The Hyundai-Kia Challenge taught TikTok users how to start company cars without the need for a key.
Hyundai has agreed to pay $200 million to compensate 9 million Hyundai users after a car theft challenge went viral on TikTok .
The Hyundai Challenge exposed how a number of company and Kia cars could be easily stolen without the need for the vehicle key.
Hyundai and Kia models released between 2011 and 2022, including the Elantra, Santa Fe and Tucson, fell victim to the challenge.
The so-called ‘Kia Boyz’ showed how they used USB cables to connect many Hyundai and Kia cars without anti-theft immobilizers.
Given this, the thefts of these vehicles increased and they were even involved in fatal accidents on the roads of different states.
About $145 million of the settlement is earmarked for out-of-pocket losses for customers whose cars were stolen or damaged and were not covered by insurance. The companies also say they will cover insurance deductibles, higher insurance premiums and other related expenses.
The brands will pay up to $6,125 per owner for the total loss of a car and up to $3,375 for damage to the vehicle and any personal property.
systems will improve
The brands have already released a dealer-installed update that improves theft prevention for certain models by disabling ignition and lengthening the alarm.
Other vehicles will receive the security patch in June.
As part of the agreement, Hyundai and Kia will also offer up to $300 to help drivers purchase anti-theft devices.