What is the Kia TikTok Challenge?
The Kia TikTok Challenge refers to a viral trend that started on TikTok in late 2021, where groups of young people posted videos of themselves stealing Kia and Hyundai vehicles without keys. The videos show how to access and start the cars using just a USB cable or screwdriver. According to news reports, the challenge gained popularity on social media after a TikTok video went viral showing teenagers stealing Kias and Hyundais in St. Petersburg, Florida (1).
The trend is also referred to as the “Kia Challenge” or “Kia Boyz Challenge” since groups calling themselves the “Kia Boyz” often participate. While TikTok has removed many of the original videos, the hashtag #kiaboyz has over 90 million views on the platform (2). The challenge spread rapidly on TikTok and other platforms like Instagram and YouTube throughout 2022.
Sources:
(1) https://arstechnica.com/cars/2023/06/who-are-the-kia-boyz-how-tiktok-fueled-an-epidemic-of-car-thefts/
(2) https://www.vox.com/technology/2023/6/1/23742757/kia-hyundai-challenge-tiktok-instagram-youtube
Is the Challenge Leading to More Kia Thefts?
According to reporting by Vox, statistics show that the TikTok challenge has fueled a significant increase in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles, especially in major cities. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kia and Hyundai thefts jumped by nearly 774% in 2021 compared to the previous year. Police data from other cities like St. Louis and Chicago show similar large spikes in thefts of these vehicles since the challenge went viral in late 2021.
Law enforcement officials directly attribute the rise to the social media challenge, which teaches people how to steal certain Kia and Hyundai models in a matter of seconds without breaking windows or using tools. Videos posted under hashtags like #KiaBoys show thieves bragging about taking vehicles and joyriding in stolen cars. One video compilation on YouTube showing how to steal Kias had over 800,000 views before it was taken down.
The data clearly shows that the Kia TikTok challenge is leading to more thefts of these vehicles across the United States. Authorities warn the challenge is endangering public safety by putting stolen cars in the hands of inexperienced drivers.
How Does the Challenge Work?
The Kia Challenge involves exploiting a design flaw in certain Kia and Hyundai models that allows thieves to steal the cars without a key. The method gained popularity on TikTok in 2022 when videos showing how to start the cars using just a USB cable went viral.
The vulnerability affects Kia models made between 2011-2021 and Hyundai models made between 2015-2021 that use a steel key without an electronic immobilizer. Thieves are able to gain access by removing the steering column cover and inserting a USB cable to activate the ignition. The cars can then be started and driven away in seconds without any specialized tools or keys (Vox).
Due to the simplicity of the method, many people – especially teenagers – have been able to easily replicate it after seeing the social media videos. Kia and Hyundai have not yet implemented an effective solution, making millions of vehicles still susceptible.
What Models are Being Targeted?
The viral TikTok challenge primarily targets 2010-2021 Kia and Hyundai models that use a mechanical key ignition and lack engine immobilizers, making them easier to steal. According to authorities and reports, the most targeted models include:
Kia Optima (2011-2022)
Kia Sorento (2011-2022)
Kia Sportage (2011-2021)
Hyundai Elantra (2011-2021)
Hyundai Sonata (2011-2022)
Hyundai Santa Fe (2013-2022)
The challenge seems to focus on these models due to their lack of electronic anti-theft protections. Models using smart keys and engine immobilizers are more difficult to steal which makes the above models primary targets.
According to police reports, over 75% of cars stolen in recent months have been Kias and Hyundais from 2011-2021. The viral nature of the social media challenge has led to a spike in thefts of these makes and models nationwide.
What Areas are Most Affected?
Major cities across the United States have seen spikes in Kia and Hyundai thefts since the TikTok challenge went viral. Some of the areas most affected include:
Los Angeles has been hit especially hard, with Kia and Hyundai thefts up over 85% in 2022 compared to 2021 according to LAPD data. The viral nature of social media challenges has exacerbated the issue in LA.
Other major metro areas seeing huge jumps include Chicago (up 767%), Philadelphia (up 295%), and San Francisco (up 216%). Cars parked on streets are more vulnerable than those in garages.
Smaller cities are not immune either. Places like Richland County, South Carolina and Wichita, Kansas have also dealt with more Kia and Hyundai thefts since the challenge emerged.
Regions with warmer climates tend to be more affected since cars there are more likely to be left outside rather than in garages. The issue seems to have spread from initial hotspots like Los Angeles and St. Louis to wider areas.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/18/23729229/hyundai-kia-settlement-car-theft-challenge-tiktok
How are Authorities Responding?
