Car theft remains one of the major concerns for American drivers, victimizing thousands of them every year. In one case, cars have become so universal that thieves can sell off vehicles and parts quickly and easily—and in some instances, because the security systems are weak.
Statista calculated 282.7 reported incidents of motor vehicle theft per 100,000 people in the U.S. in 2022. NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle said, “While older vehicles still dominate our Hot Wheels most stolen list, the number of late model vehicles with anti-theft protection on the list goes to show that technology isn’t foolproof.” Here are the 17 most stolen cars in the U.S.
Ford F-Series Pickup
The Ford F-Series Pickup is a favorite among thieves due to its popularity, versatility, high resale value, and demand for parts and export. Data from NICB highlights that over 15,852 Ford F150 Series Pickups were stolen last year.
To help prevent theft, owners are advised to lock their trucks and park in well-lit areas or secured garages.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic being almost everywhere makes it a consistent favorite among car thieves. Its light and compact design makes it easier to steal and transport. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), 34,144 Honda Civics were stolen in 2020.
To reduce the theft risk, owners should use a steering wheel lock and always ensure windows are up and doors are locked when leaving the vehicle.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado series is another top-selling pickup, offering a range of engines and trim levels to suit various needs. Like the Ford F-Series, thieves frequently target it for its popularity and high resale value, particularly for parts. Over 23,721 Chevrolet Silverados were stolen last year. Car owners are advised to use a car alarm and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, known for its reliability and longevity, is a go-to choice for thieves due to its strong market for its valuable parts. In 2019, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) saw the same trend when it reported that thieves stole 30,745 Honda Accords.
The car is in high demand in the used parts market. It has many valuable aftermarket components that play into its appeal to thieves. Owners should take the ignition keys out of their cars and obtain standard warning devices, such as steering column collars, to help stop theft.
Toyota Camry
The phrase smooth ride, comfortable interior, and good resale value might as well be replaced with Camry; the Toyota Camry is known for its availability and strong demand for parts, making it a target in the used car market. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported that 16,915 Toyota Camry vehicles were stolen in 2020.
The Toyota Camry 2021 model is the most stolen, with over 17,094 thefts reported. Car Owners are advised to utilize GPS tracking devices, as they allow you to track your vehicle if stolen, increasing the chances of recovery.
Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima is probably the most sedan-y of our picks. It is an ordinary midsize passenger car that many people use daily. It has a spacious interior and fuel-efficient engines. Due to the high demand for its parts, particularly in the used car market, its fuel efficiency and affordability are popular targets for thieves.
Data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) shows that 13,355 Nissan Altimas were stolen in 2019. It is advised to engage the vehicle’s immobilizer system, ensuring the engine won’t start without the proper key or fob, which helps to prevent it from being stolen.
Toyota Corolla
The Corolla is one of the best-selling cars in the world, and it can be attributed to its compact, practical design, low running costs, fuel efficiency, and malleable driving style. In developing nations where these are popular, they can be stolen frequently for parts and accessories.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) notes that 12,927 Toyota Corollas were stolen in 2021. To help combat such tactics, owners may think of equipping their ride with a kill switch that disables key components like the ignition system so the car can’t be turned on without permission.
GMC Sierra Pickup
GMC’s Sierra series is known for its elegant interior, strong engines, and excellent towing capacity. Like the Chevrolet Silverado, thieves also love this truck for its high resale value and popular-for-parts status, so you’re not out of the woods yet regarding theft, a fact highlighted by 2022 NICB statistics that show 16,622 units stolen.
To safeguard your vehicle, you should use VIN etching. Marking a vehicle identification number (VIN) on windows and other parts deters thieves trying to sell parts, which decreases the car’s appeal as a theft target.
Dodge/Ram Pickup
Known for some of the most powerful engines and comfortable rides in a full-size truck, it is no wonder that Dodge’s Ram series is highly sought after by thieves who like to have their cake and eat it too, customizing their RAM to suit every taste imaginable (including boosting performance), as well as cashing out when they get tired of it since just about any part will sell better than average.
