A “deadly” method for stealing cars has been circulating on social media as drivers across Britain are warned about risk of theft.
Hyundai and Kia will release software updates after the car theft hack was shared on TikTok.
The “Kia Challenge” showed that it is possible to remove the steering column covering on some Hyundai and Kia models by force, exposing a slot that fits a USB-A plug.
Thieves can turn the plug, which activates the ignition, allowing the car to be driven away.
The 'Kia Challenge' has been circulating on social media
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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the theft of these vehicles has caused at least 14 collisions and eight deaths in the US.
The carmakers say they will be updating their car software in a bid to stop the trend.
Hyundai said that the upgrade would be arranged by dealers and takes less than an hour to finish.
A spokesperson from Hyundai said: "The software upgrade modifies certain vehicle control modules on Hyundai vehicles equipped with standard 'turn-key-to-start' ignition systems.
"As a result, locking the doors with the key fob will set the factory alarm and activate an 'ignition kill' feature.
"So the vehicles cannot be started when subjected to the popularised theft mode."
Updates will be installed for free on vulnerable models and will require a key in the ignition to start the engine.
Software will stop the car from being started after the doors have been locked using the key fob remote.
Hyundai has said they will update software to stop the TikTok trend
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Kia hasn’t yet published specific details but will likely roll out the software on a similar timescale.
The viral videos on TikTok has lead to a big increase in thefts of vulnerable models in many countries.
Many owners have already lost their insurance cover due to the issue.
Only cars that use keys are vulnerable to the hack, while press-to-start vehicles which rely on radio signals from a fob are immune.