Hyundai and Kia are taking action to address the rise in car thefts resulting from a TikTok trend that revealed how easy it was to steal older models. The car manufacturers are offering anti-theft software upgrades to eligible owners in order to enhance the security of vehicles without engine immobilizers.
Hyundai has announced a comprehensive plan to assist customers affected by the thefts of certain vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2022. The company is providing a software upgrade that modifies vehicle control modules to prevent theft mode popularized on social media. For vehicles that can't accommodate the upgrade, Hyundai is installing ignition cylinder protectors for free.
Kia has also introduced a security measure in response to the theft trend, offering ignition cylinder protectors to prevent removal through the method promoted in social media videos. The upgrade is not eligible for the security software upgrade introduced last summer.
Both companies have conducted events to provide these anti-theft solutions to eligible owners. Hyundai launched mobile software installation clinics in multiple cities nationwide, while Kia held a free anti-theft software upgrade event in Atlanta and distributed steering wheel locks to owners who weren't eligible for the upgrade.
Overall, Hyundai and Kia are taking proactive steps to address the issue of car thefts resulting from the TikTok trend. By offering anti-theft software upgrades and additional security measures, the car manufacturers are working to protect their customers and prevent thefts of their vehicles.