Hyundai and Kia Offer Free Software Patch to Combat Auto Thefts Related to TikTok Challenge

Hyundai and Kia are offering a free software patch to owners of 8.3 million vehicles in an effort to combat a recent wave of auto thefts related to a TikTok challenge. The vehicles in question, 2015-2019 Hyundai and Kia models with turn-key ignitions, are roughly twice as likely to be stolen as other vehicles of a similar age due to a lack of basic anti-theft technology.

The software update will extend the length of the alarm sound from 30 seconds to one minute and requires the key to be in the ignition switch to turn the vehicle on. This is an effort to address the issue that was exploited on social media and led to rampant theft of the cars.

The Highway Loss Data Institute reported that without the right anti-theft technology, some insurance companies have refused to offer coverage for the vehicles in certain markets. The TikTok challenge has led to at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities.

Hyundai and Kia are hoping that the software update will help to reduce the number of auto thefts and the associated risks. The updates are free for millions of vehicles and are available to owners through their local dealerships.