Free steering-wheel locks for Kia, Hyundai vehicles targeted by Tik-Tok theft challenge

BUENA VISTA - New Jersey State Police are offering free steering-wheel locks to the owners of often-stolen Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

The lock giveaway at State Police stations in Atlantic, Mercer and Passaic counties is part of an effort to curb auto thefts spurred by a social media challenge.

Where to get free steering-wheel locks for Kia, Hyundai vehicles

They are being offered in South Jersey at the Buena Vista station, 1045 Route 54, according to a post at the State Police Facebook page.

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Locks also are being provided at State Police stations at 1400 Negron Drive in Hamilton, Mercer County, and 250 Minnisink Road in Totowa, Passaic County.

The locks are in limited supply, so motorists might want to check on availability before driving to a station.

A TikTok social media challenge has spurred thefts of vulnerable Hyundai and Kia vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It said the thefts have caused at least 14 reported crashes and eight deaths.The affected vehicles lack software that prevents them from being started without the key, authorities say.

Efforts to curb thefts of Hyundai, Kia vehicles

Hyundai and Kia have worked with law enforcement agencies in 12 states to provide more than 26,000 steering wheel locks since November 2022, the NHTSA noted.

The carmakers, in a separate program, are providing free theft-deterrent software "for millions of their vehicles that lack an immobilizer," the agency said in a Feb. 14 statement.

The software update doubles the length of the car's alarm sound to one minute "and requires the key to be in the ignition switch to turn the vehicle on," the NHTSA noted .

It said vehicle owners can make toll-free calls for information on the update to Hyundai at 800-633-5151 or Kia at 800-333-4542.

Locks, software, stickers are part of anti-theft program

"Consumers may need to bring their vehicle to a Kia or Hyundai dealership for the software update," according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry.

Hyundai will also provide its customers with a window sticker alerting would-be thieves that the vehicle is equipped with anti-theft protection.

Both companies are expected to provide the updates in a phased approach over the next several months, the NHTSA said.

About 4.5 million Kias and 3.8 million Hyundais are at risk across the country, according to the NHTSA.

Targeted vehicles are Kia models from 2011-21 and Hyundai models from 2015-21.

Hyundai vehicles that have a push-button start or that were made after November 2021 are not at risk, according to the carmaker.

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal.