The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported that two Hyundai models, the Elantra and Sonata, along with one Kia model, the Optima, were the three most-stolen vehicles last year. The Hyundai Elantra was stolen over 48,000 times, the Sonata almost 43,000 times, and the Optima over 30,000 times. The fourth most stolen model was the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup, with about 24,000 thefts. Six of the top 10 most-stolen vehicles were Hyundai and Kia models, including the Kia Soul, Kia Forte, and Kia Sportage, as well as the Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and Ford F-150 pickup.
According to a report by the Highway Loss Data Institute, thefts of older Hyundai and Kia models have increased by 1,000% since 2020. Certain older models made before 2023 are particularly vulnerable to theft, especially those with turn-key ignitions instead of push-button starts. These vehicles lack basic theft prevention technologies like electronic immobilizers, making them twice as likely to be stolen. Techniques to steal these cars have been spread through social media channels, making them easier targets for thieves.
Hyundai and Kia operate as separate companies in the US, but Hyundai Motor Group owns a large stake in Kia, and many of their models share engineering. Recent models from both automakers are less vulnerable to theft, but older models remain at risk. Hyundai and Kia agreed to a $200 million settlement with up to 9 million vehicle owners to address claims that the vehicles were not secure enough. The settlement includes payments for stolen and damaged vehicles, installation of anti-theft software, and other preventative measures.
Kia has taken comprehensive action to enhance the security of their vehicles, including installing anti-theft software in over 1.1 million vehicles nationwide. They are also providing free steering wheel locks for vehicles that cannot accept the software. Hyundai has retroactively added anti-theft measures to 1.3 million vehicles. Both companies are working to prevent thieves from using social media to steal vehicles and break the law. Kia spokesman James Bell emphasized their commitment to improving vehicle security.
The NICB reports raw numbers of police-reported thefts, which are not adjusted for the population of a given model on the road. This means that some vehicles may be more commonly stolen simply because there are more of them available. Older Hyundai and Kia models lack electronic immobilizers and other theft prevention technologies, making them easier targets for thieves. Both companies are taking steps to enhance vehicle security and prevent theft through the installation of anti-theft software and other measures. The issue of stolen vehicles, particularly Hyundai and Kia models, remains a concern and efforts to improve security continue.
