Hyundai and Kia thefts rose 1,000% between 2020 and 2023, driven by social media posts showing how easy it was to hotwire certain models. I should know, as my own car was stolen this way in 2023. New data on car thefts show that the problem has only gotten worse. Read on to learn if your car is at risk, about insurance issues, and what you can do to protect your vehicle.
Hyundai and Kia thefts overview
The top three stolen auto models in 2023 were Hyundai and Kia sedans. Viral TikTok videos by the so-called “Kia Boyz” demonstrated how easy it was to steal these cars by opening the steering column and inserting a USB cable to start the car like a key.
Thieves can steal a car very quickly this way — in as little as 30 seconds, according to WUSA9 News. In response, Kia and Hyundai developed a software security patch to immobilize the engine if a faux “key” is used, like a USB cable.
Don’t trust the software update alone
Hyundai and Kia issued a voluntary recall of affected vehicles in 2023, enabling owners to receive a free anti-theft software upgrade. My own car was a 2013 Hyundai Elantra and therefore qualified for the recall. Once the software fix was completed and a sticker affixed to the window alerting thieves that the upgrade had been made, I thought my car would be safe.
I was wrong. Just a few months later, my car was stolen.
I’m not alone. Even with the window stickers and the software upgrades, thieves are still stealing these cars. Some owners report their cars were stolen even though they had taken extra precautions like installing alert systems.
Nevertheless, it's worthwhile to get the security update. It may deter some thieves and also demonstrate to your insurance company that you have done your part to protect your vehicle.
Is your car at risk?
Most cars with push-button ignitions are safe from this type of theft, as are Kias made in or after 2022, and Hyundais made in 2023 or later. But if you plan on purchasing a used Kia or Hyundai, know that you may have trouble getting the car insured if it is considered vulnerable.
Which Kia models are being stolen?
Car thieves favor the Kia Optima, Soul, Forte and Sportage models.
Has Kia fixed the theft problem?
Kia offers the security update to owners of any 2011- 2021 Kia model with a twist-to-start ignition system. You may also enter your Kia's VIN to confirm that your car is eligible. Here are the models included in the update recall.
2011-2022 Sportage
2011-2020 Optima
2011-2022 Sorento,
2011-2021 Forte
2020-2022 Soul,
2012-2021 Rio
2011-2021 Sedona,
2021-2022 Seltos
Even if you get the security update, your Kia may still be stolen. Be sure to take extra measures to protect your car.
More security fixes from Kia
If your Kia is not eligible for the security update but remains vulnerable, you may ask your dealer to install a reinforcer for the steering column. According to Kia, the models that qualify for this fix are:
2010-22 Soul
2011-16 Forte, Sportage
2011-21 Rio
2014 Sedona
Which Hyundai models are being stolen?
Thieves are most likely to steal the Hyundai Elantra and Sonata models. In fact, they topped the list of most-stolen cars in 2023.
Has Hyundai fixed the theft problem?
Like Kia, Hyundai offers a security upgrade to discourage thieves from targeting vulnerable models. You can enter your Hyundai's VIN to see if you qualify. According to the company, these are the Hyundai models that are eligible for a security upgrade.
2018-2022 Accent
2011-2022 Elantra
2013-2020 Elantra GT
2013-2014 Genesis Coupe
2018-2022 Kona
2020-2021 Palisade
2013-2022 Santa Fe
2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport
2019 Santa Fe XL
2011-2019 Sonata
2011-2022 Tucson
2012-2017 & 2019-2021 Veloster
2020-2021 Venue
Unfortunately, there are still reports that thieves can thwart the security update. As outlined below, owners of these Hyundai models should take extra measures to protect their cars.
Free steering wheel locks
If you own a 2011 to 2021 Hyundai, your local dealer may install a free vehicle lock if you are not eligible for the software update. Contact the dealer first to make sure they have locks available. You could also check with your local police department; some are distributing locks for free.
