AAA, Hyundai partner to end auto theft popularized by TikTok trend

AAA insurers and Hyundai Motor America announced a partnership to combat the viral "Kia Challenge," a theft technique popularized by TikTok and other social media platforms that targets certain Kia and Hyundai vehicle makes and models. The trend teaches and encourages individuals to break into and hot-wire vehicles that use a standard key ignition, rather than a key fob and push-to-start button. 

AAA and Hyundai are working together to bring an end to the Hyundai vehicle theft trend through the launch of a new insurance program for owners of specific Hyundai models. Available in select states, the program will offer new or renewal policies for owners with vehicles without push-button ignitions or engine immobilizers, which are electric anti-theft devices that stop a vehicle from starting up without the correct key. 

"AAA is about taking care of people," said Marshall Doney, CEO and President for AAA, Inc., in a press release statement. "Collaborating with Hyundai on this issue to help provide customers with a viable solution felt like a natural fit for us." 

Free anti-theft software upgrades are also now available for all eligible vehicles, which is an estimated 4 million vehicles, and customers can receive the new software installation by visiting a Hyundai dealership. The Hyundai anti-theft software upgrade information page explains that the upgrade works by modifying "certain vehicle control modules on Hyundai vehicles equipped with standard 'turn-key-to-start' ignition systems. As a result, locking the doors with the key fob will set the factory alarm and activate an 'ignition kill' feature so the vehicle cannot be started when subjected to the popularized theft mode. Customers must use the key fob to unlock their vehicles to deactivate the 'ignition kill' feature." 

For vehicles that cannot be upgraded with the software update, particularly for some 2011-2022 models, Hyundai will reimburse customers for the purchase of steering wheel locks or offer some reimbursement for another type of anti-theft device. 

Thefts have risen across the country; for example, Los Angeles reported an 85% increase in Hyundai and Kia car thefts in 2022, and until January 2023, 57% of all city vehicle thefts in Philadelphia were stolen Hyundais and Kias. Some auto insurers have even opted to no longer write policies in certain areas across the U.S. for the older Kia and Hyundai models that have become the TikTok trend's targets. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges eligible customers to contact Hyundai for information about the update, as the organization reports on the direct danger of the trend with at least 14 crashes and eight fatalities reported. 

"We are pleased to collaborate with AAA insurers in the best interest of our shared customers and provide support for those who were having difficulty securing and sustaining auto insurance as a result of the increased criminal activity targeting Hyundai vehicles," said Randy Parker, CEO, Hyundai Motor America, in a news release. "Our goal is to get every one of these vehicles into a dealership for the free software upgrade."