Theft cases on Kia and Hyundai cars increase tenfold in 3 years.

The number of car theft cases related to Kia and Hyundai vehicles has increased significantly. Photo: Istock.

Since 2021 when the “Kia Challenge” trend spread on social media platforms, the number of car thefts involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles has skyrocketed.

According to statistics from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), previously, on average, for every 1,000 Kia or Hyundai cars insured, one would be stolen. This figure is similar to other car manufacturers.

However, since the beginning of 2023, this ratio has unexpectedly surged despite Kia and Hyundai continuously developing their security systems and locks. From the start of 2023 until now, on average, for every 1,000 Kia or Hyundai cars, there will be 11.2 cars that have been stolen, equivalent to a 1,020% increase. Some states in the United States have even recorded a higher number of thefts involving these two car brands. In Maryland (USA), on average, 14 out of 1,000 Kia or Hyundai cars have been reported stolen.

According to Carscoop, the lack of fixed devices and design flaws are the reasons why these cars are more vulnerable to theft. Despite Kia and Hyundai offering solutions such as software updates and additional ignition cylinder anti-theft devices, the results have not met expectations.

Prior to this, in April 2023, the heads of the justice departments of 17 states (including California and New York) in the United States requested that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issue a recall order for a large number of Hyundai and Kia models due to the lack of anti-theft features.

By June 6, 2023, New York and many major cities in the United States have also filed lawsuits against these two car manufacturers for selling cars that are too easy to steal to consumers.