The 10 Most Stolen Cars in America

 

Car theft continues to plague American communities, with specific vehicle models becoming prime targets for thieves. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), full-size Chevrolet and Ford pickups continue to dominate the unfortunate ranking, with the 2004 Chevrolet pickup leading the charge at 49,903 thefts, a 3.5% uptick from the previous year.

The 2006 full-size Ford pickup closely follows with 48,175 thefts, maintaining its position from the prior year. Interestingly, full-size pickup trucks dominate this list, boasting the highest theft rate across the nation, as per the NICB’s findings. However, amidst this trend, the iconic Honda Civic secured its third position, showcasing a 14% decrease in theft incidents compared to the previous year.

Thieves primarily set their sights on everyday vehicles like the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, dismantling them for lucrative parts on the black market. Apart from personal inconvenience, the ripple effects extend to increased car insurance premiums, community crime rates, and societal disruption.

 

 

 

The Most Stolen Cars by State

It’s essential to know that car theft rates differ by state, influenced by how many people live there, city life, and local crime patterns. The NICB releases a report called “Hot Wheels” that tracks car thefts nationwide each year. Right now, these are the car’s most stolen list in America.

 

Chevrolet Pickup

• Number of thefts: 31,566
• Model year most stolen: 2004 (2,097 thefts)

Chevy’s full-size pickups consistently rank among the most stolen vehicles, claiming the top spot for two years. The trucks’ widespread popularity among buyers makes them a prime target for thieves. The Chevy Silverado, for instance, is among the top 10 most-owned vehicles in the US, representing 1.55% of all cars on the road. Its higher price tag adds to its allure for theft. Also, since pickups often transport valuable cargo, stealing one might be considered a two-in-one crime opportunity.

The number of stolen Chevrolet Pickups has gone up by 3.5% compared to last year’s data. The 2004 model is stolen the most, probably because older Chevys don’t have the fancy anti-theft tech newer ones do.

 

 

Ford Pickup (Full-size)

• Number of thefts: 36,355
• Model year most stolen: 2006 (3,173 thefts)

Ford’s big pickup trucks, such as the F-Series with famous models like the Ford F-150 and F-250, are often targeted and stolen. The F-Series ranks as the second most popular car in the country, especially in the heartland regions. An incident in June 2022 saw thieves stealing around $1 million worth of F-150s from a factory lot in Dearborn, Michigan.

In October 2023, Ford Pickup continued its dominance with 654,877 units sold in Q3. Remarkably, it has held the title of the best-selling vehicle in the US for over four decades. However, it also holds the unfortunate distinction of being the second most stolen car in America. Ford F-Series thefts totaled 48,175 in 2022, slightly up from the previous year’s 47,999 reported thefts.

 

 

Honda Accord

• Number of thefts: 36,815
• Model year most stolen: 1997 (5,029 thefts)

The Civic is among the thieves target of three Honda car types listed, which is more than any other carmaker. Honda has been making the Accord for a long time. Right now, it’s the most popular car in the country, making up 3.06% of all cars on the road. Over the past ten years, the Civic and Accord have been the most stolen cars. These two cars share a lot of parts, making it easy for thieves to sell them separately.

 

 

Also, many Honda cars are all over the country, and some of their models use the same parts. This makes Honda cars attractive to chop shops and explains why they’re near the top of the list of most stolen vehicles in the US.

 

Honda Civic

• Number of thefts: 38,426
• Model year most stolen: 2000 (5,290 thefts)

The Honda Civic from the year 2000 is a very popular car, but it’s also a common target for theft. In 2022, a lot of these cars, around 27,113 of them, were stolen because they didn’t have the latest anti-theft technology that newer cars have. Thieves like to steal Hondas because they’re everywhere, and the parts from these cars can be used in other models, making them profitable.

Even though the Honda Civic is the most stolen car, there’s some good news. The number of stolen Honda Civics went down by 14.7 percent compared to the year before. This is similar to what happened with the thefts of Honda Accord cars.

 

Toyota Camry

• Number of thefts: 16,906
• Model year most stolen: 2017 (1,144 thefts)

The Toyota Camry, once ranked as the 5th most stolen car, has dropped to #8 this year, mainly due to the rising theft rates of other car models. Despite this decline, the Camry remains a highly sought-after target for thieves. Its widespread popularity, owing to affordability and practicality, contributes to its appeal. Toyota’s reputation for crafting durable vehicles means there’s a significant number of older models still in use, often lacking advanced security features, making them easier targets for theft.

