A social media trend, dubbed the “Kia Challenge,” has appeared to compound the automakers’ problems in recent years, with people posting videos showing how to steal Hyundai and Kia cars. At its height, the Kia Challenge was linked to at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities, according to figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
About 9 million vehicles have been impacted by the rash of thefts, including Hyundai Elantras and Sonatas as well as Kia Fortes and Souls. Hyundai and Kia earlier this year agreed to pay $200 million to settle a class-action lawsuit filed by drivers who had their vehicles stolen.
Technology is helping foil car thieves making life miserable for owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
Hyundai and Kia upgraded their cars’ anti-theft tech in early 2023. Vehicles equipped with the enhanced software will only start if the owner’s key, or an identical duplicate, is in the ignition.
The rate at which the Korean automakers’ cars are stolen has fallen by more than half since the companies upgraded their anti-theft software, according to new research from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). Hyundai and Kia thefts have soared in recent years after criminals discovered that certain car models lacked engine immobilizers — technology that has long been standard in other vehicles.
My car was never affected in the first place and I’m still getting fucked by my insurance saying it’s a “theft risk” charging out the ass
us insurance sounds lovely
They are awful lying cunts
Insurance companies like to claim they’ve done all the math and research but they’re just lazy asses looking for any reason to raise rates.
Tell me about it, my rate over tripled.
Edit: and yes I did try and fight it
I’d guess a result of the dumber criminals not knowing what specific models are vulnerable. This fiasco tainted the entire brand.
Sue Kia for the difference in small claims.
And when you spend all your money on hookers and blow you can just shout out loud “I DECLARE…BANKRUPTCY!” and then all your debts are automatically erased.