A dangerous trend has arisen on TikTok and it teaches viewers how to hot-wire a car using only a USB cord, similar to the cord used to charge an iPhone. The cars being targeted are certain models of 2011- 2021 Kias and 2016-2021 Hyundais that use a mechanical key instead of a fob or push to start. This is because these cars don’t have an engine immobilizer, a device that doesn’t allow the engine to start without the correct key fob present. Thieves will break into the cars by smashing the window, pulling apart the steering column, defeating the ignition switch, and shoving in a USB cable. After learning of these claims, both Kia and Hyundai say that all 2022 models will have immobilizers.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t do much for the people who still own the 2011-2021 Kias and 2016-2021 Hyundais. This issue of theft has been getting worse throughout the summer, and municipalities around the country have reported a major increase in car thefts over the course of the last few months. Police in St. Petersburg, Florida have reported that more than a third of all car thefts there since July can be linked to this TikTok trend. Additionally, officials in Los Angeles say that the trend has led to an 85% increase in theft of Kias and Hyundais since last year.
The story is the same in Chicago, where Cook county Sheriff Tom Dart reported that the youngest offender they caught was only 11 years old. Consistent with the age of many TikTok consumers, a shocking amount of the offenders are teenage boys. “In our jurisdiction alone, [thefts of certain models are] up over 800% in the last month,” he said. “We see no end in sight.”
The hashtag “#KiaBoys” has more than 33 million views on TikTok. The social media giant said in a statement it “does not condone this behavior which violates our policies and will be removed if found on our platform.” Though many of the videos of people actually stealing the cars have been removed by TikTok, there are still videos from the perspective of car owners who had their vehicles stolen.
TikToker @samanthakeller_ shared a video in early July, showcasing her stolen Kia that had just been returned to her. The video shows the steering wheel column and other detached pieces of her car, scuffs and damage to the outside of the car, and trash all over the front and back seats that the thieves left behind. “Kias are manufactured so you can actually hotwire a Kia with an iPhone charger. So, we love that”, she jokes.
If you’re reading this and you drive a Kia or a Hyundai, you’re probably thinking “what am I supposed to do about this?!’ Well, there are some things that owners of a Hyundai or Kia can do to slow or discourage theft. Authorities recommend the use of a steering wheel lock. If you’re in Milwaukee, you can get a free steering wheel lock from the police department after showing proof of vehicle ownership. You can also pick up an aftermarket immobilizer or install a cut-off switch.
Sources
DiLella, Chris, and Andrea Day. “Tiktok Challenge Spurs Rise in Thefts of KIA, Hyundai Cars.” CNBC, CNBC, 10 Sept. 2022, https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/08/tiktok-challenge-spurs-rise-in-thefts-of-kia-hyundai-cars.html.
Hyatt, Kyle. “Some Hyundai, Kia Models Are Way Too Easy to Steal, Lack Immobilizers.” Jalopnik, Jalopnik, 21 July 2022, https://jalopnik.com/some-hyundai-kia-models-are-way-too-easy-to-steal-lac-1849315661.
Streeter, Mercedes. “Progressive Reportedly Won’t Insure Some Kias and Hyundais Because They’re Too Easy to Steal.” The Autopian, 17 Aug. 2022, https://www.theautopian.com/progressive-reportedly-wont-insure-some-kias-and-hyundais-because-theyre-too-easy-to-steal/.
TikTok, 4 July 2022, https://www.tiktok.com/@s.amanthaj/video/7116601489870572843. Accessed 12 Sept. 2022.