A trend that started last summer, possibly related to a TikTok challenge, is teaching people how to easily hot-wire Kia and Hyundai vehicles with just a screwdriver and a USB cable. Now, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released new guidance for Kia and Hyundai owners to take to protect their cars from potential theft.
The TikTok trend started with a “how to” video guide where a pair of masked individuals, called “Kia Boyz,” showed how to hot-wire a Kia by opening the steering column with a screwdriver and sticking the USB into the ignition cylinder (which just happens to be the same size) to turn the ignition on. All Kia and Hyundai models manufactured between 2011 and 2021 don’t have engine-immobilizer systems installed, according to a class-action lawsuit, rendering them vulnerable and targets by this manufacturer defect.
What is being done for Kia and Hyundai owners to protect against theft?
In October, Hyundai came out with a $170 kit to protect the cars, with installation costs of up to $500, according to Cars.com. By December, the manufacturers were working with some police departments to provide free anti-theft steering-wheel locks to owners of the affected Hyundai and Kia vehicles, according to Car and Driver
Now, the NHTSA has announced that Hyundai and Kia have come out with a free security software update solution that updates the theft alarm software to extend the length of the alarm from 30 seconds to one minute, and requires the key to be in the ignition switch to turn the vehicle on.
According to the NHTSA statement, 3.8 million Hyundai and 4.5 million Kia are eligible for the software update. According to the Associate Press, updates for Hyundai begin first for their most popular and targeted vehicles, about a million of the following models later this month:
2017-2020 Elantra
2015-2019 Sonata
2020-2021 Venue vehicles
The update will be available for the remaining vehicles, including Kias, subsequently over phases for the next several months until June. Along with the software update, Hyundai is providing window stickers that will alert potential thieves that the vehicle has the anti-theft protection.
You can also contact your local law enforcement to see if they are one of the 77 law enforcement agencies in 12 states providing free steering wheel locks.
How to get the software updates
The NHTSA announcement urges Hyundai owners to call 800-633-5151 and Kia owners to call 800-333-4542 for information on when and how to get their software update.