What Hyundai Models Are Being Stolen & How To Protect Yours

Car theft has been a persistent problem for vehicle owners, but a recent crime trend has put certain Hyundai models squarely in thieves’ crosshairs. Over the past few years, a startling number of Hyundai vehicles have been targeted, stemming from the company’s failure to include a standard anti-theft device found in most modern cars.

What Hyundai models are being stolen the most, and why are they so vulnerable? The main Hyundai vehicles being targeted are older models without engine immobilizers like the Elantra, Sonata, Kona, Santa Fe, and Tucson. Their lack of this crucial security feature has allowed criminals to easily bypass the ignition and steal these cars using just a USB cable.

This post will delve into the specific models at risk, the reasons behind their vulnerability, the alarming statistics on the surge in Hyundai thefts, and what owners can do to protect their vehicles. We’ll also explore Hyundai’s response, related legal actions, and additional anti-theft steps you should consider.

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The Models Most Targeted by Thieves

According to data from law enforcement and insurance crime bureaus, the Hyundai models being stolen at the highest rates include:

Hyundai Elantra (2011-2022 model years)
Hyundai Sonata (2011-2019)
Hyundai Kona (2018-2022)
Hyundai Santa Fe (2013-2022)
Hyundai Tucson (2011-2022)

These vehicles were manufactured without engine immobilizers, an electronic security device that prevents a car from starting without the correct key/key fob. The lack of immobilizers, combined with the vehicles’ mechanical key ignition systems rather than push-button starts, made them easy targets for a viral “theft hack” that spread rapidly on social media.

In 2022, the Hyundai Elantra topped the list as the most stolen vehicle model in the United States, with over 48,000 reported thefts. The Sonata came in second with nearly 43,000 thefts. These staggering numbers far exceeded thefts of traditionally popular targets like pickup trucks.

The Alarming Rise in Hyundai Thefts

The vulnerability of these Hyundai models led to an unprecedented spike in thefts starting around 2020. Data from the Highway Loss Data Institute shows that between the first half of 2020 and the first half of 2023, theft claims for vulnerable Hyundai models skyrocketed by over 1,000%.

In some major cities, the increase was even more dramatic. Milwaukee saw a 2,500% jump in Hyundai and Kia (which shares engineering with Hyundai) thefts by mid-2021 compared to the previous year. Other cities like Seattle, Baltimore, and New York have also experienced exponential rises.

This crime wave stemmed from videos circulating on TikTok and other social media platforms that demonstrated how to steal these vehicles in a matter of seconds using just a USB cable. As the “trick” went viral, perpetrated by groups calling themselves the “Kia Boyz” or “Kia Boys,” thefts spiraled out of control.

The impact on owners has been severe, with many struggling to get or keep insurance coverage for their vehicles due to the high risk. Insurance premiums have spiked, and in some cases, providers have outright refused policies for the vulnerable Hyundai models.

Why Don’t These Hyundais Have Immobilizers?

An engine immobilizer is a standard anti-theft device found in most modern vehicles. It relies on a chip in the key that communicates with another chip in the car to confirm the key is legitimate before allowing the engine to start.

For reasons still unclear, Hyundai chose not to include immobilizers in many of their lower-priced model trims and versions aimed at cost-conscious buyers. In 2015, only 26% of Hyundai vehicles had immobilizers, compared to 96% for other automakers.

This security lapse made it relatively simple for thieves to bypass the ignition system and drive off, especially with older models that used mechanical key ignitions rather than push-button starts.

Hyundai’s Response and Remedies

As thefts of their vehicles spiraled out of control, Hyundai was forced to take action. In early 2023, the company issued a recall and began providing free anti-theft software updates that act as an electronic immobilizer.

Owners of affected models can take their vehicle to a Hyundai dealer to have this software installed, which will prevent the car from starting if an unauthorized key or device like a USB cable is used.

However, the software update is not a perfect solution. Even with the update and window stickers indicating it has been installed, some owners have still had their vehicles stolen by determined thieves.

In addition to the software fix, Hyundai has worked with law enforcement agencies to provide free steering wheel locks to owners. Over 1.1 million vehicles have received the anti-theft software, and 1.3 million have had other security enhancements retroactively applied according to the company.

