What are the top ten cars that get stolen most in the U.S.?
Despite efforts to curb car theft, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported a staggering 1,020,729 stolen vehicles in the United States in 2023.
This marks an increase from the previous year. According to the analysis, the top ten most stolen vehicles include a mix of popular models from various manufacturers.
Notably, Hyundai Elantra owners endured the most of theft incidents, with over 48,000 units stolen. This is also a significant jump from the previous year.
The prevalence of car theft underscores the persistent threat faced by vehicle owners nationwide.
While law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders continue to combat this issue, proactive measures are crucial for safeguarding vehicles against theft.
As car theft trends evolve, manufacturers need to prioritize vehicle security enhancements. They need to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of motorists and their vehicles on the roadways.
What vehicle is most often stolen?
The once-dominant full-size pickups relinquished their top spots on the list of America’s most stolen vehicles.
According to the NICB report, Kia and Hyundai models now hold the top three spots in the 2023 ranking of stolen vehicles.
Hyundai Elantras leads the pack with over 48,000 reported thefts, followed closely by Hyundai Sonatas with more than 42,000 thefts, and Kia Optimas with over 30,000 thefts.
The NICB is a not-for-profit organization. They are dedicated to combating insurance fraud and theft. They attribute the shift in top spots partially to social media exposure.
There are videos that highlight vulnerabilities in the carmakers’ vehicles. These likely contributed to their increased theft rates.
This transformation raises concerns about the security features of modern vehicles and the effectiveness of measures to deter car theft.
How are Hyundai and Kia reacting to the car theft numbers?
Theft claims for Hyundai and Kia models from 2003 to 2023 surged in the first half of 2023. Car theft for these models was more than ten times higher compared to the same period three years prior.
A key factor behind this spike is the lack of theft immobilizers in Hyundai and Kia vehicles. It is a security flaw that gained traction on social media platforms.
Hyundai and Kia initiated several measures to enhance vehicle security in order to address these concerns.
Earlier this year, the carmakers agreed to a $145 million class-action settlement. The settlement was aimed at compensating eligible car owners who fell victim to car theft.
The companies emphasized their commitment to implementing comprehensive actions to assist those affected by vehicle thefts.
This includes the enhancement of security features and collaboration with law enforcement agencies nationwide.
