Sedans, led by Kias and Hyundais, topped the list of the most stolen vehicles in the U.S. last year, replacing full-size pickups.
A rash of thefts of 2011 to 2022 Kias and Hyundais was fueled in part by social media how-tos on how to lift the models, which lack standard antitheft technology.
The thefts led hundreds of insurers and many U.S. cities to sue the South Korean carmakers, which last year settled with a class of about nine million vehicle owners between them. The brands also offered software upgrades and low-technology remedies, such as steering wheel locks, to owners.
Kia and Hyundai models make up six of the top 10 stolen vehicles, including the top three spots, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
The thefts trend interrupted years of full-size trucks leading the list of stolen vehicles, said the organization, whose research shows vehicle theft increased 1% year-over-year.
It said it’s coordinating automaker efforts to pinpoint frequently stolen models in order to reduce theft, as well as scuttle criminal networks.
Two pickups made the top 10 stolen list: the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, fourth ranked at nearly 24,000 thefts, and the Ford F-150, in ninth place at almost 16,000 thefts. The Hyundai Elantra had the most reported thefts at more than 48,000. Rounding out the top 10 were the Honda Accord and Civic in the sixth and seventh spots with around 20,000 thefts each.
The good news is that 85% of passenger vehicles reported stolen are recovered, the bureau said.
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