Automobile giant Kia fell victim to a trend of theft that suddenly became popular in 2022. Launched under the name “Kia Challenge” on TikTok, the trend showed how Kia and Hyundai vehicles could be stolen with a simple tool like a USB cable.
After the videos, hundreds of vehicles were stolen in the USA, 14 accidents occurred and 8 people died in these accidents. Today, after the events in question, a decision came from Kia and Hyundai that concerns not only the owners of stolen vehicles, but also all vehicle owners.
$200 million settlement reached:
As a result of events leading to the theft of vehicles without electronic immobilizers between 2015 and 2019, the two companies settled in a $200 million settlement in class action lawsuits. The details shared by Reuters also included important information for vehicle owners.
Reuters stated that the settlement covers 9 million Kia/Hyundai vehicle owners in the United States and will provide up to $145 million in financing for pecuniary damages to consumers whose cars have been stolen. In addition, insurance deductibles, increased insurance premiums and other theft-related losses will also be reimbursed to vehicle owners.
Kia and Hyundai have released an anti-theft security update:
The two companies announced that they had developed an “anti-theft” software for vehicles in the past months and started to distribute the software. If the key inserted in the vehicle is not recognized, the software allows the vehicle to lock itself and turns off the ignition system.
The new agreement also included a detail about this software. The two companies will give away $300 worth of steering wheel locks and other anti-theft devices to customers who do not or cannot receive the update.
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