Car Thefts Involving Hyundais and Kias Have Become More Difficult, Yet The Ongoing Theft Crisis Remains Unabated
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In a bid to enhance security, Hyundai and Kia have rolled out anti-theft software updates for their vehicles from model years 2022 to 2024, resulting in a substantial decrease in thefts by over 50%. However, these updates have not been universally applied, and the newer models are still being targeted for theft attempts, with an increase in vandalism likely due to failed attempts[1].
Conversely, older models from 2011 to 2022 remain highly vulnerable to theft. The theft claim frequencies for these models are significantly higher than the industry average—nearly 10 to 11 claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years—while the average for other manufacturers' vehicles from the same years is less than 2 per 1,000. This is largely due to the fact that only around 40% of these older eligible vehicles have received the updated anti-theft software upgrades as of late 2024[1].
The ongoing risk is further illustrated in certain areas like Louisville, Kentucky, where Hyundai Sonata models from 2015 have been stolen over 150 times in 2025 so far. Local police attribute these thefts to known security flaws in these vehicles, and the City of Louisville has even sued Hyundai and Kia for failing to include standard anti-theft technology in many of their cars[2].
The software updates have indeed proven effective, with whole-vehicle theft claims decreasing by 52% for vehicles with the update[1]. However, even with these updates, Hyundai and Kia vehicles are still being targeted for theft and vandalism. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) have been tracking the effectiveness of these updates[1][2].
Despite the improvements, older 2011 to 2022 model year Hyundais and Kias that haven't received software updates are still being stolen frequently. The HLDI analysis indicates that the software updates for these vehicles have not yet significantly reduced theft claim frequencies for older models[1].
In an effort to combat this issue, Hyundai and Kia have issued updates to address the theft problem. The HLDI suggests that having a visual deterrent like a steering-wheel club or a boot could be beneficial for Kia and Hyundai owners, especially when parking in areas with high car theft rates[2].
It's important to note that not every car is eligible for the software updates, and not every owner is doing the updates. The epidemic of Hyundai and Kia thefts peaked in 2021 and 2022, and while the situation has improved, the risk remains for those who have not yet received the updates[1].
The IIHS and HLDI analyses indicate that the frequency of theft claims for eligible 2011-22 Hyundai and Kia vehicles remained high in December 2024, at nearly 10 and 11 claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years, respectively. In contrast, theft claim frequency for 2011-22 vehicles from all manufacturers was less than two claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years[1].
The updates have also become a topic of interest on social media, specifically TikTok. Thieves have been using nothing more than a USB cable to steal these vehicles, but the inconvenience of dealing with a steering-wheel club or a boot might deter them[1]. However, these deterrents can be cut through.
In conclusion, while Hyundai and Kia have made significant strides in improving anti-theft measures in their newer vehicles, older models still face a high risk of theft, especially those that have not received the software updates. Owners of older Hyundai and Kia models might consider additional aftermarket anti-theft devices or software updates if available[1][2].
Finance and transportation sectors are being impacted by the continued high risk of theft in older models of Hyundai and Kia vehicles, with insurance claims for thefts being significantly higher than the industry average for these models. The automotive industry is responding with software updates and anti-theft devices, but the effectiveness of these measures has not yet greatly reduced theft claim frequencies for older models.
