Why is the Kia the Most Stolen Car Brand in California?

Santa Monica Police towed away yet another stolen Kia, found abandoned in a Santa Monica alley. The Kia is reportedly the most stolen brand of car, because it's easier to break into and hot wire than other models. Kia of the United States denies that their cars are defectively easy to steal.

There have been multiple recent incidents involving stolen Kia vehicles in California, including a high-speed chase in Los Angeles County and a settlement for stolen Kia vehicles: High-speed chase in Los Angeles County

In August 2024, a woman drove a stolen white Kia Soul through Los Angeles County, making dangerous turns and driving on the wrong side of the road. The woman eventually abandoned the car and tried to hitchhike, but was arrested at an apartment complex in Watts.

Settlement for stolen Kia vehicles

In July 2024, Kia and Hyundai agreed to pay $200 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over stolen vehicles. The settlement includes:

Reimbursement for stolen or damaged vehicles. Reimbursement for insurance deductibles and increased premiums. Reimbursement for other expenses, such as transportation and towing. Free anti-theft software upgrades for eligible models. Compensation for owners and lessees of eligible models. Claim forms are available on the Kia settlement website.

Stolen Kia Soul in Hawthorne

In July 2024, a man named Armand Black saw his stolen silver Kia Soul in a high-speed chase across LA County. Five teenagers under the age of 18 were taken into custody after the stolen car stopped in Hawthorne.