Kia and Hyundai top most stolen cars list in 2023
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Kia and Hyundai models were by far the most stolen cars in 2023, according to a new report released Thursday by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
Why it matters: Thefts have plagued certain Kia and Hyundai models in recent years because of security vulnerabilities and social media trends.
- The most stolen models — the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima — snapped a years-long trend of full-size pickups topping the list, NICB said.
Between the lines: Notably, none of the top stolen Hyundai or Kia models made Kelley Blue Book's list of the best-selling cars of 2023, suggesting that the risk of theft is leading buyers to steer clear of them.
State of play: A TikTok trend, dubbed the "Kia Hyundai challenge," partially explains the spike in Kia and Hyundai thefts.
- Thieves were exploiting serious design flaws within certain models, namely the lack of engine immobilizers, which prevent engines from starting without a key.
- Kia and Hyundai have agreed to pay out up to $145 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over the flaws and thefts.
- A judge is expected to finalize the settlement this summer.
Context: The NICB noted that over 85% of vehicles reported stolen are later recovered by law enforcement or other means.
- About one out of three stolen cars is recovered within a day of the theft report and 45% are recovered within two days.
Go deeper: Gun thefts from cars have skyrocketed in U.S., new report finds
Editor's note: Cox Enterprises, which owns Kelley Blue Book through Cox Automotive, also owns Axios.
