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Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Kia
This is not a 2022 story, and that’s actually the concerning part. It’s 2026, and the Kia Challenge is still a thing, with police in Maryland warning that the number of thefts involving Kias and Hyundais is again going through the roof.
The Annapolis Police Department issued an alert for owners of models produced by the two brands, telling everybody to install the anti-theft update released by their carmakers.
Furthermore, the PD is giving away steering wheel locks, but the officers insist that the supply is limited, so the software update should be prioritized.
Those who want to receive the free steering wheel lock can reach out to the police station on 199 Taylor Avenue and must bring their driver’s license and registration card to prove they own an eligible Kia or Hyundai car.
The Kia Challenge started in 2022 when a video posted on TikTok highlighted a vulnerability in certain Kia and Hyundai models produced between 2011 and 2021. The vulnerability was caused by the lack of engine immobilizers, and the TikTok video included a step-by-step exploitation guide that taught the audience how to start the engine using only a screwdriver and a USB cable.
The viral video produced a nationwide trend where teenagers formed notorious groups of Kia Boys who were stealing cars parked outside for joyrides and Internet fame.
The trend put a crosshair on the back of every Kia and Hyundai in the United States, no matter the model year, mainly because the teenagers didn’t always make a difference between a vulnerable model and a newer release that didn’t suffer from the TikTok issue.
Kia and Hyundai rapidly released an anti-theft update and urged owners to install it. Models that weren’t eligible for the software update could be protected with a free steering wheel lock, also available at dealerships.
However, police rolling out these warnings serves as evidence that many cars parked outside still haven’t been patched, being vulnerable to those simple theft methods documented online. Police also tell owners to park inside or in well-lit areas where it’d be harder for a thief to break in and drive away without being noticed.
A steering wheel lock is still recommended, regardless of the model year. Because the Kia Boys don’t make a different between patched and unpatched cars, they could still attempt to break in even if your vehicle is running the latest software version.
As a result, if they notice the anti-theft lock through the window, they can walk away before attempting to break the glass. Additional anti-theft hardware include AirTags and tracking devices that can help the police locate a stolen vehicle and recover it before it’s too late.
Many cars stolen as part of the Kia Challenge ended up damaged or even set on fire by teenagers.