In a surprising twist for 2023, Hyundai and Kia have taken the lead in the unfortunate race for the most stolen vehicles in the United States. Historically, pickups held this dubious honor, but a recent social media trend has pushed these South Korean brands to the forefront.
Hyundai Elantras and Sonatas topped the list of most stolen vehicles in 2023, followed by the Kia Optima and Chevrolet Silverado. This marked a departure from previous years when Chevy and Ford trucks and Hondas were the most stolen. The rise in Hyundai and Kia thefts was partly due to social media how-to videos exploiting the lack of anti-theft immobilizers in many models. In response, Kia and Hyundai added immobilizers to newer vehicles. The theft surge sparked debates over who was to blame: car manufacturers or social media users and platforms.
Let’s delve into the details of this alarming shift and see which vehicles topped the National Insurance Crime Bureau's (NICB) list.
The Social Media Phenomenon
A bizarre social media trend emerged in 2022, where videos demonstrating how to steal certain Hyundai and Kia models using nothing more than a USB charging cable began circulating on platforms like TikTok. This phenomenon led to a dramatic increase in thefts, causing widespread concern. The repercussions were significant:
- Insurance Reactions: Some insurance companies started refusing coverage for Hyundai and Kia models.
- Government Actions: Several states urged the manufacturers to issue recalls.
- Legal and Financial Consequences: Hyundai and Kia settled a class-action lawsuit for $200 million and faced lawsuits from several major American cities. The companies also began rolling out a software-based fix to address the vulnerability.
This wave of thefts effectively displaced full-size pickups from the top of the most-stolen vehicles list.
The Most Stolen Vehicles of 2023
Here are the vehicles that topped the NICB’s list for 2023:
- Hyundai Elantra: 48,445 thefts
- Hyundai Sonata: 42,813 thefts
- Kia Optima: 30,204 thefts
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 23,721 thefts
- Kia Soul: 21,001 thefts
- Honda Accord: 20,895 thefts
- Honda Civic: 19,858 thefts
- Kia Forte: 16,209 thefts
- Ford F-150: 15,852 thefts
- Kia Sportage: 15,749 thefts
The Changing Landscape of Vehicle Theft
The significant increase in thefts of Hyundai and Kia models in 2023 contrasts sharply with the decreasing number of stolen pickups. For context, the NICB reported that the Chevrolet Silverado was the most stolen vehicle in 2022, with 49,903 thefts. The Ford F-Series followed with 48,175 thefts (without specifying models), and the Honda Civic was third with 27,113 thefts. In 2022, the Hyundai Sonata and Elantra were fifth and sixth with 21,707 and 19,602 thefts, respectively, while the Kia Optima was seventh with 18,221 thefts.
2023 Vehicle Theft Statistics
In total, 1,020,729 vehicles were reported stolen in 2023, marking a one percent increase compared to 2022. The NICB also highlighted that over 85% of stolen vehicles were recovered, with 34% being found within a day of the theft report.
Protecting Your Vehicle
Given these trends, it’s more important than ever to take steps to safeguard your vehicle. Here are some tips:
- Enhance Security: Invest in anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks, car alarms, and GPS trackers.
- Choose Safe Parking: Always park in well-lit, secure areas or use a garage if possible.
- Stay Vigilant: Always lock your car and close all windows, even for short periods.
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of the latest news and updates on vehicle security to protect your investment.
The surge in thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles in 2023 underscores the need for increased vigilance and improved security measures. Whether you own one of these frequently targeted models or not, being aware of the risks and taking proactive steps can help keep your vehicle safe. Stay informed, stay protected, and drive safely!
Feel free to share your thoughts or any additional tips in the comments below. Let’s work together to keep our community informed and our vehicles secure!
