The Rising Threat: Hyundai Cars Among the Most Stolen in America
17 Jul 2025
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Auto theft is shifting, and Hyundai models are catching the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. A recent National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) report found that in 2023, two Hyundai models led U.S. theft charts:
Model Thefts
- Hyundai Elantra 48,445
- Hyundai Sonata 42,813
That puts both Elantra and Sonata above all full-size pickups—a dramatic shift driven in part by vulnerabilities in Hyundai’s security systems
National Insurance Crime Bureau
What's the cause?
Most Hyundai models between 2015 and 2021 do not have engine immobilizers anti-theft systems that won't let a car start without the proper key.
Burglars showed how vulnerable it was to be stolen by hot-wiring the ignition using a USB cable—the notorious "Kia Challenge" trend also affecting Hyundais
Security patches and latest impact
- Hyundai started deploying free anti-theft software updates in early 2023, needing the presence of the key to turn on the engine
- The patches also add ignition cylinder locks and steering wheel locks for cars that the software patch can't fit
- The results are now apparent: in 2024, thefts of Hyundai and Kia models dropped 37.5%, contributing to the U.S.’s biggest annual drop in overall vehicle theft in four decades
Why all this matters to drivers
Hyundai’s Elantra and Sonata alone account for nearly 100,000 thefts in 2023—a staggering number. That’s a wake-up call, not just for owners but for the entire automotive industry to prioritize built-in security.
What Hyundai owners need to do now
- Check whether your car got the update —primarily delivered by dealers or while in for service.
- Fit a steering wheel lock or a physical deterrent if your vehicle wasn't included in the software fix.
- Park sensibly—select brightly lit places, lock doors, and hide valuables from sight.
Report stolen vehicles straight away—the NICB estimates that approximately 34% of car thefts have a chance of being recovered within a day if reported early
The bottom line
The NICB report says one thing certain—some Hyundai models became prime targets due to design decisions and social media-influenced theft methods. Fortunately, Hyundai reacted with enhancements that are now turning around theft numbers. But motorists can't count on tech solutions only. Simple practices like rolling up and locking your vehicle and using tangible deterrents still count—and could prove the difference.
Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau, as quoted in Yahoo Autos and other sources.