Kia TikTok Challenge hits Flagler, owners urged to update software

Aug 06, 2023

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has its own challenge of sorts for the owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles: Get a free software update to protect your car from being stolen as part of a felonious internet trend.

The Kia Challenge, which started spreading nationwide last summer, shows thieves how to steal certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles by using a USB cord to bypass the ignition system.

But free software updates extend the theft alarm on vehicles from 30 to 60 seconds and require the key to be in the ignition switch to turn on the vehicle.

The most affected vehicles are Kias made between 2010 and 2021 and Hyundais made between 2015 and 2021.

Thieves typically break out a window to get inside the car and then expose the steering column so they can fit a USB-A into a matching plug.

After the vehicles are stolen, they have been found disabled nearby or crashed.

Hyundai and Kia models with push-button ignitions include a theft-preventative measure and do not have this issue.

Just one vehicle has been reported stolen in Flagler County, on July 17, according to Public Affairs Officer Ava Hanner. But deputies have recovered five vehicles stolen due to the trend; they were typically taken from Daytona Beach or Jacksonville.

The Volusia Sheriff’s Office made a similar recommendation in May asking owners to get the software updates when it saw a spike in Kia and Hyundai thefts, according to its Facebook page.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and United States Department of Transportation also asks vehicle owners to contact Hyundai (toll-free at 800-633-5151) or Kia (toll-free at 800-333-4542) for information on the free update. Hyundai and Kia owners may also contact their local auto dealer for further information, according to the release from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

“I urge Hyundai and Kia owners to contact their local auto dealer or call the toll-free numbers to obtain the software update to protect your vehicles from thieves,” said Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. “We have had these cars stolen locally and have recovered stolen Kias and Hyundais from other jurisdictions in Flagler County. We also encourage you to purchase a steering wheel lock bar and use it every time you leave your car. And remember, never leave your keys in your car.”