A TikTok challenge forces Kia and Hyundai to roll out a security update to millions of vehicles.
The “Kia Challenge” would have been the cause of thousands of thefts, but also many fatal accidents…
The dangerous challenge “Kia Challenge” on TikTok
This isn’t the first time a silly challenge on TikTok has had dramatic consequences in the real world. A few months ago, one of them tested certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles. This challenge, illegal and dangerous, as often, was called “Kia Challenge”. It showed users how to easily hack and steal a Kia or Hyundai vehicle using a USB cable.
This challenge has obviously led to an increase in the theft of Kia (and Hyundai) vehicles. The thieves also took malicious pleasure in filming their trips aboard the freshly stolen vehicles before broadcasting the videos on the platform. What cause various accidents and a little less than a dozen deaths…
More than 4 million vehicles affected
Last September, a class action demonstrated that certain Kia and Hyundai car models (before 2021) were not equipped with an electronic immobilizer type system, which then facilitated access to the vehicle.
Recently, the two manufacturers announced the deployment of a new update to optimize the safety of the vehicles in question. Initially, only Elantra (2017-2020), Sonata (2015-2019) and Venue (2020-2021) vehicles from Hyundai are affected.
Starting in June, the update will also affect a host of other models, including the Accent, Genesis Coupe, Kona, and even the Santa Fe and Tucson SUVs.
The update includes an anti-theft sticker to deter attacks, an extended alarm, but also (and above all) the need for a physical key rather than a simple start button to turn on the vehicle. In total, more than 4 million vehicles are affected by the problem. The manufacturer states: Some vehicles will not be able to receive the software upgrade. For these customers, Hyundai is finalizing a program to reimburse them for the purchase of steering wheel locks. »
In France, no vehicle is concerned by this update, the anti-theft systems not being identical to those of the American models.
Source : Engadget
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