A viral TikTok trend called “The Kia Challenge” has led to a surge in car thefts and fatalities across the United States. According to CBS News, a group of teenagers in Buffalo, New York, died in a crash after stealing a car using the exploit demonstrated in the trend.
Gizmodo reports that the trend took advantage of a software vulnerability in certain models of Kia and Hyundai vehicles, which allowed potential thieves to steal cars using a USB cable. The trend led to a spike in car thefts, with the Milwaukee Police Department reporting over 3,500 Kias and 3,400 Hyundais stolen in 2021, up from just under 470 Kias and less than 430 Hyundais stolen in 2020.

Kia and Hyundai Offer Free Security Upgrades to Affected Vehicle Owners
Hyundai and Kia have responded to the trend by offering free security upgrades to owners and lessees of eligible models from 2015-2020. The security upgrade, which originally cost $170, is now available for free to Hyundai Elantra model years 2017-2020, Sonatas from 2015-2019, and Venues from 2020-2021. The companies also suggest using steering wheel locks as an additional preventative measure against car theft.