TikTok Challenge Spurs Car Thefts; Advice For MD Owners

PIKESVILLE, MD — Owners of some makes and models of Hyundai and Kia cars should contact the automakers for a free security software update following a TikTok craze that sparked a nationwide surge in thefts tied to at least 14 crashes and eight fatalities, according to the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council.

The theft deterrent software is designed for millions of Hyundai and Kia vehicles that lack an immobilizer. The upgrade is available at no charge to vehicle owners, the theft prevention council said in a news release. As part of the software update, the theft alarm software logic will extend the length of the alarm sound from 30 seconds to one minute and requires the key to be in the ignition switch to turn the vehicle on.

The software upgrades were announced following a viral TikTok social media challenge which showed viewers how to hotwire the vehicles. About 3.8 million Hyundais and 4.5 million Kias are eligible for the update, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

To see if your vehicle is eligible for the free updates, contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151 or Kia at 1-800-333-4542.

Hyundai, which launched its service campaign last month, is first offering a software upgrade to car owners with the following vehicle models:

• 2017 – 2020 Elantra
• 2015 – 2019 Sonata
• 2020 – 2021 Venue

According to the NHTSA, Hyundai will send customers a window sticker alerting would-be thieves that the vehicle is equipped with anti-theft protection. The stickers will be sent and software updates rolled out in phases, with subsequent phases over the next several months.

Kia is also pushing out its free software updates in phases.

The Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council said there are several steps owners can take to reduce the chances of your vehicle being stolen. This includes:

• Never leave your key alone in the vehicle.
• Close and lock all windows and doors when your park.
• Always park in well-lit areas.
• Never leave valuables within site in your vehicle
• Utilize an alarm system and/or an anti-theft device.