Most Stolen Vehicles in 2023: Hyundai and Kia Take the Lead
In a surprising turn of events, Hyundai and Kia have claimed the top spots on the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) list of the most stolen vehicles in 2023. This unexpected shift in the rankings can be attributed to a dangerous social media trend that gained traction on platforms like TikTok.
Videos started appearing online in 2022, demonstrating how certain Hyundai and Kia models could be easily stolen using nothing more than a USB charging cable. This alarming trend quickly spread like wildfire, causing a nationwide panic. As a result, insurance companies began hesitating to provide coverage for Hyundai and Kia owners.
This alarming situation also prompted several states to urge the carmakers to issue a recall. To make matters worse, Hyundai and Kia faced legal consequences, as they were sued by major American cities for the escalating thefts. Eventually, the two brands had to pay $200 million to settle a class-action lawsuit. They also implemented a software-based fix to address the vulnerability in their vehicles.
The repercussions of this saga were evidently felt, as Hyundai and Kia models managed to overthrow full-size pickups from their longstanding position at the top of the most-stolen list. The NICB’s ranking for 2023 reveals that the Hyundai Elantra claimed the undesirable title of the most stolen car, with an astonishing 48,445 reported thefts. Following closely in second place was the Hyundai Sonata, with 42,813 thefts. Kia also made its mark, with the Kia Optima securing third place with 30,204 thefts.
Interestingly, the dominance of these South Korean brands came at the expense of pickups. Previously considered the most targeted vehicles for theft, pickups experienced a significant drop in thefts. To put it into perspective, the NICB’s data shows that the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was the most stolen vehicle in 2022, with a staggering 49,903 reported thefts. The Ford F-Series took second place with 48,175 thefts (without model breakdown), and the Honda Civic claimed third with 27,113 thefts. The Sonata and Elantra, which finished fifth and sixth respectively, had experienced 21,707 and 19,602 thefts in 2022. The Optima secured seventh place with 18,221 thefts.
According to the NICB’s research, a total of 1,020,729 vehicles were reported stolen in 2023, marking a one percent increase compared to the previous year. However, it is worth noting that over 85% of the stolen vehicles were eventually recovered, with 34% being found within a day of being reported stolen.
While the rise in thefts of Hyundai and Kia models is certainly concerning, it is crucial to recognize that these incidents are not a reflection of the vehicles’ overall security. Despite the vulnerabilities exploited by thieves, the overwhelming majority of Hyundai and Kia owners have not experienced any issues. These incidents serve as a reminder for all automakers to continuously enhance their security measures and stay vigilant against evolving theft techniques.
In conclusion, the unexpected rise of Hyundai and Kia models as the most stolen vehicles in 2023 can be attributed to a disturbing social media trend that exposed a security flaw. However, it is important to remember that these incidents represent a small fraction of the millions of vehicles on the road. Car manufacturers and owners alike must remain proactive in safeguarding vehicles against potential thefts.
