Latest news with #KiaChallenge
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Here's the most stolen car in Florida and why it attracts car thieves. How to prevent it
Your new car that you love so much? Car thieves might like it, too. There were more than 850,000 vehicles stolen in the United States in 2024, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, and some models are more likely to get boosted than others. The most stolen vehicle last year, for the second year in a row, was the Hyundai Elentra, the NICB said, with nearly 32,000 jacked. Just behind that was the Hyundai Sonata (26,720). That can be important to know for anyone buying a new vehicle, since high theft rates can mean higher insurance premiums on top of the costs of replacement, the massive inconvenience and the personal violation. What about in Florida? FinanceBuzz went through the NICB data to find the most stolen vehicle in each state. In Florida, that was also the Hyundai Elantra, with 1,074 reported stolen in 2024. The Elentra is an economical compact sedan although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies some models as mid-size sedans. Elentra models have been chosen as the North American Car of the year in 2012 and 2021. We weren't alone. The Elantra also was the most popular car for thieves in 20 other states. After that, thieves grabbed trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado (most stolen in 9 states) and Ford F-150 (most stolen in 6 states), FinanceBuzz said. Blame it on social media. After people noticed that many Hyundais and Kias lacked anti-theft immobilizers — electronic security devices that prevent an engine from starting without a smart key or fob — videos began to spread across YouTube and TikTok showing how to start their engines with a screwdriver and a USB cable. That led to a sudden increase and thefts from a viral TikTok car-stealing trend called the "Kia Challenge" and groups like the "Kia Boys." Hyundai and Kia settled a $145 million class action suit in 2023 for the thefts, which was estimated to cover about 9 million affected vehicles. Hyundai and Kia thefts spiked during the pandemic, but started dropping again after an aggressive program of free software upgrades, reinforced ignition cylinder protectors added in models after 2021, and reimbursement. Fighting the Kia Challenge: How effective is the Hyundai, Kia anti-theft software? New study offers insights. The changes seem to be helping. Despite the Hyundai's top spots on the latest most-stolen list, Hyundai and Kia thefts fell by about 37.5% in 2024, NICB data showed. Overall, all vehicle thefts decreased 17% back to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, the NICB said, compared to the historic 1,020,729 thefts in 2023. According to FinanceBuzz, based on NICB data, the vehicles stolen the most often were: Hyundai Elantra - 31,712 Hyundai Sonata - 26,720 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - 21,666 Honda Accord - 18,539 Kia Optima - 17,493 Honda Civic - 15,727 Kia Soul - 13,562 Ford F150 Series - 12,952 Toyota Camry - 12,296 Dodge Charger -11,452 The NICB has the following tips: Don't leave your keys in your vehicle Don't leave the area while your vehicle is running Always park in well-lit areas Close and lock all windows and doors when you park Hide valuables out of sight, such as in the glove box or trunk If your vehicle is stolen, call law enforcement and your insurer immediately. According to about 80% of stolen vehicles are recovered within the first two days of the theft Geico recommends keeping your vehicle title outside of the vehicle in case it gets stolen, so it can't be sold as easily. You can also use tracking devices and apps such as Apple AirTags with apps to keep tabs on your vehicle at all times. Anti-theft systems may not seem like a necessity, but your vehicle is a huge investment and having it stolen can be costly, inconvenient, and can even cause employment or health problems if you have no other way to get around. Anti-theft systems can't completely prevent someone from jacking your car, but they go a long way toward making car theft a lot harder and less attractive. They're especially recommended if you don't have a way to keep an eye on your vehicle when it's parked near your home. In the U.S. market, Hyundai vehicles made from 2016 to 2021 and Kia vehicles made from 2011 to 2021 used a steel key, rather than a key fob and push-button start, making them easier to steal and more attractive to thieves. Hyundai and Kia reached out to the affected vehicle owners with offers of free software upgrades. If you have not received such an upgrade, contact your local Hyundai or Kia dealer. Kia also offered a free steering wheel lock available directly from Kia or from local law enforcement. If that's unavailable for you, you can buy your own steering wheel lock at many retailers. Charles Singh, Nashville Tennessean, contributed to this story This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Hyundai Elentra most stolen car in Florida in 2024, but thefts are down
Axios
05-03-2025
- Automotive
- Axios
Columbus still pursuing lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia
More than two years after Columbus filed a lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia, the city remains in litigation, alongside multiple cities and insurance companies, against the car manufacturers. Why it matters: The city wants accountability for a design flaw in Hyundai and Kia models that led to a nationwide rash of car thefts, including about 10,000 in Columbus between 2022 and 2023. Catch up quick: Amid the pandemic, the " Kia Challenge" TikTok trend showcased the ease of exploiting the vehicles' lack of engine immobilizers to start them without a key. Thefts led City Attorney Zach Klein to sue the automakers in February 2023, citing that nearly two-thirds of all local vehicle theft attempts over the previous year targeted Kia or Hyundai models. In 2024, car break-ins were one of the only Columbus crime categories that increased. The separate brands share a parent company, Hyundai Motor Group. What they're saying: Klein tells Axios the lawsuit aims to "recoup taxpayer dollars and hold them accountable for putting profit over common sense." "These corporations cut corners, and as a result, people's lives have been upended through no fault of their own and the city has had to use taxpayer dollars to clean up the mess these automakers created." The big picture: Several cities have joined the lawsuit, including Cleveland, Indianapolis and Seattle, as have a wide variety of insurance companies. Hyundai senior group manager Ira Gabriel previously told Axios Seattle in an email the lawsuit is "improper and unnecessary," noting Hyundai Motor America has made engine immobilizers standard on all vehicles produced as of November 2021. The case has been assigned to a judge in the Central District of California, Southern Division, and phase one discovery has begun. Between the lines: Law firm Allen Stovall Neuman & Ashton is representing Columbus on a contingency fee basis, meaning it will receive a portion of any award the city receives, Klein spokesperson Pete Shipley tells Axios. What's next: Shipley says it's too early to speculate about a possible settlement figure, saying the Columbus City Council would need to approve any settlement.
