In Los Angeles, thefts of Hyundai and Kia cars increased by about 85% in 2022, now accounting for 20% of all car thefts in the city, according to the California attorney general’s office.
These social media-inspired thefts have often ended in tragedy, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration blaming the stolen car trend for 14 reported crashes and eight deaths. In October, a police commissioner said that a car crash in Buffalo, New York, that left four teenagers dead may have been linked to the TikTok challenge. In the incident, a total of six teenagers were in a speeding Kia that crashed, Buffalo police said. The car had been reported stolen.
Kia said in a statement that it is focused on the issue, "and we continue to take action to address the concerns these attorneys general have raised." The automaker says more than 165,000 customers have had the software installed, and over 2 million owners have been contacted about it. The company says the vehicles comply with federal safety standards, so a recall isn’t necessary.
In September, the Highway Loss Data Institute, a unit of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, found that Hyundai and Kia cars without immobilizers had a vehicle theft claim rate of 2.18 per 1,000 insured vehicle years. The rest of the industry combined had a rate of 1.21. The agency said the Hyundai and Kia thefts involve criminal conduct that falls under the jurisdiction of law enforcement. Even so, NHTSA said it has met with the automakers to discuss theft vulnerability as well as software and hardware in the affected models.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Police issue alert after Hyundai, Kia vehicles left damaged or stolen in Hyde ParkChicago police say the victims would park their cars but when they returned, they were either stolen or had the steering column damaged.
Read more »
CPD issues warning of Hyundai, Kia vehicle thefts in Hyde ParkIn each case, the vehicle was legally parked and when the owner returned, the vehicle was missing or the steering column was damaged
Read more »
California AG, other states seek recall over Hyundai and Kia thefts - AutoblogCalifornia's attorney general, with other states, seeks a federal recall of Hyundai and Kia cars lacking key features that make them a target of thefts.
Read more »
Thefts prompt 17 states to urge recall of Kia, Hyundai carsVideos circulating on the social media service TikTok have shown how people can start Kia and Hyundai models by using only a screwdriver and a USB cable.
Read more »
Los Angeles man accused in armed-robbery spree at OC, LA gas stations, convenience storesNamir Malik Ali Greene is accused of stealing at least $15,360 over a three-and-a-half-week rampage.
Read more »
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers NBA Playoffs Game 2 updates, scoreFollow our score updates for the latest news and analysis from Game 2 of the Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers NBA Playoffs series.
Read more »