The Most Stolen Cars in Illinois Likely Have TikTok to Blame

Kia and Hyundai owners in Illinois, buckle up! Your car might be a target for thieves thanks to a dangerous and ridiculous viral social media challenge.

Most Stolen Car Models in 2023

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), Kia and Hyundai models are seriously hot property with car thieves. In fact, in 2023 alone, the Hyundai Elantra took the unwanted crown of most stolen car nationwide, with Kia and Hyundai making up a whopping six out of the top ten most frequently swiped vehicles.

Here are the ten most stolen vehicles in Illinois in 2023 according to NICB;

How Is TikTok To Blame?

To be fair, this challenge was all over social media, but as a Kia driver who tries to avoid getting lost in a sea of TikTok videos, I need to know more about this "Kia Challenge" that has led to so many vehicles being stolen.

Here's a good explanation of it...

@purepower35#greenscreen up to the challenge #momsoftiktok#dadsoftiktok#teachersoftiktok#kidsoftiktok#police#CVSPaperlessChallenge @PurePower35 ♬ Epic Emotional - AShamaluevMusic

Kia and Hyundai Models Most Vulnerable to Car Theft

Not all vehicles are subject to the hot wire hack. In fact, the challenge targets specific makes and models of Kia vehicles built between 2011-2021 and Hyundai vehicles built between 2015-2021. These models use a mechanical key and ‘turn-to-start’ ignition system rather than a key fob and push-button to start the car.