What are the most stolen Hyundai and Kia models?

• Alarming Increase in Theft of Hyundai and Kia Cars
• Models from 2015 to 2019 Most Vulnerable
• Million-Dollar Settlement and Preventive Measures Implemented

After certain social media posts demonstrated how to steal cars from Hyundai and Kia, these thefts have seen an alarming increase.

It is said that in the last three years, the increase has been tenfold for certain models of these Korean companies.

According to information from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), insurance claims for theft increased by more than 1,000 percent.

This occurred between the first half of 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic, and the first half of 2023.

Less expensive Hyundai and Kia models are the most stolen

Among the Hyundai and Kia models that are most frequently stolen are those manufactured between 2015 and 2019.

As reported by CNN, considering HLDI data, these are the less expensive versions of the following cars:

Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson, as well as the Kia Forte and Sportage, all equipped with key-on-hand ignition.

These four vehicles are approximately twice as likely to be stolen as others of the same age.

For what other reasons are they the most stolen?

On the other hand, it is said that these Hyundai and Kia models lack some basic car theft prevention technologies.

These technologies include electronic immobilizers, which depend on a computer chip in the car and another in the key.

It’s worth noting that the most recent models from both companies do not have this problem.

In states like Delaware, Washington, and New York, there was a considerable increase in theft claims for Hyundai and Kia in the first half of 2023.

A problem that seems never-ending

But thefts are not the only reason for claims, as some Hyundai and Kia cars have suffered vandalism.

The Highway Loss Data Institute reported that this is likely due to unsuccessful theft attempts.

However, HLDI’s Senior Vice President stated that the rapid increase in thefts is related to increased awareness of vulnerability and techniques to exploit it.

«It’s important to help people who own these vehicles understand that they have vulnerability and that there is a remedy available,» commented Matt Moore.

Hyundai and Kia take action

On the other hand, as reported by CNN, Hyundai and Kia reached a $200 million settlement in the early days of this year with up to 9 million car owners.

The purpose? To settle claims that the car manufacturers did not do enough to make them secure.

This settlement also included the installation of anti-theft software and the costs of other preventive measures against theft.

It is noteworthy that some insurers have refused to cover older models of these companies, which is not very common.

Taking important measures

Finally, both Kia and Hyundai have worked with the police to distribute steering wheel locks to owners of these models.

Kia’s spokesperson stated that the company continues to take important measures to assist its customers.

James Bell emphasized that these theft methods have been promoted and popularized on social media, as reported by CNN.

Hyundai has also set up temporary service centers to install anti-theft software in the cars.