Missouri’s Car Theft Problem Is Bigger Than You Think

The numbers are in and 2025 was a big year for car thieves in the Show-Me state. Missouri ranked 6^th in the country in car thefts per capita this past year.

The numbers were aided by a specific situation with a couple brands of vehicles. Hyundai and Kia, both Korean car brands have a design flaw with the ignition that allows car thieves to be able to start those vehicles without the key. Dozens of states have sued the Korean car manufacturers for not including anti-theft immobilizers on new vehicles.

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The three most stolen vehicles in Missouri in 2025 were 1. Hyundai Elantra  2. Hyundai Sonata , and 3. Kia Optima. Kia placed two other models in the top ten in Missouri also, meaning that half of the most stolen vehicles were primarily due to the missing anti-theft design from those Korean brands. The car dealers have agreed to a multi-state settlement as of last month.

Many vehicles that are stolen are used to commit other crimes, while some get stolen just for opportunistic joyriding. Either way, vehicles stolen in Missouri isn’t just a St. Louis and Kansas City problem. Springfield saw numbers rise along with the population base. The whole state saw car theft numbers increase.

Missouri State Rep. Steve Butz/St.Louis

Missouri Representative Steve Butz of south St. Louis runs an insurance agency, giving him insight into this issue, is calling for a statewide Auto Theft Task Force that will allow better communication between state agencies for a more fluid response to each theft. He also is pushing for heavier penalties for those convicted of carjacking in Missouri.