New York City filed a federal lawsuit against South Korean auto leaders Hyundai and Kai for not doing enough to prevent thefts after a TikTok social media challenge led to a dramatic jump in the vehicles being taken.

New York City joined other cities beset by a social media fueled wave of car thefts due to a flaw that made some models highly susceptible to theft.

A social media challenge that started in Milwaukee has seen soaring rates of theft for older Hyundai and Kia models.

Thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles have increased 2,154% from 2022 in Charlotte, according to CMPD. Police say a total of 1,736 Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been stolen so far in 2023. Additionally,

Kia and Hyundai have notified dealers that there are problems with a software fix that's being offered as a way to prevent vehicles from being hot-wired.