[Update Oct. 3, 2022: Information added about Hyundai’s newly available security kits.]

Thieves inspired by social media are stealing certain models of Kias and Hyundais with little more than a phone-charging cable.

The trend started in Milwaukee before spreading to cities nationwide. It has led to multiple lawsuits filed against the carmakers. Plaintiffs allege that Kia and Hyundai defrauded consumers by selling unsafe vehicles that lack a common form of anti-theft technology, which made them sitting ducks for thieves.

The carmakers have taken some steps to prevent additional thefts, including providing free steering wheel locks through local police departments, according to statements emailed to NerdWallet. Hyundai also is selling security kits designed to prevent thefts, as of Oct. 1.

Prevention is important. Having your car stolen is disruptive and expensive, assuming you must replace your vehicle or repair it, if it’s recovered. But if you own one of the affected Kia or Hyundai models, you could face additional consequences, including pricier insurance and reduced resale value on a vehicle that’s known to be easily stolen.

Here’s what you need to know about the wave of Kia and Hyundai thefts — and how to protect yourself.

TikTok challenge spurs Kia and Hyundai thefts

Videos posted on TikTok, YouTube and other social media sites over the past several months demonstrate how to steal certain Kia and Hyundai models sold between 2011 and 2021. These models use a key, rather than a push-start ignition system.

These vehicles don’t have engine immobilizers, which use electronic signals to prevent the car from starting without the correct key. Most cars made in the past 20 years are equipped with engine immobilizers because they’ve been so effective at reducing car thefts.

Brazen videos featuring the “Kia Boys” in Milwaukee demonstrate how to steal these Kias and Hyundais that don’t have engine immobilizers. They do so using a screwdriver, or even something as ubiquitous as a USB cord.

In response to the rise in thefts, Hyundai now includes immobilizers in all vehicles, starting with those made after Nov. 1, 2021, according to a Hyundai Motor America statement sent to NerdWallet. In a separate statement, Kia America said all 2022 models have an immobilizer.

The targeted thefts started occurring before the videos went viral. But the tutorials are being blamed for a jump in Kia and Hyundai thefts in cities across the country. Take St. Paul, Minnesota, where one of many class action lawsuits was filed this month. Between January and August 2021, 31 Kias and 48 Hyundais were stolen, according to St. Paul Police Department data. During the same period this year, that count increased to 334 Kia and 288 Hyundai thefts.

The Kia and Hyundai thefts add to a national car-theft problem that’s lasted two years. The National Insurance Crime Bureau, which analyzes crime data, reported that vehicle crime has increased since 2020, with carjackings and catalytic converter thefts nearing record highs. Almost a million vehicles were stolen in 2021, the NICB said in an email. Of those, about 782,300 were passenger vehicles.