Update to counter Tiktok car thefts by Kia and Hyundai
VEHICLE
A viral Tiktok challenge that taught people how to hack cars. After being hit, Hyundai and Kia have now sent out an update that fixes the problem.
It started as something that on the surface sounded innocent. The “Kia Challenge” started in May of last year on Tiktok and there showed how a gang who went by the epithet “Kia Boys” how they used a screwdriver and a regular USB cable to hack cars.
The hack spread and according to information in the US, fourteen accidents and eight deaths have been attributed to the trick.
When it all came to light, it outraged car owners. Partly because it was so easy to make the hack, partly because of the manufacturer’s crappy response to the accidents. This is reported by Engadget.
The Tiktok problem led to a class action against Kia/Hyundai where the owners pointed out, among other things, the lack of anti-theft protection such as immobilizers in the affected models.
So which cars are we talking about. Well, Kia cars built between 2011 and 2021 and Hyundais from 2013-2021.
The two brands, which are both part of the Hyundai group, have not wanted to comment on the case – but last fall they released the information that immobilizers will become standard in cars after November 1, 2021.
Now Hyundai has said in a press release that they have come up with an update that will solve the problem. At least for some. It all happens via a free update for one million of the affected cars. The update means that you have to go to a workshop. The remaining cars, three million, will receive their update later this year.
As for the around 4.5 million Kiors that are affected, so far there has been no information other than that they will offer free updates in the coming months.
