Millions of drivers could save $170 with free anti-theft upgrade after a spike in car thefts – but there’s a deadline

A car manufacturer is offering drivers a free upgrade after a TikTok challenge left millions of cars susceptible to theft.

Kia is organizing events to update older models and strengthen anti-car theft measures.

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In late 2020 and early 2021, a TikTok trend called “Kia Boys” galvanized hundreds of underage personalities on social media to hack Kia ignitions and steal cars.

Dozens of Kia drivers were targets of the crimes, as underage drivers took the vehicles for joyrides.

Some of the trips ended in unpleasant and fatal accidents.

“Us [were] looking primarily at 14-, 15- and 16-year-olds who have learned how to steal Kias,” company spokesman James Bell told the California-based Fox affiliate. KMPH.

Bell said the children gained access to the car by “breaking the window, destroying the steering column and then using a USB cable or screwdriver to start the vehicle.”

The company said it is offering drivers a solution to the theft problem.

On May 31, Kia opened a pop-up maintenance center in Fresno at California’s Fashion Fair Mall to implement a new technology feature that will prevent theft.

“As soon as we heard about this, we reached out to our engineers in Korea and they came up with a fantastic anti-theft software update,” Bell said.

Bell said the technology works like an “immobilizer” that replaces manual ignition activation.

“We are happy to have this event happening this weekend to help resolve this issue,” Bell added.

Kia said more than 1.2 million cars are eligible for the free upgrade.

The update takes about 20 minutes to implement in the car.

Drivers receive snacks and a bottle of water in a nearby waiting room, the television studio said.

Some Kia owners told the station they had mixed experiences as the TikTok trend grew.

Joe Petrancosta, owner of the Soul, said he doesn’t believe anyone tried to steal his car.

“No no. Thank God,” he told the broadcaster.

Another Kia owner, Maria Mata, told the station that she saw a group of children try, unsuccessfully, to steal her vehicle.

“I feel great that they are trying to prevent this from happening to someone else and it won’t cost them anything out of pocket,” she said.

How to prevent vehicle theft

Here are 10 ways to prevent your car from being stolen, according to one car insurance company:

1. Lock your doors. This makes it more difficult for thieves to access anything inside the vehicle.
2. Keep your keys with you. With smart keys and remote controls, a car can be unlocked if the key is nearby. If the key is inside or with you, it cannot be unlocked.
3. Don’t leave the spare key near the vehicle, as thieves know to look for it in common places, such as the wheel well, under items in the garage or in the glove compartment.
4. Keep windows closed. If a window is open, thieves can unlock the doors manually.
5. Park in well-lit areas, as this helps deter thieves if their actions are visible to passersby.
6. If your vehicle doesn’t have one, consider an anti-theft alarm system.
7. If you live in a high-crime area, consider an immobilizer device that utilizes a kill switch if the device does not recognize an authorized key.
8. Consider a tracking device so you can control the location of your vehicle if it is stolen.
9. Never leave valuables in the car, especially in a visible place. Thieves know to look for valuables in the floorboards, passenger or back seats.
10. Check before leaving the vehicle that it is safe.

Source: Allstate Auto Insurance

However, pop-up events are time-limited.

The event in Fresno, California ended on Monday, June 3.

Drivers with qualifying cars who want to upgrade their vehicles can schedule an appointment with their local Kia dealership.

Not all Kia owners need the anti-theft update.

Kia said vehicles with push-button start and key fobs have already implemented new technology that reduces theft rates.

Drivers with affected cars were previously eligible to receive money from a $200 million class action lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai.