Hyundai and Kia thefts remain a persistent issue in the U.S., even as overall vehicle thefts fell 17% in 2024. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), these two brands have led the list of most stolen cars for three consecutive years, with older models remaining prime targets. Viral social media trends and security vulnerabilities have made Hyundai and Kia vehicles among the most sought-after by thieves.
Hyundai and Kia Still Top the Most Stolen List
Theft rates for Hyundai and Kia vehicles surged in 2022 after social media videos exposed security flaws in models manufactured before that year. Lacking engine immobilizers, these vehicles were easy to steal using simple tools.
By 2023, Hyundai and Kia models had overtaken full-size pickups as the most stolen vehicles, a trend that continued in 2024:
- Hyundai Elantra – 31,712 thefts
- Hyundai Sonata – 26,720 thefts
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – 21,666 thefts
- Honda Accord – 18,539 thefts
- Kia Optima – 17,493 thefts
Manufacturers have since rolled out security updates and software patches, but many affected vehicles remain on the road. Some insurance companies even declined coverage for certain models, underscoring the severity of the issue.
Nationwide Car Thefts See Largest Drop in 40 Years
Despite the continued rise in Hyundai and Kia thefts, the U.S. saw an overall decline in auto thefts in 2024, with 850,708 vehicles reported stolen—down from 1,020,729 the previous year.
States with the Biggest Drop in Car Thefts
Some states saw significant reductions in auto thefts in 2024:
- Washington (-32%)
- Nevada (-31%)
- Oregon (-30%)
- Nebraska (-29%)
- Colorado (-26%)
Maine was the only state to report an increase, with thefts rising 2% from the previous year.
Cities with the Highest Auto Theft Rates
The District of Columbia remained the nation’s top hotspot for car thefts, with 842.4 thefts per 100,000 residents—over three times the national average of 250.2 per 100,000. Other cities with high auto theft rates included:
- California – 463.2 per 100,000 residents
- New Mexico – 458.2 per 100,000 residents
- Colorado – 430.0 per 100,000 residents
- Nevada – 394.4 per 100,000 residents
BY YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]
