Photo: Kia
The Kia Boys trend started from a TikTok post that went viral more than two years ago, and yet, it continues today despite an efficient fix already available.
Kia and Hyundai released a software update approximately one year ago, urging customers to go to dealerships to install it. The companies eventually started setting up software update clinics in various locations across the States to make it more convenient for customers to update their cars.
The effort continues this month, as many owners ignore the repeated calls for installing the patch. Kia will be patching cars in New Orleans at the Shrine on Airline the next weekend. The operation is free of charge and shouldn't take more than 30 minutes.
The TikTok method, which led to a flood of car thefts performed by teens who tried to steal Kias and Hyundais for Internet views, involves starting the engine with a USB cable. Due to the lack of an immobilizer in certain Hyundai and Kia models (the carmakers released detailed information about the vulnerable cars on their websites), thieves typically break a window, get behind the wheel, rip the steering wheel column cover to expose the ignition, and connect the USB cable to start the engine.
Seconds later, they can drive away, typically recording their stunts to post them online.
The Kia Boys trend reportedly led to "tens of thousands of stolen cars." Nearly every Hyundai and Kia model in the United States ended up with a target on their backs, mainly because teens didn't care if the cars were vulnerable. They were only interested in street cred, so they attempted to break in once they spotted any Kia or Hyundai.
When they released the software patches, the two carmakers also gave away window stickers to inform potential thieves that the vehicles were updated. However, I've seen more than a handful of cases when thieves still broke the vehicles' windows, attempting to start the engine despite the anti-theft update. Their attempts failed, with the thieves walking away, sometimes even abandoning their USB cables.
The good news is that owners no longer lost their cars, albeit they were left with damages worth hundreds of dollars.
Owners of vulnerable Kia and Hyundai models were given steering wheel locks, though some customers who installed the software update decided to install the same hardware, too. Many hope a steering wheel lock will act as a deterrent to potential thieves, while others install AirTags in their cars to help them find their locations.
Kia and Hyundai urge everybody to install the software update as soon as possible, with the software clinics program continuing in the United States. You can find the upcoming clinics on the carmakers' websites.
The effort continues this month, as many owners ignore the repeated calls for installing the patch. Kia will be patching cars in New Orleans at the Shrine on Airline the next weekend. The operation is free of charge and shouldn't take more than 30 minutes.
The TikTok method, which led to a flood of car thefts performed by teens who tried to steal Kias and Hyundais for Internet views, involves starting the engine with a USB cable. Due to the lack of an immobilizer in certain Hyundai and Kia models (the carmakers released detailed information about the vulnerable cars on their websites), thieves typically break a window, get behind the wheel, rip the steering wheel column cover to expose the ignition, and connect the USB cable to start the engine.
Seconds later, they can drive away, typically recording their stunts to post them online.
The Kia Boys trend reportedly led to "tens of thousands of stolen cars." Nearly every Hyundai and Kia model in the United States ended up with a target on their backs, mainly because teens didn't care if the cars were vulnerable. They were only interested in street cred, so they attempted to break in once they spotted any Kia or Hyundai.
When they released the software patches, the two carmakers also gave away window stickers to inform potential thieves that the vehicles were updated. However, I've seen more than a handful of cases when thieves still broke the vehicles' windows, attempting to start the engine despite the anti-theft update. Their attempts failed, with the thieves walking away, sometimes even abandoning their USB cables.
The good news is that owners no longer lost their cars, albeit they were left with damages worth hundreds of dollars.
Owners of vulnerable Kia and Hyundai models were given steering wheel locks, though some customers who installed the software update decided to install the same hardware, too. Many hope a steering wheel lock will act as a deterrent to potential thieves, while others install AirTags in their cars to help them find their locations.
Kia and Hyundai urge everybody to install the software update as soon as possible, with the software clinics program continuing in the United States. You can find the upcoming clinics on the carmakers' websites.
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