Kia and Hyundai soar in car theft rankings due to TikTok trend.
The Rise of Kia and Hyundai on the Most-Stolen Cars List
For the first time ever, the Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, and Hyundai Elantra have made it onto the top 10 most-stolen cars list. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the Optima claimed the fourth spot, the Sonata came in at sixth, and the Elantra secured the seventh position. This is a significant achievement for these vehicles, considering they have never appeared on the list before.
TikTok Videos Unveil a Disturbing Trend
Recently, TikTok videos have shed light on a concerning trend involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles. These videos demonstrate how thieves manipulate the steering console and ignition of older models (between 2010 and 2021) to start the car without a key. Unfortunately, this method has inspired numerous copycats across the country, leading to a surge in car thefts.
The Los Angeles Police Department reported that Kia and Hyundai vehicles accounted for less than 13% of all car thefts in the city last year. However, this year, they make up almost 20% of the total thefts. Similarly, the St. Petersburg Police Department has already recorded 222 car thefts this year, with approximately half of them involving the TikTok method. The Chicago Police Department has also witnessed a staggering increase in thefts, with a 767% rise compared to the same period last year.
Despite the alarming rise in thefts, there is some good news. The recovery rates for stolen Hyundais and Kias have been higher than average, ranging between 87% and 95%. This means that there is a greater chance of getting these vehicles back compared to other stolen cars.
Kia and Hyundai Settle Lawsuit, Offering Compensation to Owners
In response to the widespread issue, Kia and Hyundai settled a lawsuit by allocating $200 million to compensate affected vehicle owners. This settlement covered a total of 9 million vehicles, including 4.5 million Hyundais and 4.5 million Kias. Owners were eligible to receive up to $6,125 for the loss of their vehicle, up to $3,375 for damages, and additional costs related to insurance and transportation.
It is important to note that car theft is a nationwide problem. In 2022 alone, over a million cars were stolen across the country. As Kia and Hyundai work to address the vulnerabilities in their vehicles, it is crucial for owners to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their cars.
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