Social media has once again issued a challenge that many teens are trying – and it’s illegal, dangerous and expensive for owners of some types of cars.
The Kia challenge on TikTok shows how to bypass the ignition of some Kia and Hyundai vehicles using a USB drive. Whiteville Police and the sheriff’s office have had several reports of local car owners discovering their Kias had been highjacked for the prank.
The thieves usually just drive the car for a few miles – long enough to record a TikTok video – then abandon the vehicle. Some victims, however, are still looking for their vehicles. A number of Kia owners have also reported the theft of items left inside the stolen cars
Kia dealerships are offering a security upgrade that is free for most carowners, but Whiteville Police are urging owners to take a more proactive approach – never leave your vehicle unlocked, and park it in a well-lit place in view of security cameras whenever possible.
WPD also urges owners of any vehicle to keep your doors locked and make sure all valuables are either out of sight or out of your vehicle when it is unattended.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a press release that the “Kia Challenge” has led to thousands of thefts nationwide, along with 14 crashes and eight fatalities tied directly to the hacked ignition. Around nine million vehicles can be driven using the hack.
Both Kia and Hyundai agreed to a $200 million settlement earlier this year as part of a class action lawsuit over the thefts. Vehicles made from 2016 through 2019 are susceptible to the theft.
