Hyundai and Kia thefts have skyrocketed since the Kia Challenge went viral in 2021, but it’s been hard to get an accurate picture on how widespread the problem is. That’s changing today and the thefts are likely worse than many imagined.
According to CNN, Hyundai and Kia thefts have climbed more than 1,000% since 2020. That’s a staggering number, but the publication cites information from the Highway Loss Data Institute that shows around 1 out of every 1,000 insured Hyundai and Kia vehicles were stolen in the first half of 2020.
That number was roughly on par with other automakers, but then the Kia Boys came along and changed everything. This is reflected in the numbers as in the first half of 2023, the rate of Hyundai and Kia thefts soared to 11.2 per 1,000 units. That’s an increase of approximately 1,020% and CNN notes the “theft rate for all other makes of cars stayed about the same.”
More: Hyundai And Kia Offer New Ignition Cylinder Protector To Help Prevent Thefts
Delaware, New York and Washington reportedly saw a “marked” increase in thefts during early 2023, while Maryland saw a huge jump. There, CNN says the theft rate skyrocketed from 4 per 1,000 to 14 per 1,000.
The problem is a lack of immobilizers and a design which makes a number of models very easy to steal. Hyundai and Kia have tried to address this with software updates and a new theft deterrent ignition cylinder protector, but even these changes won’t solve all the issues.
In particular, Hyundai and Kia vehicles reportedly had a vandalism rate that was up to three times as high as other automakers. It’s believed this is due, in part, to attempted thefts. In essence, even if crooks don’t steal your vehicle, you might have to deal with a broken window or other damage.
