Theft of specific Hyundai and Kia models has skyrocketed, experiencing a staggering increase of over 1,000% since 2020.
In the last three years alone, incidents have surged tenfold, as revealed by Peter Valdes-Dapena in his report for CNN.
Social media posts demonstrating theft methods contributed to a drastic rise in theft insurance claims, soaring from approximately 1.0 per 1,000 insured vehicles in H1 2020 to 11.2 per 1,000 by H1 2023. Vehicles produced between 2015 and 2019, especially the Hyundai Santa Fe, Tucson, and Kia Forte and Sportage, equipped with turn-key ignitions, were twice as likely to be stolen.
A lack of basic auto theft prevention technology and the use of a USB cable’s metal tip for thefts contributed to the vulnerability. The theft trend, popularised on platforms like TikTok, resulted in vandalism claims three times higher for these models in H1 2023.
To address the issue, Hyundai and Kia reached a $200 million settlement offering anti-theft software installation and theft-preventative measures to approximately 9 million vehicle owners.
Despite these measures, some auto insurers in specific markets have refused to cover these older Hyundai and Kia models. Both automakers emphasized their efforts in providing anti-theft solutions and collaborating with local police to distribute steering locks. Kia spokesman James Bell encouraged eligible customers to install the offered software upgrade, while Hyundai set up temporary service centers in major cities to install anti-theft software in affected vehicles.
The rise in thefts underscores the importance of consumers’ awareness and available remedies for vulnerable vehicles.
