Social media site TikTok is driving a trend in stolen Kia and Hyundai vehicles across the country. Video with over 33 million views showing how to "hot wire" certain 2010 to 2021 Kia and 2016 to 2021 Hyundai models is driving this trend. The vehicles in question have physical keys instead of key fobs with push button ignitions which allow the teens to hotwire the vehicles more easily than those with key fobs. Teen boys using the hashtag "kiaboys" most often are the ones perpetuating these thefts. The teens stealing the vehicles take them for joyrides and often crashing the vehicles and/or causing other physical damage to the stolen vehicles and anything else in the way. Many of these teens are not even old enough to drive. One overly prolific "kiaboys" is only 11 years old.
The challenge video shows how to pop off the steering column and hotwire the car using an usb cable similar to those used to charge a cell phone. According to law enforcement, these cars can be stolen in less than 30 seconds. Thefts of these vehicles in Chicago and Cook Country, Illinois are up over 800%. The City of St. Louis is threatening legal action against Kia and Hyundai if they do not take steps to correct the problems because the streets are less safe and many of these stolen vehicles are being used to commit other crimes.
As a result of this social media trend, Kia has come out to say that the majority of Kia's on the road have key fobs and push button ignitions and have included them on all 2022 models, and trims. In addition, Kia has added an immobilizer to the new models. Hyundai has indicated that they are doing likewise and have begun distributing good old fashioned steering wheel locks and will begin selling a security kit to owners of the affected models.
In the meantime, Kia and Hyundai owners are trying to gain class action status for lawsuits in several states claiming that the cars are defective. Hyundai which is based in Seoul, Korea holds a one third stake in Kia.
Insurance carriers are left to cover these thefts. The vehicles are generally recovered damaged and coverage is found under other than collision coverage. Insurance companies in areas of high theft rates are taking notice. There have already been some reports of insurance companies refusing to write coverage for the high theft models. Kia and Hyundai owners with the affected models may be surprised when it comes time to renew a policy or seek a new one if this trend continues, as insurers reassess the risks of insuring them in addition to any effects on a vehicle's residual value.
1/23/2023 – The National Insurance Crime Bureau, the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud and the International Association of Special Investigative Units have sent a joint letter to YouTube requesting that all videos that provide instructions on how to hijack Kia and Hyundais be removed. These videos have led to a spike in thefts of certain Kia and Hyundai models.
2/27/2023 – Hyundai and Kia have both agreed to offer software upgrades to the vehicles in question, a total of 8.3 million vehicles. The update extends the length of the alarm sound from 30 seconds to one minute, and requires the key to be in the ignition switch in order for the vehicle to be turned on. Vehicle owners will also be provided with a window sticker advising that the vehicle is equipped with anti-theft protection. Since November 2022, the manufacturers have made 26,000 steering wheel locks available to law enforcement agencies in 12 states. Kia has stated it will continue to make steering wheel locks available through local police departments.
In February 2023 some carriers stated that they were increasing rates and limiting the sale of new policies for the vehicles in question. Three insurance departments have responded to these reports reminding insurers of their requirements for filing rates and eligibility requirements; a summary of those bulletins and links to the notice can be found below: