New York City Goes After Hyundai, Kia After Security Flaw Leads to Wave of Social Media-Fueled Theft

New York City Goes After Hyundai, Kia After Security Flaw Leads to Wave of Social Media-Fueled Theft
A line of 2022 Santa Fe SUV's sit outside a Hyundai dealership in Littleton, Colo. on Sept. 12, 2021. David Zalubowski/AP Photo
The Associated Press
Updated:
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New York City has filed a lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia, joining a host of other cities beset by a social media fueled wave of car thefts due to a flaw that made some car models highly susceptible to theft.

Viral how-to videos on TikTok and other sites show how to start the cars using only USB cables and a screwdriver. The reason is that some models sold by Hyundai and Kia in the U.S. came without engine immobilizers, a standard feature on most cars since the 1990s that prevent the engine from starting unless the key is present.