Terrifying TikTok Trend Returning To Texas

Forget the days of silly trends like the "Tide Pod Challenge"—TikTok's latest viral menace, the "Kia Challenge," has made an alarming return, and this time it's coming for your car. Originally taking off a few years ago, the Kia Challenge taught young thrill-seekers to hotwire certain Kia and Hyundai models using nothing but a USB cable. Now, after sparking chaos in states like Connecticut, the trend is back and could soon roll into Texas.

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A recent incident in Connecticut shows just how out of hand things can get. Four teens stole a Kia in broad daylight, speeding through traffic, swerving into oncoming lanes, and finally abandoning the car in a store parking lot. Police had to take drastic action, actually crashing into the stolen car to bring it to a stop. While the teens were apprehended, the incident highlights the risky thrill these young "experts" are chasing—and the Kia Challenge’s growing appeal online.

The trend targets 2011–2022 Kia and Hyundai models that lack a basic anti-theft feature called an immobilizer, which prevents a car from starting without the proper key. Despite a software fix from Kia and Hyundai a few years ago, these models remain vulnerable, making them prime targets for reckless joyriding. This viral trend isn’t just about joyrides either; cities across the country report that stolen Kias are often found with firearms or involved in other dangerous activities before being abandoned.

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As Texas hasn’t yet seen widespread Kia theft sprees, the viral reemergence of this trend signals it’s only a matter of time. So, if you’re a Kia or Hyundai owner, take this as your warning. Lock up, stay vigilant, and be prepared—because TikTok fame for some could soon mean a big headache (and repair bill) for you.