Hyundai and Kia Remain Top Targets for Thieves in South Florida Following Viral TikTok Trend

Hyundai and Kia are thieves' easiest options when stealing vehicles in South Florida after a TikTok showing how to start the engine using only a USB became viral.

Hyundai and Kia, known for their high-quality vehicles, advanced technology, and safety features is now becoming the easiest option for thieves to break in and steal. After tiktok video went viral on how to start the engine using only a USB, South Florida has been detrimentally affected. 

In July 2022 a video posted on TikTok by the “Kia Boyz” went viral after it exposed how easy it is to start a Hyundai or a Kia without the keys. They described that opening the steering wheel column and using a USB or screwdriver to start the engine instead of a key. This process could take up to 30 seconds according to WUSA9 News. 

South Florida is not safe from this dangerous TikTok trend. The afternoon of October 9th, a FIU student found her Hyundai Sonata with the window completely knocked down, the steering wheel hub opened, and the steering column disattached from the hub at the parking lot of her apartment complex in Miramar.

When the student spoke with the police, they found out that her Hyundai wasn’t the only one in her neighborhood that had been attempted to carjack. 

Luckily, the vehicles that suffered the attempt had the anti-theft software update that Hyundai and Kia developed in February 2023 after the theft situation escalated to the point where the car companies were involved in a $200 million settlement. 

However, the situation complicated when she and her family found out that her father’s Hyundai Elantra was stolen in the same parking lot the next day of the theft attempt. Unfortunately, the father’s car did not have the software update which led to it being stolen. The authorities found the car parked in a parking lot in Fort Lauderdale on October 10th, the same night of the theft. When the police contacted the family, the car was moved to a tow yard. 

“The most frustrating part is that even though I got my car stolen, I still had to pay to get it back from the tow yard,” said the father. 

What Needs to be Done 

Even though Hyundai and Kia vehicles were updated with the new anti-theft system, the “Kia Boyz” will still try to become part of the trend and venture to try this theft method. On that account, Hyundai and Kia owners are asking themselves how to prevent the theft attempt from happening again since changing cars is not an easy way to go. 

“My dad bought a steering wheel lock from Walmart. Hopefully, that’s enough for the thieves to keep them away from our cars,” said the FIU student. 

What Has Been Done

Additionally to the software updates, there’s been a settlement to assess this problem. The settlement alleges that Kia and Hyundai vehicles came with defects in their Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Some car dealerships have also distributed wheel locks to prevent the thieves from attempting theft. 

While Hyundai and Kia have worked in addressing the vulnerabilities exposed by the viral TikTok trend through software updates and settlements, the issue remains a concern for vehicle owners. With thieves continuing to exploit older models and seeking out opportunities to test this method, it’s clear that drivers must remain vigilant. Many, like the FIU student’s family, are resorting to additional precautions, such as steering wheel locks, to protect their vehicles.