Thousands of cars have been reported stolen across the country recently as a result of a new social media challenge, on TikTok that encourages users to do so, "just for the fun of it."

Two Iowa women are now among thousands of owners who are suing the carmakers Kia and Hyundai, who are at the center of this disturbing challenge. The two Iowa women clarify that their own cars haven't been nabbed. Yet.

But they want to make sure they are taken care of if it happens to them, and to stop it from happening to anyone else. So they are suing the two companies to take steps to ensure the cars they make are better protected against theft.

According to KCCI:

Ann Brady of Polk County and Leah Price of Decatur County say the automakers produce "defective" and "unsafe cars" that can be stolen with simple equipment like knives or U.S.B. drives

The two want refunds for their cars and other damages. For its part, Kia stated it has included several safety measures starting with its 2022 models, saying in a statement:

All 2022 models and trims have an immobilizer applied either at the beginning of the year or as a running change. All Kia vehicles for sale in the U.S. meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

An attorney for the two Iowa women filing the suit says that doesn't help people who have been victimized already or who bought previous models and remain at risk of having their vehicles stolen, and seeing their insurance rates increase as a result.

Police across the country are stating the obvious. Lock your car doors, and park them in a locked garage if possible.

Hyundai had yet to respond to the lawsuit regarding what they are doing to combat the issue. Consumers are encouraged to call both automakers with questions, Kia at 1 (800) 333-4542 or Hyundai at 1 (800) 633-5151.

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