Additionally, the black market for reselling parts from these stolen vehicles adds to the appeal for thieves.

Despite being a widely owned vehicle, the 2021 model, in particular, has been targeted more frequently than others.

 

 

Toyota Corolla

• Number of thefts: 12,388
• Model year most stolen: 2017 (1,034 thefts)

The number of times people stole Toyota Corollas stayed almost the same compared to last year, going up just a little by 0.4 percent. Many people still like the Corolla, and because of that, it’s still one of the cars thieves try to steal the most to sell its parts on the black market.

Around 12,388 Toyota Corollas got stolen, with the 2017 model being the most common target, stolen about 1,034 times.

 

 

 

GMC Pickup (Full size)

• Number of thefts: 11,708
• Model year most stolen: 2018 (1,170 thefts)

Another addition to the roster of frequently stolen vehicles is the American-made GMC Pickup Truck. GMC, belonging to the General Motors family alongside Chevrolet, shares numerous parts and anti-theft measures with its counterpart. Historically, the GMC Sierra closely resembled the Chevy Silverado, differing mainly in minor aesthetic aspects such as the grilles. Given the high incidence of thefts involving Chevy pickups, it’s no surprise that GMC trucks also feature on the list.

Despite ranking eighth, GMC pickups exhibit the highest theft rates, with six thefts per 1,000 vehicles. Adding to the concerning trend, thefts of GMC pickups have risen by 7.8 percent compared to the previous year.

 

Hyundai Sonata

• Number of thefts: 21,707
• Model year most stolen: 2013

The Sonata car is often seen on roads in the US and has become a target for theft this year. A social media trend called the “Kia Boyz,” which started in Milwaukee, showed that older Kia and Hyundai vehicles have a security problem. This has caused more thefts across the country, and many times, it’s teenagers who are doing the stealing.

Fortunately, most of these thefts are for joyriding purposes rather than keeping the stolen cars. However, the possibility of damage caused during these joyrides remains a concern. The total number of thefts stands at 21,707, with the 2013 model year being the most targeted.

 

Dodge Pickup (full size)

• Number of thefts: 11,226
• Model year most stolen: 2001 (1,155 thefts)

Dodge Pickups have seen a rank shift, moving from eighth to ninth, attributed to a significant 6.5% reduction in theft incidents involving these robust vehicles. This decline might offer some relief to Dodge pickup owners, but it’s essential to note that pickups remain a prime target for car thieves.

While the decrease signals progress, maintaining a vigilant stance remains paramount. With a total of 11,226 thefts reported, the most frequently stolen model year was 2001, accounting for 1,155 thefts, showcasing an average of 3 thefts per 1,000 vehicles.

 

Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee

• Number of thefts: 9,818
• Model year most stolen: 2000 (646 thefts)

The Jeep Cherokee stands as the sole SUV in the top ten list of most stolen vehicles, partly due to its enduring popularity. Renowned for decades, this robust vehicle has consistently garnered favor among drivers. Its appeal to thieves is underscored not only by its widespread presence but also by its remarkable resilience, known to endure for extensive periods if properly maintained.

Reports suggest that this car boasts an impressive lifespan, often surpassing 300,000 miles when given the necessary care and attention. Statistics indicate a staggering 9,818 recorded thefts, with the model year most frequently stolen identified as 2000, accounting for 646 thefts alone.

 

Factors Contributing to Car Thefts

 

 

Location

Where you park, your car matters for its safety. If you park in areas with high crime or poor lighting, your car might be more likely to get stolen. Cities with limited safe parking can also put your car at risk because thieves are closer, and there’s less security. Knowing these risks helps you decide where to park and take extra steps to keep your car safe.

 

Car Age

How old your car is can make it more appealing to thieves. Older cars without modern security features are easier to steal or take apart for parts. Thieves might also target classic or vintage cars for their valuable parts. Newer cars with advanced security features are harder to steal, so thieves might avoid trying to take them.

 

Security Measures

Security features in your car can stop theft. Cars with alarms, immobilizers, and tracking devices are less appealing to thieves. Adding things like steering wheel locks and electronic immobilizers can make stealing your car even harder. These extras don’t just stop theft but also make your car much safer overall.