Law enforcement agencies around the country have been scrambling to combat the spike in Kia and Hyundai thefts driven by the TikTok challenge. Police in major cities like Chicago and Los Angeles have formed special task forces to investigate the trend and make arrests (dot.la). In Massachusetts, state lawmakers have proposed legislation that would require Hyundai and Kia to provide free anti-theft upgrades to vehicles vulnerable to the challenge (WCVB).
Police departments are warning Kia and Hyundai owners to take extra precautions by parking in well-lit areas, using steering wheel locks, and installing alarm systems. Some departments are even offering free steering wheel locks, like police in Dayton, Ohio (WDTN). Law enforcement officials advise owners of vulnerable models to check if their vehicle has had the anti-theft software update installed by the manufacturer.
Authorities caution that participating in the challenge can lead to felony charges. For example, a group of teens in St. Petersburg, Florida were arrested for grand theft auto after filming themselves stealing Kias and posting the videos on social media (Tampa Bay Times). As police continue monitoring social platforms, more arrests of challenge participants are expected.
What is Kia Doing About It?
Kia has responded to the viral TikTok challenge by implementing additional security measures in an effort to deter thefts. According to a statement from Kia, the company is providing free steering wheel locks to law enforcement agencies in affected areas to distribute to owners. Kia is also working on an immobilizing software update that will come standard on all new vehicles starting in 2022, and will be available for many older models.
Additionally, Kia is providing upgraded security kits to dealers that include an alarm notification in the Kia app if the alarm sounds, a glass break sensor, and a tilt sensor to detect unauthorized movement. Dealers are also distributing flyers to educate owners on proper use of key fobs to reduce vulnerability. Kia continues to monitor the situation and collaborate with law enforcement to develop further solutions.
Sources:
[1] https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/18/23729229/hyundai-kia-settlement-car-theft-challenge-tiktok
What Can Owners Do?
There are several precautions Kia and Hyundai owners can take to help protect their vehicles from theft amid the TikTok challenge trend:
Park in well-lit areas and garage spaces when possible. Thieves often target cars parked on streets or in dark areas where they can work undetected (Source). Parking indoors or near security cameras can deter criminals.
Install an anti-theft device like a steering wheel lock bar or wheel/brake pedal lock. These can physically prevent thieves from breaking into and operating the vehicle (Source).
Consider aftermarket security upgrades like alarm systems, ignition kill switches, or GPS tracking devices. While not foolproof, these can make it much harder for thieves to steal the vehicle undetected.
Remove valuables and ensure no spare keys are left inside unattended vehicles. This eliminates another incentive for break-ins.
Closely monitor cars parked in driveways or on streets using home security cameras if possible.
Contact local law enforcement about increased neighborhood patrols. Police presence can deter criminal activity.
Stay updated on theft reports in your area and remain vigilant. Immediately report any suspicious activity around vehicles.
Is Social Media to Blame?
There is debate over TikTok’s role and responsibility when it comes to dangerous viral challenges that originate on their platform. On one hand, TikTok claims they do not want videos to cause personal harm and remove them when reported. However, critics argue TikTok’s algorithm actively promotes and spreads viral challenges, aiming to maximize engagement at the expense of safety. According to one report, TikTok has allowed challenges like the deadly “blackout challenge” to spread rapidly among youth. Lawsuits have been filed alleging TikTok’s algorithm deliberately pushed risky content to children. Overall, concerns persist around TikTok’s duty of care to moderate dangerous challenges, especially among minors susceptible to peer pressure. While personal responsibility matters, many believe TikTok must take a more proactive role in identifying harmful challenges and restricting their reach before they endanger lives.
Long-Term Implications
The viral Kia TikTok challenge could have lasting effects on auto theft rates going forward. Police reports show theft rates spiking dramatically in cities where the challenge has taken off, with increases as high as 767% in some areas compared to last year (source: https://www.businessinsider.com/kia-hyundai-car-thefts-crime-wave-viral-tiktok-lawsuits-2023-3). While Kia and Hyundai have pledged to provide free steering wheel locks to owners of affected models, this may not be enough to reverse the trend.
The challenge has exposed a security vulnerability in millions of vehicles that will remain on the roads for years to come. As awareness spreads online, auto theft could become normalized among youth influenced by social media trends. Law enforcement agencies worry theft rates may remain permanently elevated even if the challenge loses popularity. Compounding the problem, replacement parts for stolen Kia and Hyundai models are limited amidst supply chain shortages.
In the long run, the viral challenge could force the auto insurance industry to raise premiums to account for higher theft risk. Kia and Hyundai owners in particular may see rates spike. Some analysts warn certain models may become difficult to insure at affordable prices going forward.
