Updated: August 16, 2024
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According to the latest National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) report, the Hyundai Elantra is the most stolen car in America, with 48,445 thefts in 2023. This shift breaks the long-standing trend of full-size pickups holding the top spot. Close behind is the Hyundai Sonata, with 42,813 thefts, and the Kia Optima, with 30,204 thefts. The Sonata and Elantra were new entries in the previous report.
Among the top ten most stolen cars, Hyundai and Kia occupy six spots, including the top three. The NICB stated that this shift is likely influenced by social media trends demonstrating how to steal these vehicles. Behind Hyundai and Kia are full-size pickups and mid-size cars, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Accord, Honda Civic and Ford F150 Series Pickup.
Most Stolen Cars in America Highlights
Regardless of where you live or what you drive, your vehicle remains at risk of being stolen. These statistics highlight which vehicles are the biggest targets for thieves.
The Hyundai Elantra ranked first in the NICB's 2023 Annual Auto Theft Report with 48,445 recorded incidents, followed by the Hyundai Sonata with 42,813 incidents.
Vehicle theft rates in the U.S. increased by 1% nationwide, from 1,008,756 in 2022 to 1,020,729 in 2023.
Hyundai and Kia brands now top the list of America's most stolen vehicles, displacing full-size pickups from their long-held position.
In 2023, 34% of stolen vehicles were recovered on the same day they were reported, with law enforcement recovering over 85% of all reported stolen passenger vehicles.
Most Stolen Cars by State
The theft rate and most stolen cars vary by location. To find out which car is most stolen in your state, click or tap on the interactive map below.
America’s Top 10 Stolen Cars
Thieves like certain vehicle models for a number of reasons, such as being easy to steal or having parts that are popular to sell. Owner complacency can also play a big role in vehicle theft, especially if key fobs are left in the car or if you leave your vehicle running in a parking lot or your driveway.
Being aware of which car models are most often stolen can help you determine if you should take extra safety precautions with your vehicle. The following are the top 10 most stolen cars in America.
1. Hyundai Elantra
Number of Thefts: 48,445
Model Base Price: $27,895–29,910 (2024 Model)
The Hyundai Elantra rose to the top of the most stolen cars list, with 48,445 thefts, marking a 147% increase from its sixth-place position in 2022. The 2017 model was particularly popular among car thieves in the previous report. Overall, the Elantra is a popular compact sedan known for its looks and price.
2. Hyundai Sonata
Number of Thefts: 42,813
Model Base Price: $27,500–34,950 (2024 Model)
The Hyundai Sonata ranked second, with 42,813 thefts in 2023, nearly doubling its numbers from 2022, when it ranked fifth with 21,707 thefts. The 2013 model was the most targeted by thieves in the previous report.
3. Kia Optima
Number of Thefts: 30,204
Model Base Price: $23,390–32,190 (2020 Model)
The Kia Optima is third on the list of most stolen cars in America, with 30,204 reported thefts. It was seventh before, experiencing a 66% increase from 18,221 thefts. Its popularity among consumers has kept it as one of the prime targets for car thieves in 2023.
4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Number of Thefts: 23,721
Model Base Price: $36,800–69,900 (2024 Model)
The full-size pickup Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reported 23,721 thefts, making it the fourth most stolen car. This model was the most stolen vehicle in 2022, with 49,903 thefts. The Silverado remains popular among consumers for its durability and versatility, which also makes it a target for car thieves.
5. Kia Soul
Number of Thefts: 21,001
Model Base Price: $20,190–24,490 (2024 Model)
The Kia Soul is a new entry on the list of most stolen cars, ranking fifth with 21,001 reported thefts. This car stands out for its reliability, unique design and spacious interior.
6. Honda Accord
Number of Thefts: 20,895
Model Base Price: $27,895–29,910 (2024 Model)
The Honda Accord ranked sixth on the list of most stolen cars, down from fourth place. It experienced an 11% decrease in thefts, from 30,274 in 2021 to 27,089 in 2022. Despite the decline, it remains a common target due to the high demand for its parts, which can fetch high prices.
7. Honda Civic
Number of Thefts: 19,858
Model Base Price: $23,950–31,450 (2024 Model)
The Honda Civic remained a frequent target for thieves, ranking lower than in previous years when it was in the top three. Thefts decreased to 27,113 in 2022, representing an 8% reduction from the prior year. Older models, like the 2000 version, remain vulnerable due to their lack of anti-theft technology, making them attractive to thieves seeking parts.
8. Kia Forte
Number of Thefts: 16,209
Model Base Price: $19,990–25,390 (2024 Model)
The Kia Forte is a new entry on the list of most stolen cars, ranking eighth with 16,209 reported incidents. This compact sedan is known for its affordability, stylish design and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice among consumers.
9. Ford F150 Series Pickup
Number of Thefts: 15,852
Model Base Price: $36,770–78,330 (2024 Model)
The Ford F150 Series Pickup is another high-incident pickup vehicle with 15,852 incidents. This full-size pickup truck is known for its robust design and versatility. It offers a range of configurations and features, making it suitable for various needs, from heavy-duty work tasks to personal use.
10. Kia Sportage
Number of Thefts: 15,749
Model Base Price: $27,190–37,990 (2024 Model)
The Kia Sportage ranks tenth with 15,749 reported incidents. This compact SUV is known for its stylish design and practicality. It offers a comfortable ride and a range of features, making it a popular choice for families and individuals looking for a versatile vehicle.
