These were the 10 most stolen cars in 2023-why the year was different

By Sean Tucker

Hyundais and Kias became common targets of thieves

Sedans bumped pickup trucks from the top spot on the list of America's most stolen cars last year. But a nationwide rash of Hyundai and Kia (KR:000270) thefts caused rare changes in the list of thieves' favorite targets.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is one of two organizations that track statistics on the most stolen cars. Its numbers don't always align with the other - the Highway Loss Data Institute.

But for decades, both have followed a predictable theme - the most commonly stolen cars are the most common cars. That's partly simple opportunity, and partly the fact that many stolen cars are dismantled and sold for parts. There's a lot of demand for parts of the most common cars.

Hyundai/Kia theft wave changed the numbers

But 2023 was different.

Certain older Hyundai and Kia vehicles became common targets for thieves after social media videos in late 2021 taught viewers how to steal them with a screwdriver and a USB cable.

Base models of some 2015-or-newer Hyundai and 2011-or-newer Kia cars lack an engine immobilizer. This common anti-theft device prevents a vehicle from starting unless the correct transponder is built into the smart key.

More expensive trims of older Hyundai and Kia models tend to have immobilizers. Every car in the two automakers' current lineups has one.

But thieves know to target older models. They also sometimes break into newer models, fail to steal them, and leave them with broken windows and damaged steering columns.

Also read: The 10 most expensive cars to maintain

Both companies have launched software fixes to try to stem the problem and provided free anti-theft devices to many owners. But that hasn't completely ended the wave.

In 2023, the NICB reports, six of the 10 most commonly stolen cars were Hyundai or Kia models. Here is the full list from the NICB:

The 10 most stolen cars of 2023

   Rank  Make/Model           2023 Thefts 
   1     Hyundai Elantra      48,445 
   2     Hyundai Sonata       42,813 
   3     Kia Optima           30,204 
   4     Chevrolet Silverado  23,721 
   5     Kia Soul             21,001 
   6     Honda                20,895 
   7     Honda Civic          19,858 
   8     Kia Forte            16,209 
   9     Ford                 15,852 
   10    Kia Sportage         15,749 

How to protect your car

The NICB recommends that drivers take common-sense steps to protect their cars. They include:

Roll up your windows, lock your doors, and take the keys or fob.Park in well-lit areas and, when possible, areas staffed by security personnel and further protected by surveillance cameras.Remove valuables from your car or keep valuables locked in your trunk or out of sight under a rear deck cover.Consider adding an immobilizing or tracking device for your vehicle.

If your car is stolen, the bureau says, report it as soon as possible. "Thirty-four percent of recovered stolen vehicles are recovered on the same day as the theft, and 45% are recovered within two days. Reporting the theft to law enforcement also provides a record to show to your insurer," the NICB explains.

Read next: How much an accident affects the value of your car

This story originally ran on KBB.com.

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05-20-24 0458ET

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