 

How to Protect Yourself from Auto Theft

Protecting yourself and other vehicles from auto theft involves several proactive measures. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of your car being stolen:

 

Advanced Locking Systems

Investing in high-quality locks and immobilizers for your vehicle can serve as a formidable deterrent to potential thieves. Advanced locking systems, such as electronic key fobs and biometric recognition, make it significantly more difficult for unauthorized people to gain access to your car.

 

GPS Tracking

Adding your vehicle with a GPS tracking device can be instrumental in recovering your car in the event of theft. These devices enable real-time monitoring of your vehicle’s location, allowing law enforcement agencies to swiftly track and retrieve the stolen car.

 

Steering Wheel Locks

Steering wheel locks, also known as steering wheel immobilizers, are physical deterrents that prevent the steering wheel from being turned, thus impeding unauthorized use of the vehicle. These simple yet effective anti-theft devices are highly visible and act as a warning device and a visual deterrent to potential thieves.

 

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Etching

Etching your vehicle’s VIN onto its windows and major components can deter thieves, as it makes it more challenging for them to sell the stolen parts and reduces the resale value of the vehicle. This simple yet effective measure can dissuade potential thieves and help in the recovery of stolen vehicles.

 

 

Parking in Secure Locations

Try to park your vehicle in bright and safe places like garages, monitored parking lots, or spots with security cameras whenever you can. Avoid leaving your car unattended in isolated or high-crime areas, as such environments increase the risk of theft and vandalism.

By implementing these proactive measures, car owners can significantly reduce the risk of common vehicles falling victim to auto theft and protect their valuable assets.

 

What You Need to Do if Your Car Was Stolen

Experiencing the theft of your car can be a distressing and disorienting event. In such a situation, it is crucial to take immediate action to maximize the chances of recovering your vehicle and resolving the incident.

 

Call the police and file an auto theft report.

In the unfortunate event of a vehicle theft, contacting law enforcement and filing a detailed auto theft report is the first crucial step. Providing the authorities with essential information about the stolen vehicle can aid in its recovery.

 

Inform the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Notifying the DMV about the theft of your vehicle is essential for updating the vehicle’s status and preventing unauthorized transactions or registrations.

 

Check the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB)

Utilize the resources provided by the NICB to report the theft and access valuable assistance in the recovery process. Their database and support can be instrumental in locating stolen vehicles.

 

Contact your insurer

Tell your insurance company right away if your car gets stolen. This starts the process for getting money back for your stolen car.

 

Inform authorities if your vehicle is recovered.

If your stolen car is found, let the police know quickly. Working with them helps get your car back and makes sure it’s all documented properly.

Doing these things helps reduce how bad it is if your car gets stolen. It also makes it more likely that you’ll get your car back.

 

How to check if a car is stolen

When you’re buying a used car, it’s really important to make sure it’s not stolen or hiding any problems. One good way to check if a car is stolen is by getting its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and doing a background check. The VIN is like a unique code for each car and has info about its making, owners, and if it might have been stolen or involved in any scams.

 

 

You can get the VIN of a car and use trusted websites like autoDNA’s VIN check service to get a detailed report. These reports tell you about the car’s history, like if it had any accidents if it’s been fixed up from a crash, how many miles it’s been driven, and if it was ever reported stolen. This helps people who want to buy the car know if it’s legit and in good shape before making a decision.

 

The Role of VIN in Car Thefts

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is super important in stopping car thefts. Each car has its own VIN that shows what kind of car it is and how it was made. Police, insurance companies, and rules people use VINs to keep track of cars. They use them to quickly commonly stolen cars and figure out who owns a car if there’s a problem. When people do VIN etching or check the VIN carefully, it helps make their cars safer and helps everyone work together to stop car thefts.

 

Conclusion

Car theft happens a lot in the United States. It’s important to know which car thieves like to steal the most all over the country, how thefts differ in different areas, and what causes cars to get stolen. Reports from NICB and IIHS help us find out which car models thieves go after often. This helps us learn how to protect our cars from being stolen.

Knowing where you park, how old your car is, and what security your car has affects if it might get stolen. Also, learning what to do if your car does get stolen helps you keep your car safe.

Understanding these things helps people who own cars keep them safe.