Kia and Hyundai Top List of America’s Most Stolen Vehicles

Kia and Hyundai vehicles experienced the highest theft rates in 2023, marking a shift from the long-standing trend of full-size pickups dominating the list, according to a report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The NICB referenced trending social media posts highlighting how to steal these vehicles as the likely driver of this change.

The report revealed that Kia and Hyundai models occupied six spots, including the top three, on the Top 10 list of the most stolen vehicles. Other vehicles featured on this list included the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and Ford F-150.

Interestingly, NICB reports more than 85 percent of passenger vehicles reported stolen were subsequently recovered by law enforcement or other means, with 34 percent recovered within a day of being reported stolen.

The NICB report follows a trend analysis indicating that the United States is still experiencing a surge in vehicle theft rates that began with the onset of the pandemic. Last year, the U.S. saw vehicle theft claims rise by another 1 percent from 2022.

NICB is actively coordinating efforts with all automakers to identify frequently stolen vehicles and reduce theft. The organization partners with state and federal law enforcement agencies to disrupt criminal networks and recover stolen vehicles for member companies. NICB also participates in various task forces, fusion centers, and intelligence groups to deter vehicle theft and collaborates with lawmakers and regulators in all 50 states to enhance efforts against insurance fraud crime trends.

To help prevent vehicle thefts, NICB recommends parking in well-lit areas, closing and locking all windows and doors, hiding valuables out of sight, not leaving keys in the vehicle, and not leaving the area while the vehicle is running. If a vehicle is stolen, NICB advises immediately contacting law enforcement and the insurer, as reporting a theft as soon as possible increases the chance of recovery.

NICB is actively coordinating efforts with all automakers to identify frequently stolen vehicles and reduce theft. The organization partners with state and federal law enforcement agencies to disrupt criminal networks and recover stolen vehicles for member companies. NICB also participates in various task forces, fusion centers, and intelligence groups to deter vehicle theft and collaborates with lawmakers and regulators in all 50 states to enhance efforts against insurance fraud crime trends.

To help prevent vehicle thefts, NICB recommends parking in well-lit areas, closing and locking all windows and doors, hiding valuables out of sight, not leaving keys in the vehicle, and not leaving the area while the vehicle is running. If a vehicle is stolen, NICB advises immediately contacting law enforcement and the insurer, as reporting a theft as soon as possible increases the chance of recovery.

Here is the list of the top 10 most stolen vehicles in 2023:

Hyundai Elantra - 48,445 thefts

Hyundai Sonata - 42,813 thefts

Kia Optima - 30,204 thefts

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - 23,721 thefts

Kia Soul - 21,001 thefts

Honda Accord - 20,895 thefts

Honda Civic - 19,858 thefts

Kia Forte - 16,209 thefts

Ford F150 Series Pickup - 15,852 thefts

Kia Sportage - 15,749 thefts

This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.