TikTok vandals target Kia models
Disturbing new social media craze sparks warning for owners of certain South Korean-made vehiclesUPDATE 02/08/2022 10:00am: Hyundai Australia has issued the following statement about the TikTok trend: "We are aware of the stories and are currently checking the veracity of the claims with our head office in Korea. Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) is not aware of an incidents of Hyundai vehicles being stolen using a USB."
ORIGINAL ARTICLE PUBLISHED 01/08/2022 5:00pm: Kia owners are being warned about a new social media trend in which their car could be stolen with as little as a USB and a bit of elbow grease.
It all started on video sharing platform TikTok earlier this month, when a user posted a video showing them starting up a Kia with just a USB.
Other TikTokers then attempted the same feat and shared their efforts online, quickly creating a full-blown trend dubbed the ‘Kia challenge’.
Problem is, criminals have now caught on and are targeting Kia vehicles, smashing the windows and breaking the plastic steering column surround in a bid to ‘hotwire’ the vehicle by inserting a USB into a hidden port.
The original video has since been deleted (as have other attempts at hotwiring vehicles) but although it’s not clear exactly what the process entails, the ‘challenge’ has reportedly taken off in the US and is now making its way Down Under.
Other vehicles manufactured by the Hyundai Motor Company, including Hyundai and Genesis, could be affected by the same issue, but Hyundai Australia is yet to comment on the matter.
In a statement, Kia Australia expressed disappointment with the new social media trend.
“Kia Australia is very disappointed to hear this criminal activity has been reported as being attempted in Australia. Persons attempting to break into, damage and steal cars should have more respect for other people’s property, whether that’s a Kia or any other car model.”
The South Korean car-maker says the safety and well-being of its customers and their vehicles is of paramount important.
“Kia Australia has contacted head office for further details about this concern,” said Kia.
Related: Car theft plummets
Join the conversation at
Or email us at
Or email us at
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
