A car theft gang standing on top of a vehicle (left) and demonstrating their method of operation (right). (Captured image from TikTok)
SEOUL, March 21 (Korea Bizwire) — After facing a surge in thefts that tarnished their reputation in the American market, Hyundai and Kia have seen a dramatic turnaround, with vehicle theft rates dropping significantly following the implementation of enhanced anti-theft measures.
According to data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), reported by Reuters on March 19, thefts involving the Korean automakers’ vehicles decreased by approximately 37.5% last year, though their models still ranked among the five most frequently stolen vehicles.
The Hyundai Elantra topped the list of most stolen vehicles, followed by the Hyundai Sonata in second place and the Kia Optima in fifth. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Honda Accord rounded out the top five, securing the third and fourth positions, respectively.
The decline in Korean vehicle thefts contributed to a broader reduction in auto theft across the United States, with total incidents falling to 850,708 in 2024, marking a 16.6% decrease from the previous year — the steepest decline in four decades. This represents a significant improvement from 2023′s record high of 1.02 million stolen vehicles.
Both Hyundai and Kia had previously held the dubious distinction of having the most frequently stolen models in 2021 and 2023. Their vehicles became particularly vulnerable to theft due to the absence of immobilizers in their lower-priced models. These devices, which contain specialized encrypted chips in car key fobs that prevent engines from starting without the correct code, were notably missing from their budget vehicles.
In response to the crisis, Hyundai Motor America implemented several countermeasures, including free software upgrades, steering column locks, and reimbursement programs for specific entry-level models. The company reports that 68% of vulnerable models have already received anti-theft updates.
“During the pandemic, supply chain disruptions drove up vehicle and parts prices, making car theft more lucrative,” explained Art Wheaton, director of labor studies at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. “As supply chains normalized and prices decreased, the economic incentive for vehicle theft has diminished.”
The improvement was particularly notable in several states, with Washington, Nevada, Nebraska, Oregon, and Colorado reporting significant reductions in vehicle thefts. While Washington, D.C.’s theft rate declined by 18% from the previous year, it still maintained the highest rate nationally at 842 incidents per 100,000 residents.
These developments mark a significant turnaround for the Korean automakers, who had faced widespread criticism and multiple lawsuits over their vehicles’ vulnerability to theft, particularly after social media videos demonstrated how easily certain models could be stolen using just a USB cable and a screwdriver.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