Legal Actions and Consumer Protection Efforts

The debacle over the easily-stolen Hyundai models has prompted a wave of legal actions from authorities, agencies, and consumer groups:

Class Action Lawsuits: In 2023, Hyundai and sister company Kia agreed to a $200 million settlement to compensate up to 9 million owners for theft-related losses, damages, and the cost of anti-theft measures.
Government Scrutiny: Attorneys general from multiple states urged the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to investigate and recall the vulnerable models, though the agency has so far not mandated action.
City/State Lawsuits: Numerous cities like Seattle, Baltimore, Chicago, and New York have sued Hyundai, citing the immense strain the thefts have placed on law enforcement resources.

While Hyundai has taken steps to remedy the issue and compensate some owners, the legal battles demonstrate the severity of the problem and pressure on the company to do more.

How to Protect Your Vulnerable Hyundai

If you own one of the affected Hyundai models manufactured before 2023, there are several steps you should take to deter thieves and prevent your vehicle from being stolen:

Get the free software update: While imperfect, this is Hyundai’s official theft-deterrent solution, so make an appointment at your dealer to have it installed if eligible.
Use steering wheel locks or other visible anti-theft devices: Even something as simple as a bright yellow steering wheel lock can discourage criminals looking for an easy target.
Properly store key fobs: Thieves can use signal amplifiers to hijack your key fob’s signal from inside your home. Store fobs in a secure signal-blocking container when not in use.
Park in well-lit areas with security cameras: Cameras and good lighting make it riskier for thieves to target your car.
Consider a GPS tracking device: Affordable GPS trackers can help recover your vehicle if stolen and some have motion-activated alerts.
Report any suspicious activity: If you notice anyone attempting to tamper with your vehicle, report it to authorities immediately. Staying vigilant is crucial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What years/models of Hyundai are being stolen the most? The most frequently stolen Hyundai models are the Elantra (2011-2022), Sonata (2011-2019), Kona (2018-2022), Santa Fe (2013-2022), and Tucson (2011-2022). These are the models manufactured without engine immobilizers.

How are thieves stealing these Hyundais so easily? Thieves discovered a “hack” that allows them to start many Hyundai models without a key by simply using a USB cable to bypass the ignition system.

Is my Hyundai at risk even if it’s a newer model? No, Hyundai began including immobilizers on all their models from 2023 onward, so newer vehicles should not be vulnerable to the USB cable theft method.

Will insurance cover my Hyundai if it gets stolen? If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance should cover a stolen Hyundai after you pay the deductible. However, some insurers have refused policies for the most at-risk models.

How much does the Hyundai theft-prevention software update cost?

The software update from Hyundai is being provided for free to all eligible owners of affected models. However, you will need to make an appointment and take your vehicle to a Hyundai dealership to have the update installed.

How much does the Hyundai theft-prevention software update cost?

What other anti-theft steps should I take besides the update?

In addition to getting the software update, owners should use visible deterrents like steering wheel locks, properly store key fobs to prevent relay attacks, park in well-lit areas with security cameras if possible, consider an affordable GPS tracking device, and immediately report any suspicious activity around their vehicle.

How does the USB cable trick work to steal these cars?

The “USB cable trick” exploits the lack of an immobilizer in many older Hyundai models. Thieves can use a USB cable or similar tool to bypass the ignition system and trick the car into starting without the legitimate key.

Are other automakers affected by this same theft vulnerability?

Yes, Kia vehicles are also being targeted since Kia is partly owned by Hyundai and many of their models share engineering. However, the issue appears to be primarily affecting Hyundai and Kia rather than other automakers who universally adopted immobilizers years ago.

In Conclusion

The recent crime wave targeting specific Hyundai models has been a harsh wake-up call for the company and owners alike. By failing to include engine immobilizers as standard equipment until 2023, Hyundai left many of its popular and affordable vehicles extremely vulnerable to tech-savvy car thieves.

As videos demonstrating the “USB cable trick” to steal these cars went viral, thefts skyrocketed by over 1000% in just a few years. Hyundai has scrambled to push out software updates and anti-theft devices, but the damage has already been done for millions of owners.

Class-action lawsuits, government scrutiny, and legal actions from cities strain Hyundai have underscored the severity of the issue. Owners of affected models must remain vigilant, get the software update, use visible deterrents, properly secure key fobs, and consider GPS tracking to protect their vehicles.

Automakers have a responsibility to prioritize security and customer safety. Hyundai’s oversight was costly, but the company’s ongoing efforts and the increased awareness have hopefully prevented even more owners from being impacted by this brazen theft crisis. Maintaining vigilance and taking proactive anti-theft precautions is now essential for Hyundai drivers with vulnerable models.