"Due to the Challenge..." Hyundai Motor and Kia Rank 1st to 3rd in Stolen Vehicles in the US Last Year

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia swept the top three spots for the most stolen vehicles in the United States last year. The trend of challenges on platforms like TikTok, where people showcase scenes of stealing cars, is believed to have further encouraged thefts targeting these vehicles.

Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), USA

According to the '2023 Stolen Vehicles' report released on the 9th (local time) by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) of the United States, the number one most stolen vehicle was the Hyundai Elantra. The Elantra was reported stolen 48,445 times throughout last year. Following were the Hyundai Sonata (42,813 units) and the Kia Optima (30,204 units).

Hyundai and Kia vehicles accounted for six models in the top 10 most stolen vehicles in the U.S. last year. In addition to the three models ranked 1st to 3rd, the list included the Kia Soul (5th, 21,001 units), Kia Forte (8th, 16,209 units), and Kia Sportage (10th, 15,749 units).

The report noted, "Hyundai and Kia vehicles recorded the highest theft rates, breaking the trend of pickup trucks holding the top spot for years," and pointed out that "social media trends (challenges) showing how to steal vehicles appear to be a contributing factor." Axios highlighted that many of these vehicles lack the basic anti-theft device, the engine immobilizer, which has been exploited.

Other vehicles in the top 10 stolen list included the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (4th, 23,721 units), Honda Accord (6th, 20,895 units), and Honda Civic (7th, 19,858 units).

In the U.S., vehicle theft rates have been rising sharply since the pandemic. Last year, vehicle theft increased by 1% compared to the previous year. The report explained that 35% of stolen vehicles were recovered on the same day, and 45% were found within two days. David Glawe, CEO of NICB, stated, "This shows that the threat of vehicle theft continues," and urged, "We will work with law enforcement and the industry to respond to vehicle theft, and vehicle owners should remain vigilant and take preventive measures."

Meanwhile, Hyundai and Kia previously agreed to pay up to $145 million to settle related class-action lawsuits in the United States.