USA: Hyundai's fix to prevent theft from TikTok trend costs $170

The thefts initially started in Milwaukee in 2021, but then rapidly spread across the country.

Over the past months, thousands of Hyundai and Kia cars have become prone to theft due to a viral challenge on the popular social media platform, TikTok.

Now, according to media reports, Hyundai is said to have released a security kit which claims to help prevent these thefts. Hyundai customers will be required to shell out US$170 for the security kit. This amount excludes the labour cost, which, once added, could take the total expense to around $500. Kia, on the other hand, isn't offering a similar security kit, but will provide free steering wheel locks.

The security kit will include an engine kill switch and an alarm and has been developed by Hyundai in partnership with Compustar. The kit will be available across all Hyundai dealers in the USA and is said to take two and a half hours to install. Hyundai is also said to be working on a software fix for the issue.

Reports suggest, 15 different lawsuits have been filed in 14 states, asking for monetary damage and for Hyundai to recall the affected models. The theft initially started in Milwaukee in 2021, but then rapidly spread across the country.

Source: Automotive News