by Maeve Rich | More Articles: SUVs
Published on
September 28, 2022
Published on
September 28, 2022
The Kia Sportage is a popular small SUV. It’s compact enough to be easy to maneuver. It’s also stylish and versatile enough to be a good option for a wide range of drivers. Now, it’s also one of the most stolen vehicles in the United States. There are a few reasons why the Kia Sportage has made the list, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Here’s why, and what you might want to do to keep your SUV from being stolen.
The Kia Sportage is one of the most-stolen vehicles right now
The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) compiles a list of the most-stolen vehicles. The Kia Sportage makes the top 20. In fact, 2019-2021 Kia Sportage models were stolen frequently enough to earn it the number 13 spot on the list. In addition, 2019-2021 Kia Sportage 4WD models were stolen often enough to earn the number 16 spot. Together, the Kia Sportage is a frequently-stolen SUV.
There were 163 insurance claims in 2021 of stolen Kia Sportage SUVs. There were also 159 4WD Kia Sportage models stolen. The relative claim frequency, which is the number used for rankings, was 269 for the Kia Sportage and 239 for the Kia Sportage 4WD.
Electronic immobilizers – or a lack thereof – contributes to the Sportage’s theft rate
According to the IIHS, the Kia Sportage isn’t alone in being one of the most frequently stolen vehicles. Other Kia and Hyundai models also make the list, thanks to the fact that they don’t often have electronic immobilizers. In fact, “among 2015-19 model-year vehicles, theft claims were nearly twice as common for Hyundai and Kia vehicles as a group as for all other manufacturers.”
It’s model year 2015-2019 model year Kias and also Hyundais that don’t have the electronic immobilizers. This is a feature that keeps potential thieves from being able to break the ignition and steal the car. While most other auto manufacturers made these standard on 2015-2019 vehicles, Kia and Hyundai didn’t, hence their high theft numbers. The IIHS notes that, “in model year 2015, when immobilizers were standard on 96 percent of other manufacturers’ vehicles, they were standard on only 26 percent of Hyundai and Kia vehicle models.”
The pandemic made car theft rates rise
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The 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Is Destined to Dominate Off-Road
The pandemic created a lot of issues, and one of them is an increase in car theft rates. The Senior Vice President of the HLDI, Matt Moore, said that, “Car theft spiked during the pandemic…These numbers tell us that some vehicles may be targeted because they’re fast or worth a lot of money and others because they’re easy to steal.”
To make matters worse, it became widely known via social media just how easy Kia and Hyundai vehicles are to steal. In Wisconsin, that fact made the rate at which Hyundais and Kias were stolen rise more than 30 times their 2019 rate. Yet immobilizers are now on Hyundais that were built after November 1, 2021. Kia has been installing immobilizers on all 2022 models, though you’ll have to double check to make sure that your new Kia has one, as it is sometimes put in “as a running change.”
If you do own a 2019-2021 Kia Sportage – or any Kia or Hyundai built before 2021 – you might want to be careful. While Hyundai has created a kit that should help reduce the risk of their vehicles being stolen (it will be for sale in October 2022), both auto manufacturers are working with police to keep their vehicles from being stolen. Hopefully these changes will reduce the number of vehicles being stolen.
FAQs
Why are Kia Sportages being stolen? ›
In Minneapolis, police say it's all because of a social media challenge. Police say thieves are targeting these vehicles because they are much easier to steal. Kia and Hyundai models made between 2010 and 2021 without a push button to start can be hot-wired with only a USB cable and a screwdriver.
Why are Kia's the most stolen car? ›Kia vehicles from model year 2011 to 2021 and Hyundai vehicles from model year 2016 to 2021 are especially vulnerable due to the absence of anti-theft devices that have long been standard for other automakers.
What is the number 1 most stolen car? ›Topping the list of the most stolen cars in America in 2020 is the 2006 Ford F-150. This is the second year the pickup has topped the listing, with over 44,014 units stolen in 2020, 13% higher than in 2019. Pickup trucks are clearly a favorite amongst thieves, especially given their power, reliability and versatility.
Is it easy to steal a Kia Sportage? ›In fact, 2015-2019 Hyundai and Kia models are roughly twice as likely to be stolen as other vehicles of similar age. The reason is many of these vehicles lack some basic auto theft prevention technology included in most other vehicles, even in those years, according to the HLDI.
