Hyundai and Kia Dominate U.S. Auto Theft Rankings in 2023

A surge in thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles, driven by social media exposure of security flaws, has reshaped the landscape of vehicle theft in America.

• Hyundai Elantra and Sonata, along with Kia Optima, top the list of America's most stolen cars in 2023.
• Social media trends significantly influence car thefts, particularly impacting Hyundai and Kia models due to exposed security vulnerabilities.
• Over 1 million vehicles were reported stolen in 2023, with Hyundai and Kia models comprising six of the top ten spots.
• Hyundai and Kia have responded with increased security measures and legal settlements to mitigate theft risks.
• Theft rates of these vehicles surged due to the absence of electronic immobilizers in older models, making them easy targets.

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