HYUNDAI AND KIA LAUNCH SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO PREVENT THEFT OF MILLIONS OF VEHICLES TARGETED BY SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGE 

Approximately 3.8 million Hyundais and 4.5 million Kias involved 

Hyundai and Kia have developed theft deterrent software for millions of their vehicles that lack an immobilizer and will provide it free of charge to vehicle owners. The software updates the theft alarm software logic to extend the length of the alarm sound from 30 seconds to one minute and requires the key to be in the ignition switch to turn the vehicle on. 

The effort is in response to a TikTok social media challenge that has spread nationwide and has resulted in at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges owners of these vehicles to contact Hyundai (toll-free at 800-633-5151) or Kia (toll-free at 800-333-4542) for information on the free update. 

“This new software, coupled with the hundreds of wheel locks the New Orleans Police Department has distributed to Hyundai and Kia owners in recent weeks, add another layer of protection for car owners and deterrent for would-be thieves,” said NOPD Interim Superintendent Michelle Woodfork. “We appreciate the positive contributions private corporations are making to help protect and increase public safety in New Orleans.” 

Concurrently, the companies have been working with law enforcement agencies to provide more than 26,000 steering wheel locks since November 2022 to 77 law enforcement agencies in 12 states. NHTSA encourages interested vehicle owners to contact local law enforcement to see if a wheel lock is available. In New Orleans specifically, both Kia and Hyundai have provided over 300 steering wheel locks – 270 locks will be distributed to all NOPD districts and 30 will be distributed to our local churches, such as City of Love Church, St. Peter Claver Church and Rock of Ages Church. 

Hyundai will also provide its customers with a window sticker alerting would-be thieves that the vehicle is equipped with anti-theft protection. Hyundai will send the stickers and roll out software updates in a phased approach beginning later this month, with subsequent phases over the next several months. 

Kia is also rolling out its free software updates in a phased approach. The company will begin to update vehicles later this month, with ensuing phases throughout the next several months.