A social media challenge that's led to the theft of hundreds of Kia and Hyundai vehicles has prompted the automakers to release a repair kit that should stop teens from stealing them.
After a summer of"Gone in 60 Seconds" type car thefts, there is good news for owners of tens of thousands of cars that can be easily stolen, thanks to a viral social media challenge.Rebecca Perry is among hundreds of Kia and Hyundai owners whose cars have been stolen this year.Her beloved 2019 Kia Soul was stolen from a parking lot outside her home, then taken for a joy ride and wrecked.
"Kia America remains concerned about the increase in auto thefts of a subset of Kia vehicles. It is unfortunate that criminals are using social media to target vehicles without engine immobilizers in a coordinated effort. All of our vehicles meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Kia customers with questions regarding their specific vehicle should contact the Consumer Assistance center directly at 1-800-333-4542." Hyundai said beginning Oct. 1, a security kit would be available for owners to purchase.