobiles have been manufactured with out emergency engine immobilizers that may forestall criminals from activating the engine with out a key.
In accordance with the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration, the viral pattern not solely triggered automobile thefts however has unfold nationwide and resulted in no less than 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities.
Hyundai and Kia releasing an anti-theft software program patch
The excellent news is that Hyundai and Kia have developed theft deterrent software program for thousands and thousands of their automobiles that lack an immobilizer and can present it freed from cost to car homeowners.
In accordance with the NHTSA, “The software program updates the theft alarm software program logic to increase the size of the alarm sound from 30 seconds to 1 minute and requires the important thing to be within the ignition swap to show the car on.”
Hyundai may even present prospects with a window sticker alerting potential thieves that the car is provided with anti-theft safety. Hyundai will ship the stickers and roll out software program updates in a phased method starting later this month, with subsequent phases over the subsequent a number of months.
Hyundai has launched a devoted web site the place yow will discover out in case your car is impacted and your nearest seller.
Kia can also be rolling out its free software program updates in a phased method. The corporate will start to replace automobiles later this month, with ensuing phases all through the subsequent a number of months.
NHTSA urges homeowners of those automobiles to contact Hyundai (800-633-5151) or Kia (800-333-4542) for data on the free replace.
Maintain studying
Drive a Kia or Hyundai? You may need a tough time getting insurance coverage
Use TikTok? Take this one step now or they is likely to be monitoring you