Insurance woes
If you are considering buying one of these cars used, line up your car insurance first. According to reporting from NPR, you might buy a car that is nearly uninsurable if you're not careful. That's because State Farm and Progressive refuse auto insurance coverage to people trying to buy affected used models.
If you already own one of these models, check your auto-insurance premium. You are likely paying more, even if you've had the security update.
Just before my car was stolen, I contacted my insurer, confused as to why my 10-year-old clunker was costing our family more to insure than our newer, more valuable car. I still had not heard back from my insurance company when the car was stolen, but I'm confident that the high premium was a result of high car theft rates on my model.
Will auto insurance cover car theft? If you have comprehensive insurance, you should be covered if your car is stolen or damaged by thieves. You will be responsible for your deductible, however.
Class-action lawsuit
In 2022 the law firms Barron & Budd and Hagens Berman secured a $200 million settlement for a class-action lawsuit they filed on behalf of affected Kia and Hyundai owners. The suit seeks compensation for theft, insurance deductibles, higher insurance premium rates and other expenses. Unfortunately, the registration period for the suit closed on May 3, 2024, so if you didn't register, you cannot be compensated in this manner.
The epicenter of car theft
Little did I know that my 2013 Hyundai, parked on a quiet street just outside of Washington, D.C., was at extremely high theft risk. Not only was my car the number one target for theft, but Washington, D.C. had the most car thefts per capita.
Before you despair that we've entered a Mad Max dystopia, rest assured that national car theft rates are still well below the 1991 high of 659 thefts per 100,000 people. That said, the D.C. rate was almost twice that amount in 2023, at about 1,150 thefts per 100,000 people.
To understand your car's risk, take a look at the top ten stolen models and the top ten states where cars were stolen in 2023.
The ten cars most stolen in 2023
Thieves aren't just targeting Hyundais and Kias. The latest theft data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) shows that Chevy and Ford pickups, as well as Honda sedans, are also preferred by thieves in terms of total number of vehicles stolen. But by searching on NICB's U.S. state-level data, you may find that other models are more likely to be stolen in your area. For example, pickups top the list in rural states like Texas and Idaho, but more populated states prefer smaller cars.
Source: NICB.org
Top 10 states where cars are stolen
Source: NICB.org
How to prevent car theft
Whatever car you drive, here are some cost-effective ways to thwart thieves.
Get the security update.
If your Hyundai or Kia is eligible, get the anti-theft security update. It may not be a failsafe measure but should help deter less-accomplished thieves.
Keep your key fob in a coffee can or Faraday cage.
If you leave your car key fob by the front door or even in an interior room, thieves might be able to steal your car. By amplifying the radio frequency of your fob, they may trick your car into unlocking and starting the engine, according to a letter sent to Kia Motors by Senator Edward Markey (D-Mass.) in 2022. By storing your fob in a coffee can or metal container known as a Faraday cage, box or bag, you can effectively block those signals, according to The Seattle Times.
Park in front of a security camera.
If you have a front door camera, park where the camera can "see" your car.
Hide a tracking device in your car.
Tom's Guide has a side-by-side comparison of the Apple AirTag, the Tile and the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag trackers. These small, Bluetooth trackers can help you find lost keys or a wallet in your home. Your Bluetooth connection with the tracker won't help you find a stolen car, but by connecting and triangulating location data with other trackers of the same brand, these products may help you track a stolen car. If you want more protection, you could spring for a more costly GPS tracker.
Etch the VIN into your car's windows.
Some police departments will etch a car's Vehicle Identification Number into its windows to prevent theft and resale of parts. So search your local police department's website.
Get a wheel lock.
Like a bike lock, a wheel lock is secured every time you park your car and prevents thieves from turning the wheel and driving away. As explained above, Hyuandai and Kia are giving free wheel locks to some customers and your local police department may as well.
Add some bling.
Attach something to the car to make it stand out. Bright decals or a sign on the roof could help police spot your car quickly from the road or a helicopter.
The basics.
Always lock your car and take your keys with you. And never leave an unattended car with the engine running. Don't store USB cables in your car. Park in a secure garage if you can.