Can a 2023 Kia Sportage be stolen? ›Ramping Up Security. All Hyundai and Kia vehicles after Nov. 1, 2021 come standard with the anti-theft immobilizer, so many 2022 models and all 2023 units are safe from the brazen thefts.
How do I protect my Kia from being stolen? ›The majority of Kia vehicles in the United States are equipped with a key fob and “push-button-to-start” system, making them more difficult to steal. All 2022 Kia models and trims have an immobilizer applied either at the beginning of the model year or as a running change.
Which Kia vehicles are easy to steal? ›Model year 2019-2021 Kias and Hyundais have a lower rate of theft compared to 2015-2019 models but the Kia Rio, Kia Sportage, Kia Sportage 4WD, and Hyundai Accent are still on IIHS' list of most frequently stolen vehicles for those model years.
Why are thieves targeting Kia cars? ›The "Kia Boyz" challenge, as its called, has thieves targeting certain models of 2010-2021 vehicles by makers Kia and Hyundai that use a mechanical key for access instead of a key fob or push-to-start access. The thieves are reportedly taking advantage of a design flaw in those vehicles.
Which SUV is stolen the most? ›The 2019 to 2021 Ford Expedition is the most stolen large SUV. The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) compiles a list of the most-stolen vehicles. The 2019-2021 Ford Expedition is the most stolen large SUV.
What is the hardest vehicle to steal? ›Tesla Model S and Model X
The Model S remains not only one of the best electric vehicles on the market but also one of the safest in 2022. A Tesla Model S's owner can track the car's location using a smartphone, perhaps the biggest deterrent to theft.
Are 2023 Kias being stolen? ›
Prince George's County police said 617 Hyundai and Kia vehicles were stolen in 2022. Already in 2023, at least 108 have been stolen, nearly 18 percent of the total from the prior year. This story has been updated with a statement from TikTok and to reflect the challenge has been seen across social media.
Are push-button car easy to steal? ›Keyless entry systems are a great innovation. Yet, they're not perfect. The technology in keyless entry systems actually makes it easier than ever to steal a car. Back in the old days, you needed to either obtain a key or be able to access a vehicle and hotwire it if you wanted to steal a car.
Is Kia doing anything about stolen cars? ›Stolen Vehicle Recovery feature gives eligible Kia Connect subscribers an extra sense of safety and security by using Kia Connect technology and trained Kia agents to work with law enforcement to help recover stolen vehicles.
Can I sue Kia for my car being stolen? ›The truth is that you can file a lawsuit for just about any theft.
Is Kia a throwaway car? ›KIAs are cheap because they use plastic as the raw material for their vehicle bodies. Their production line is short, and have a reputation of being a disposable car as they are built to last five to seven years. The low cost of labor is another reason for KIA's affordability.
Do steering wheel locks prevent theft? ›Steering wheel locks are effective at deterring thieves who don't have a power drill. Given that any determined thief is likely to carry such a tool, a steering wheel lock is not a perfect anti-theft device.
What is the safest Kia SUV? ›Which 2021 Kia SUV is the safest in its class? The three midsize SUVs from Kia Motors - the Sorento, Sportage, and Seltos - all have similar safety ratings. In fact, they all score five out of five stars for overall crash protection by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Which Kia is the safest? ›Safest Kia Vehicles
Given below are the Kia models named for safety in 2022. Kia Telluride. Kia Sorento. Kia Seltos. Kia Carnival.
Modern cars, like the BMW 3 Series and Tesla Model S, have impeccable security features that make them nearly impossible to steal. Modern anti-theft technologies have played a massive role in deterring thieves and lowering crime rates.
Which Kia cars are being stolen? ›Thieves are targeting certain makes and models of 2010-2021 Kia and Hyundai vehicles that use a mechanical key, not a key fob and push-button to start the car.
What is the problem with Kia? ›
There have been more than 60 individual recalls involving Hyundai and Kia vehicle fires. Many of them are either related to problems with specific engines, which the automakers call Theta II, Nu GDI, and Gamma GDI. Hyundai and Kia say that many of the engine problems have to do with a faulty connecting rod bearing.
What do thieves look for in a car? ›Thieves will steal anything valuable, but the most common items stolen from cars tend to be electronics, personal information, and accessories.