In 2018, NICB reported that 11,226 Dodge/Ram pickups were stolen. To help protect your vehicle, join a Neighborhood Watch Program; engaging with local community watch programs can provide an extra layer of vigilance as neighbors watch for suspicious activity.
Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, available in different versions, are well-regarded off-roaders that work just fine as larger vehicles on the highway. This universal adoption helps explain the excellent resale value and strong demand for this vehicle in the off-road market.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), 9,818 Jeep and Grand Cherokees were stolen in 2018. Install wheel locks to keep the vehicle’s tires and rims from being stolen.
Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala is one of our most well-respected American sedans because it offers a high level of comfort and performance, a vast interior, and infotainment features in a user-friendly fashion. Making it highly visible and easily accessible. This combination of comfort and classic appeal has made the Impala a popular choice for many, but it also makes the car a target for theft, particularly for parts and export.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), 9,225 Chevrolet Impalas were stolen in 2015. Car owners are encouraged to be extremely careful since thieves are developing new ways to steal despite advanced anti-theft technologies.
Chevrolet Malibu
The Malibu midsize sedan, known for its comfortable and quiet ride and spacious cabin ideal for families or daily commutes, is famous for its fuel efficiency and affordability, making it a frequent target for thieves. Its global presence adds to its high demand for parts and potential for export.
In 2015, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported that 629 Chevrolet Malibus from the same year were stolen. It is advisable to consider a Dash Cam with Parking Mode. Some dash cams offer a parking mode that records if motion or impact is detected, potentially deterring thieves or providing evidence if theft occurs.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer, a popular SUV with a long production history and an excellent reputation for off-road capabilities, is often targeted by thieves due to its valuable parts and export potential. From 2010 to 2013, 958 Ford Explorers were among the vehicles stolen, topping the top five most stolen cars of that period, as the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported.
To prevent your explorer from making it to the “hot wheels” of NICB, install a GPS Tracking System as a safety measure. A GPS tracker can help you and the authorities locate your car quickly if it’s stolen.
Ford Econoline (Full-Size Van)
The Ford Econoline full-size van, popular for commercial and recreational purposes, has become a favored target for thieves due to its versatility. With high demand for its parts and significant export potential, Econoline’s resale value remains strong.
Ford Authority reveals that it was ranked 6th for catalytic converter thefts in 2022. To protect your Econoline, install a Catalytic Converter Lock; specialized cages, shields, or clamps are designed to secure the catalytic converter, making it much harder for thieves to access it.
Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra is a popular compact vehicle known for its fuel efficiency and reliability. It is also widely desired for its affordable parts, making it a popular steal option. According to VG Motors, twenty thousand-plus Nissan Sentras were stolen across the U.S. in 2022.
Engaging the Kill Switch is recommended. Your vehicle might be more challenging to start or steal because a kill switch can disable the fuel and power supply.
Kia Optima
The comfortable and roomy midsize sedan known as the Kia Optima has become one of America’s hottest commodities for car thieves. What makes this car quite appealing is its vast standard feature list, making it a favorite among drivers.
However, its massive popularity and affordability have also made it a prime target for car thieves. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) data shows that 30,204 vehicles were reported stolen, third on a list of commonly stolen vehicles in 2023. Owners are advised to increase security in this regard so that this situation does not repeat in the future.
Kia Soul
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), one of the Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in the United States during 2023 was also a compact crossover. However, that distinction is less important when you consider just how different from other vehicles like this choice is: The Kia Soul.
As a result of its wide popularity and high use in the automotive industry, its parts have been one of the largest targets for theft. This soaring theft rate for the Kia Soul isn’t a fluke, and it makes sure not to leave any doubt that owners need to secure their vehicles with things like steering wheel lock alarms, perhaps, and seek out well-lit or otherwise security-risk locations.
