--- title: "17 States Demand Hyundai, Kia Recall Cars Over TikTok Thefts" description: "Seventeen different attorneys general are demanding that Hyundai and Kia issue recall to prevent more TikTok thefts." date: "2023-04-23" modified: "2023-04-23" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/17-states-demand-hyundai-kia-recall-cars-over-tiktok-thefts" categories: - "Hyundai News" - "News" - "News by Brand" --- # 17 States Demand Hyundai, Kia Recall Cars Over TikTok Thefts ![]() The saga of the "Kia Boys" TikTok trend continues, as attorneys general from 17 different states are now demanding [Hyundai ]()and Kia recall millions of cars. Months ago, TikTok was awash with people stealing select Hyundai and Kia models that weren't equipped with push-button ignition, proving they could be stolen with nothing more than a screwdriver and a USB cable. While Hyundai and Kia have issued software fixes to prevent further thefts, 17 different states feel the two Korean brands haven't done enough and want their affected cars recalled. Certain Hyundai and Kia cars, between 2011-2022 were sold without engine immobilizers, therefore making them easier to steal. Engine immobilizers are simple: they use a chip in the car's steering column and a separate chip in the key, which talk to each when the key is turned, allowing the car to start. However, the models sold without immobilizers were incredibly easy to steal. So much so that certain insurance companies[ weren't taking new policies]() on such cars. Since then, Hyundai has [issued a free software fix]() that should prevent any Kia Boys from stealing its cars. The “ignition kill” software prevents the engine from starting after the car was locked by the key fob. Once unlocked by the fob, it will allow the engine to start up again. In addition, any Kia models that can't get this software retrofitted will be provided with a free steering wheel lock, to prevent any ne'er-do-wells from being able to drive off in a stolen car. ![]() *Hyundai* That apparently isn't good enough, according to California attorney general Rob Bonta. Bonta leads the coalition of attorneys general who wrote a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), demanding a recall. “The bottom line is, Kia’s and Hyundai’s failure to install standard safety features on many of their vehicles have put vehicle owners and the public at risk,” said Attorney General Bonta in a [recent statement](). "We now ask the federal government to require these companies to correct their mistake through a nationwide recall and help us in our continued efforts to protect the public from these unsafe vehicles.” However, the NHTSA claims a federal recall isn't something that can be implemented in this situation, as thefts are criminal offenses, which are under local police's jurisdictions. Since Hyundai's and Kia's software fixes aren't official recalls, they aren't monitored the same way and therefore it's hard to know how many affected cars still out there. “Hyundai and Kia will not be obliged to notify their owners in the same way they would if it was a recall,” [Michael Brooks](), Executive Director of the Center for Auto Safety told *NBC 5*. At the moment, there isn't a federal recall on any of the affected Hyundai and Kia models but the NHTSA is in communication with both brands. However, Hyundai says its software fix is available to almost all four million affected cars and is collaborating with AAA to insure new customers with affected models. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()