Consumer Safety: Kia, Hyundai top list of most stolen car brands in America ─Report

*The United States-based National Insurance Crime Bureau discloses in a report both Hyundai and Kia vehicle brands, produced by the same company, have replaced the Chevy Silverado as they ‘experienced the highest theft rates in 2023’

Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect

Do you own a Hyundai or Kia car? You are encouraged to keep “a close eye on it”.

The United States-based National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reports these car brands have replaced the Chevy Silverado as the most stolen vehicles in America.

ConsumerConnect learnt the organisation explained that the two brands, produced by the same company, experienced the highest theft rates in 2023. For years, it was full-sized pickups most in danger of being stolen.

But is the change really a surprise? It shouldn’t be.

The agency also noted that in recent months, viral videos on TikTok have shown these brands vulnerabilities – at least certain model years. Hyundai and Kia models produced between 2015 and 2022 lacked anti-theft immobilisers.

Why frequent theft cases of car brands?

According to automotive experts, cars that use traditional ignition keys are the vehicles are at risk. They say anything produced during 2022 and later are safer.

According to a 2022 TikTok video, presented as a “TikTok Challenge,” anyone can start and steal one of these cars using only a screwdriver and a USB cable.

NICB says social media trends show how to steal these vehicles likely played a factor in pushing Kia and Hyundai models to occupy six spots, including the top three, on the list of the 10 most stolen vehicles.

Other vehicles making the top 10

Also on the list are the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and Ford F150 Series Pickup, agency report said.

NICB further revealed that over 85 percent of passenger vehicles reported stolen were subsequently recovered by law enforcement, or other means, with 34 percent of them recovered within a day of the vehicles being reported stolen.

NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe said: “These rankings highlight the persistent threat of vehicle theft across the country.

“NICB works with law enforcement agencies and industry partners to deploy advanced technologies and strategies to combat vehicle theft from organized criminal networks and individuals. Even as we work to deter crime, it is crucial for owners to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their vehicles.”

Here’s the list of most stolen vehicles in 2023, courtesy of NCIB: Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Chevy Silverado 1500, Kia Soul, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Ford F150 Series and Kia Sportage.

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