What is TikTok’s ‘KIA challenge?’

In today’s issue of ‘what not to do on TikTok,’ there’s a viral challenge going around that involves breaking into KIAs (and now Hyundais, apparently), hot-wiring them, and stealing them. It all started with 17-year-old Markell Hughes, who appeared in a documentary about the ‘KIA Boys,’ who’d figured out how easy it was to steal KIAs based on a certain exploit in their steering wheel columns and ignition keys. The KIA Boys, after stealing the cars, often film themselves driving around dangerously for clout. The documentary turned out to be a massive hit, but once an anonymous caller tipped officers as to Hughes’ identity, he was arrested.

Filed among the evidence against Hughes was a supposed call from jail that entailed him bragging about the stolen car and how popular his video upload had become. “I heard my video went viral too,” he said, effectively incriminating himself. “I heard my shit hit 50K in one day.” The overwhelming desire to become an internet sensation is undoubtedly the driving force behind these KIA and Hyundai thefts, as teens wish to recreate Hughes’ video for themselves, even if it secures them a one-way ticket behind bars.

According to Vox, “Starting with model year 2011, Hyundai Motors, which makes Kias and Hyundais, decided not to install a theft prevention mechanism called an immobilizer in certain makes and models. For cars without immobilizers, all thieves have to do is rip off the steering column cover, remove the ignition cylinder, and turn the rectangular nub behind it to start the engine. As it happens, USB plugs fit pretty well over that rectangle. The immobilizer-free Kias and Hyundais could be stolen in a matter of seconds with just a screwdriver and a charging cord.”

And that’s exactly what’s been happening. Teens are arming themselves with screwdrivers and USB charging cables and snatching KIAs with relative ease, much to the dismay of the owners. As the trend continued to gain traction online, several victims began warning their followers about the ‘KIA Boys’ and showcasing first-hand the damage the trend has caused. “they definitely almost got me,” one TikToker said, elaborating to say that the thief couldn’t figure out how to start the engine after ripping the steering column apart.

Others weren’t so lucky, but thankfully, there are good samaritans out there who are armed with the knowledge to prevent these break-ins. In fact, many TikTok users are educating KIA and Hyundai owners about the ignition key, explaining how it can be accessed with just a USB cable. If these informative videos are anything to go by, it’s best to leave the car charger at home for a while.

In some instances, the KIA Boys are getting caught, which is teaching a valuable lesson to any other youngsters who think it’s a good idea to go breaking into other people’s cars. The most alarming fact about this challenge is the fact that these thieves will gladly attempt to break-in in broad daylight. It doesn’t need to be the middle of the night for them to attempt such a crime. Thankfully, any thieves getting caught aren’t immune to some tough love.

For now, there seems to be no end to the ‘KIA challenge,’ but hopefully as more owners educate and prepare themselves, the KIA Boys will stop succeeding. As for KIA and Hyundai owners, there’s no better time to peruse the internet and keep yourself informed of any developments regarding this challenge. And keep a close eye on your vehicles at all times.