For years, full-size pickup trucks topped the list of the most stolen vehicles in the U.S. In 2019 and 2020, full-size Ford trucks were stolen the most. In 2021 and 2022 it was Chevrolets. Then, in 2023, everything changed. A viral TikTok trend targeting Hyundai and Kia cars pushed these brands to the top of the theft charts.
The Hyundai Elantra was the most stolen car, with 48,445 thefts. The Hyundai Sonata followed at 42,813 thefts, and the Kia Optimacame in third at 30,204 thefts. The Ford F-150, once the top target, dropped to ninth place with 15,852 thefts. Here’s how all makes and models stacked up, according to the Insurance Information Institute:
| Rank | Make | Model | Thefts in 2023 | Thefts in 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyundai | Elantra | 48,445 | 19,602 |
| 2 | Hyundai | Sonata | 42,813 | 21,707 |
| 3 | Kia | Optima | 30,204 | 18,221 |
| 4 | Chevrolet | Silverado 1500 | 23,721 | 49,903 (all full-size trucks) |
| 5 | Kia | Soul | 21,001 | – |
| 6 | Honda | Accord | 20,985 | 27,089 |
| 7 | Honda | Civic | 19,858 | 27,113 |
| 8 | Kia | Forte | 16,209 | – |
| 9 | Ford | F-150 | 15,852 | 48,175 (all full-size trucks) |
| 10 | Kia | Sportage | 15,749 | – |
Pickup trucks led vehicle thefts for years
Full-size trucks have long been prime targets for thieves. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, and GMC Sierra frequently dominated theft reports. Thieves targeted these models because of their high resale value and demand for parts.
“Pickup trucks had long been popular targets for theft due to their high resale value and high demand for their parts,” said Maya Afilalo, industry analyst at AutoInsurance.com. In a recent Reader’s Digest article she explained, “Some older models lack advanced anti-theft technologies, making them easier to steal compared to newer vehicles.”
That changed in 2023. The NICB’s latest report shows Hyundai and Kia models overtaking full-size trucks for the first time in over a decade.
TikTok’s “Kia Challenge” and the rise of stolen Hyundais and Kias
The “Kia Challenge” first appeared on TikTok in 2022. Videos showed how to steal Kia and Hyundai vehicles using a USB cable—no advanced tools required. The hack worked on older models with mechanical keys and no engine immobilizers.
“Normally, to start a car without a key, you need to manually connect electrical wires—aka hot-wiring—which requires opening up the dash,” Afilalo explained. “However, individuals discovered that Kias and Hyundais could be stolen more simply by removing the ignition module cover and lock, and sticking a USB into the key slot to start the car.”
Some enterprising thieves shared this know-how on TikTok. Then thefts skyrocketed. In 2023, Hyundai and Kia took six of the top ten spots for most stolen cars. “Before the trend started, these models did not appear on our top 10 most stolen vehicles lists,” said Nicholas Zeitlinger, public affairs specialist at the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
2024 doesn’t look much better for Hyundai and Kia owners
The automakers released security updates for Hyundai and Kia models, but thefts haven’t slowed down. In some cities, Kia and Hyundai models still make up a huge portion of stolen vehicles.
“It’s been a bad year for Kia owners here in Kansas City,” said Tess Koppelman, whose Kia Sorento was broken into twice in two months—even after receiving the security update. Law enforcement agencies, insurers, and automakers are still scrambling for a permanent fix. Until then, Hyundai and Kia drivers remain top targets for car thieves.
