New York Sues Hyundai and Kia for Explosion of Car Thefts

South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia are being sued for causing a ‘public nuisance,’ according to a complaint filed in Manhattan federal court.

New York City is accusing the two firms of failing to install devices that prevent cars from being stolen, after a social media challenge prompted young teens to steal vehicles off the street by hot wiring them using a USB cable.

A viral TikTok challenge started in 2021 and spurred a rise in thefts of Hyundai and Kia cars.