Kia and Hyundai Thefts Plague North Carolina Shops

A dramatic increase in Kia and Hyundai vehicles being stolen in North Carolina as a result of a viral video online has caused a backlog of parts.

A dramatic increase in Kia and Hyundai vehicles being stolen in North Carolina as a result of a viral video online has caused a backlog of parts, Spectrum News 1 reports.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg police have reported thefts doubling in Charlotte during the first part of 2023, with thefts in Raleigh increasing by 54% from five years ago, according to the state’s attorney general’s office.

Most vehicles being stolen are Kias and Hyundais as a result of a video showing how to break into those two makes going viral online. Many vehicles are being found within days, but typically with damage such as smashed windows, broken ignitions and paint damage.

The phenomenon has resulted in Kia and Hyundai replacement parts being put on backlog. According to a Kia spokesperson, many of the vehicles being damaged have been out of production for years and need parts that “had very little demand” prior to the increase in thefts.

Kia Head of Corporate Communications James Bell said the company has taken measures to increase safety in response to the thefts, such as making victims of thefts top priority in part distribution and working directly with suppliers to “facilitate the necessary flow of parts most-needed.”

About the Author

FenderBender Staff Reporters

The FenderBender staff reporters have nearly four decades of combined journalism and collision repair experience.

Subscribe to our Newsletters

Latest in Latest News

SEMA
battleofthebuilders2025
All builders with a vehicle displayed at the 2025 SEMA Show may enter the competition before the deadline on October 17. Entrants across 12 categories will compete to become the...
June 16, 2025
SEMA
SEMA Logo
President Trump’s signing of a Congressional Review Act resolution revoked a waiver that would have enabled California to ban internal combustion engine vehicles.
June 16, 2025
CIECA
CIECA Connex 2025
Ghai, the chief commercial officer of Agero, Inc., will explore the challenges of moving a vehicle after an accident including primary towing blockers, rising release fees, sub...
June 16, 2025