Hyundai will pay up to $200 million to approximately 9 million U.S. owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles due to TikTok-instigated viral car theft. About it informs Engadget.
About $145 million is earmarked for damages to customers whose cars were stolen or damaged but weren’t insured. The companies also say they will cover insurance deductibles, increased insurance premiums and other related costs.
The agreement includes a wide range of Hyundai and Kia vehicles produced between the 2011 and 2022 model years, including the Elantra, Santa Fe and Tucson. Also included is the 2011-2014 Genesis Coupe. The stamps will pay up to $6,125 to each owner for total loss of the vehicle and up to $3,375 for damage to the vehicle and any personal property.
Brands have already released an update installed at dealerships that improves theft protection for certain models by disabling the push-button start system and extending the alarm time. The rest of the cars that can get updates will receive them before June.
As part of the settlement, Hyundai and Kia will also offer up to $300 to help drivers purchase anti-theft devices. The companies said they have already provided “tens of thousands” of free steering wheel locks to affected customers, as well as offering AAA insurance options for customers who had trouble maintaining coverage.
The “Kia Challenge” came into existence in mid-2022 after the “Kia Boyz” posted videos on TikTok showing them using USB cables to connect to many Hyundai and Kia vehicles not equipped with anti-theft immobilizers. Shortly thereafter, the number of car thefts of these brands increased sharply. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration intervened after at least 14 crashes and 8 deaths were linked to these viral videos.
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2023-05-22 11:58:10
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