Viral TikTok trend linked to several KIA and Hyundai vehicle thefts across U.S.


Authorities across the U.S. are cracking down after a TikTok trend began "challenging young teens to steal certain cars off the street using a USB cord," CNBC reports.
According to CNBC, the "challenge" involves the theft of certain Kia and Hyundai cars — which are operated with a traditional key, rather than a key fob that is used in newer models. Police said once a car is stolen, the suspect will typically post a video using the hashtag "Kia Boys."
The viral trend started in 2021 and started to gain traction over the past few months. In St. Petersburg, Florida, for example, "more than a third of all car thefts there since mid-July are linked to the TikTok challenge," reports CNBC. Authorities say most incidents involve teenagers, some of whom aren't old enough to legally drive.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
George Glassman, the president of Glassman Automotive Group told Fox 2 News it's "becoming a game even though there is nothing funny about it."
This has not only become a problem for the vehicle owners but also for the manufacturers, as lawsuits are being filed across the country against Kia and Hyundai for making the vehicle "easy to steal," Fox 2 notes.
The affected car models lack an "immobilizer system," which prevents the engine from starting without the proper key, though both Kia and Hyundai say that all models manufactured after 2022 are equipped with the systems.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Kelsee Majette has worked as a social media editor at The Week since 2022. In 2019, she got her start in local television as a digital producer and fill-in weather reporter at NTV News. Kelsee also co-produced a lifestyle talk show while working in Nebraska and later transitioned to 13News Now as a digital content producer.
-
Trump uses tariffs to upend Brazil's domestic politics
IN THE SPOTLIGHT By slapping a 50% tariff on Brazil for its criminal investigation into Bolsonaro, the Trump administration is brazenly putting its fingers on the scales of a key foreign election
-
3 questions to ask when deciding whether to repair or replace your broken appliance
the explainer There may be merit to fixing what you already have, but sometimes buying new is even more cost-effective
-
'Trump's authoritarian manipulation of language'
Instant Opinion Vienna has become a 'convenient target for populists' | Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Australian woman found guilty of mushroom murders
speed read Erin Patterson murdered three of her ex-husband's relatives by serving them toxic death cap mushrooms
-
Combs convicted on 2 of 5 charges, denied bail
Speed Read Sean 'Diddy' Combs was acquitted of the more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking
-
Sniper kills 2 Idaho firefighters in ambush
Speed Read A man started a wildfire, then fired a rifle at first responders when they arrived
-
Weinstein convicted of sex crime in retrial
Speed Read The New York jury delivered a mixed and partial verdict at the disgraced Hollywood producer's retrial
-
'King of the Hill' actor shot dead outside home
speed read Jonathan Joss was fatally shot by a neighbor who was 'yelling violent homophobic slurs,' says his husband
-
DOJ, Boulder police outline attacker's confession
speed read Mohamed Sabry Soliman planned the attack for a year and 'wanted them all to die'
-
Assailant burns Jewish pedestrians in Boulder
speed read Eight people from the Jewish group were hospitalized after a man threw Molotov cocktails in a 'targeted act of violence'
-
Driver rams van into crowd at Liverpool FC parade
speed read 27 people were hospitalized following the attack