In a striking revelation from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), Hyundai and Kia vehicles have surged to the forefront of America’s most stolen cars, igniting concerns over vehicle security and anti-theft technology. The Hyundai Elantra and Sonata, along with the Kia Optima, topped the charts with thefts numbering in the tens of thousands last year alone.
The Theft Epidemic: A Closer Look
According to the NICB report, the Hyundai Elantra was stolen a staggering 48,000 times, while the Sonata wasn’t far behind with nearly 43,000 thefts. The Kia Optima followed with over 30,000 reported thefts. This trio outpaced the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, a popular model that registered approximately 24,000 thefts.
What’s more alarming is the broader trend: six out of the top ten most-stolen vehicles in the U.S. were either a Hyundai or Kia model. The list included not just the Optima, but also the Kia Soul, Forte, and Sportage, alongside other high-risk models like the Honda Accord, Civic, and Ford F-150.
These figures, derived from police reports logged through the National Crime Information Center, highlight a glaring vulnerability in certain car models, especially older ones lacking modern theft-prevention technologies.
Understanding the Targeting of Hyundai and Kia
A significant spike in thefts of older Hyundai and Kia models has been noted, with an increase of 1,000% in thefts since 2020, as reported by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). A common factor among these vehicles is the use of traditional turn-key ignitions, which are about twice as likely to be stolen compared to newer push-button start models.
The lack of electronic immobilizers in these vehicles further exacerbates the issue. Such systems, which are standard in most contemporary vehicles, prevent the engine from starting unless the key used is correctly verified by onboard computers.
Social media has unfortunately played a role in propagating methods to exploit these vulnerabilities, with instructions on bypassing security features becoming widely accessible, thus increasing both theft and subsequent vandalism claims.
The Police Department's crime prevention unit reached out to the manufacturers and asked them to donate the anti-theft devices, which immobilize the steering wheel.
Brooklyn Park gave away steering-wheel locks to help curb Hyundai, Kia car thefts
The department's crime prevent… pic.twitter.com/l4OonuSFrV— Lennard Pluymen (@LennardPlu88240) April 5, 2023
Manufacturers’ Response to the Theft Wave
In response to the escalating thefts, Hyundai and Kia have taken robust measures. Earlier this year, both companies reached a $200 million settlement to address claims related to the lack of sufficient anti-theft measures in their vehicles. This settlement encompasses compensations for stolen or damaged vehicles and costs for implementing theft-deterrent technologies.
Hyundai and Kia are actively enhancing vehicle security. Over 1.1 million Kia vehicles and 1.3 million Hyundai vehicles in the U.S. have already been equipped with new anti-theft software. Additionally, for those models that cannot accommodate the software, Kia is offering free steering wheel locks.
Kia spokesman James Bell emphasized the company’s commitment, stating, “Kia continues to take comprehensive action to enhance the security of our vehicles in an effort to prevent criminals from using methods of theft popularized on social media to break the law and steal or attempt to steal certain vehicle models.”
As this issue unfolds, vehicle owners are urged to stay informed about the security features of their cars and to take proactive steps to safeguard their property, particularly those owning models identified at higher risk. With manufacturers bolstering their defenses against theft, there is a hopeful outlook that the tide of vehicle thefts may soon recede.