Which keyless cars are most stolen? ›The likes of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes E-class and Land Rover Discovery were also among the most stolen cars, underscoring the extent to which thieves are targeting high-end luxury vehicles with keyless entry systems.
Is Kia the most stolen car? ›According to the IIHS, the Kia Sportage isn't alone in being one of the most frequently stolen vehicles. Other Kia and Hyundai models also make the list, thanks to the fact that they don't often have electronic immobilizers.
Which Kia models are vulnerable to theft? ›Model year 2019-2021 Kias and Hyundais have a lower rate of theft compared to 2015-2019 models but the Kia Rio, Kia Sportage, Kia Sportage 4WD, and Hyundai Accent are still on IIHS' list of most frequently stolen vehicles for those model years.
Why are they stealing Kia and Hyundai? ›Police say the thefts could be linked to the nationwide social media trend that has teenagers swiping cars using a USB cord. The cars are also hot targets because they are, apparently, easy to steal.
What are the two easiest cars to steal? ›Typically, luxury vehicles and sports cars rank highest on the “most-stolen” list, but Hyundai and Kia thefts have been on the rise, rivaling pricier models in recent years.
What is the number one stolen vehicle in America? ›The top 10 most stolen vehicles of 2020
2004 Chevrolet full size pick-up. 2000 Honda Civic. 1997 Honda Accord. 2019 Toyota Camry.
Where do you put your car keys at night? Putting the keys near you at night, rather than the front door, is best. Keyless fobs should be placed into an RFID/Faraday box.
How do I protect my car key from cloning? ›By storing your car keys, fob or card in an aluminium tin (even grandma's old biscuit tins), or a special signal blocking box, the signal between the car and key is blocked. This means thieves can't intercept it and clone a new one. If you're out and about, then a Faraday pouch is your best friend.
What is the easiest car to hack? ›
According to Consumer Watchdog, the top ten hackable vehicle models are Ford F-150, Dodge Ram 1500, Chevy Silverado, Toyota Rav 4, Honda CRV, Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet Equinox, Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, and Toyota Corolla. Consumer Watchdog also listed Tesla as the world's most hackable car.
Are Kia Sportages being stolen? ›Together, the Kia Sportage is a frequently-stolen SUV. There were 163 insurance claims in 2021 of stolen Kia Sportage SUVs. There were also 159 4WD Kia Sportage models stolen. The relative claim frequency, which is the number used for rankings, was 269 for the Kia Sportage and 239 for the Kia Sportage 4WD.
What models of Kia's are being stolen? ›The method works on 2011-2021 Kias and 2016-2021 Hyundais that use a steel key, not a fob and push-button start. They are targeting cars that lack engine immobilizers — devices that don't allow the car to start without the correct smart key present, per the automakers.
What is the problem with Kia Sportage? ›Engine, forward collision avoidance, and airbag issues are among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners. Customers know there's no reason to spend a lot of money on new SUVs when there are models like the 2022 Kia Sportage on the market.
Which car is the easiest to steal? ›For that exact reason the Honda Accord is the most stolen car in the US. The ride can be taken in mere seconds and that's especially true given that 52,244 units disappeared in a single year most recently! This makes it the easiest car to break into according to the numbers.
Are Kia sportages reliable cars? ›Is the 2023 Kia Sportage Reliable? The 2023 Sportage has a predicted reliability score of 88 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
How many Kia sportages have caught on fire? ›Park outside, Kia warns 72,000 Sportage SUV owners. Your engine might catch on fire. Korean automobile manufacturer Kia is telling U.S. owners of nearly 72,000 older Sportage SUVs to park outdoors following reports of vehicle engine fires.
Can I sue Kia if my car was stolen? ›The truth is that you can file a lawsuit for just about any theft.
Why is Kia Sportage so popular? ›Kia has also given the Sportage a generous amount of interior space and a competitive starting price. The entry-level model undercuts the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson and Peugeot 3008, putting it in close competition with the Nissan Qashqai, Seat Ateca and Skoda Karoq. Those are some seriously compelling family SUVs.
What is the lifespan of a Kia Sportage? ›Expect to get more than 200,000 miles out of your Kia Sportage. With proper care and attention, you can keep your Kia Sportage up and running even for 300,000 miles.
Is Kia Sportage a luxury? ›
Luxurious and Capable but Still Priced Right
The 2023 Kia Sportage still has a very approachable starting price, and even a very reasonable top-end price and there are a lot of choices.