Vehicle Theft Trends Nationwide
California leads the nation in vehicle thefts with 208,668 reported cases, as highlighted by NICB data. Meanwhile, Washington, D.C., has the highest theft rate, with 1,150 thefts per 10,000 people — three times the national average. Washington, D.C., also experienced the most significant increase in car thefts, with a 64% rise compared to 2022.
Top States by Vehicle Theft Volume
Based on NICB data, the volume of vehicle thefts in the top ten states remained consistent throughout 2023, with California leading, followed by Texas and Florida. Notably, five states — California, Texas, Washington, Colorado and Missouri — are not only among those with the highest theft volumes but also rank among the top states for theft rates.
Rank | State | Theft Incidents |
|---|---|---|
California | 208,668 | |
Texas | 115,013 | |
Florida | 46,213 | |
Washington | 43,160 | |
Illinois | 41,528 | |
Colorado | 34,068 | |
New York | 32,715 | |
Ohio | 31,647 | |
Georgia | 28,171 | |
Missouri | 27,279 |
Top States by Vehicle Theft Rate
The NICB analyzed theft rates using data from the National Crime Information Center, focusing on metropolitan areas. Washington, D.C., Nevada and Maryland ranked among the top ten states for theft rates.
Rank | State | Theft Rate/100.000 People |
|---|---|---|
Washington, D.C. | 1,150 | |
Colorado | 583 | |
Nevada | 573 | |
Washington | 554 | |
California | 534 | |
New Mexico | 490 | |
Missouri | 442 | |
Maryland | 428 | |
Oregon | 394 | |
Texas | 383 |
From Sedans to Pickups: Shifting Trends in Vehicle Theft
MoneyGeek's analysis of the NICB's Hot Wheels reports from 2016 to 2023 has identified evolving trends in vehicle thefts. Although pickup models like the Ford and Chevrolet pickups have historically been the most stolen vehicles, they didn't top this year's list. Notably, Kia Sonata and Hyundai Elantra have quickly risen in the rankings, breaking into the top ten within just two years due to their sudden spike in thefts. Models like the Honda Accord and Civic are consistently listed among the most stolen cars since 2016.
Most Stolen Cars | Total Thefts | Peak Theft Year |
|---|---|---|
Chevrolet Pickup | 288,243 | 2022 |
Ford Pickup | 283,352 | 2022 |
Honda Civic | 279,043 | 2016 |
Honda Accord | 270,823 | 2016 |
Toyota Camry | 117,851 | 2021 |
Nissan Altima | 80,994 | 2020 |
GMC Pickup | 78,974 | 2022 |
Toyota Corolla | 74,293 | 2021 |
Hyundai Elantra | 68,047 | 2023 |
Hyundai Sonata | 64,520 | 2023 |
5 Tips to Prevent Car Theft
The number of vehicle thefts in the U.S. climbed to 1,001,967 in 2022, amounting to nearly two stolen vehicles every minute. Knowing how to protect your car from theft is especially important for vehicle owners in high-risk areas, such as Colorado, Washington, D.C., Oregon and New Mexico. MoneyGeek shares several strategies to help you protect your investment.
Practice protecting your car
The simplest way to keep your car safe is to practice standard safety habits, such as locking the doors and windows when you’re in and out of the vehicle.
Be mindful of your keys
Losing your keys or leaving them in your car is an open invitation for a thief to take your vehicle. Keep a close eye on your keys and make sure they’re on your person or near you at all times, even if you’re at home. Consider getting alarms for your keys so you can keep track of their whereabouts on your phone.
Install safety devices
While practicing good car safety habits is always advisable, you can go the extra mile and install safety devices. You can get vehicle immobilizers, steering wheel locks, GPS tracking devices and more to curb car theft.
Park in secure areas
While you cannot always control where you can park, you can be selective about where you leave your car. Aim for well-lit areas and places with CCTV cameras, or opt for a parking lot with security.
Protect your wheels
If thieves can’t steal your car, they can try to steal your wheels instead. If you intend not to use your vehicle for a period of time, it’s a good idea to get lug nut locks or wheel clamps to protect your tires.
What to Do When Your Car Is Stolen
Taking immediate action after a car theft is crucial. If your car is stolen, report it to the authorities and call your insurer as soon as possible. Depending on your coverage type and circ*mstances, you may be covered for theft. Follow the steps below to increase your odds of recovering your vehicle and avoiding undue financial burden.
1
Call the police and file an auto theft report
Once you’ve realized your vehicle has been stolen, contact law enforcement immediately and inform them of the vehicle details, such as the color, license plate, make and model year and any distinct features it may have.
2
Call your insurer
Contact your auto insurance provider and inform them of the theft. Even if you don’t have full coverage car insurance, notifying your insurer can ensure you’re protected if your stolen vehicle causes property damage or injuries. Depending on your insurer, you may have to report the claim online or by phone. Make sure to have all the necessary details on hand to expedite the process.
3
Call your leasing or financing company
If your car is being financed or leased, inform relevant parties about the details of the theft. Have those parties contact your insurance company directly so your insurer can pay for the claims.
4
Inform the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Notifying the DMV of the stolen vehicle is essential. They have a database of stolen vehicles, which is useful in case the thief tries to register the car.
5
Check the NICB's VINCheck
If the NICB or any of its partner agencies and companies find your stolen vehicle, it will be reported on VINCheck. Use your vehicle’s identification number (VIN) to regularly look up your car on this tool in case it gets recovered.
WHAT IF YOUR CAR IS UNINSURED?
If your car is stolen with no insurance or your policy doesn’t include comprehensive insurance, you won’t be able to get financial compensation for the stolen vehicle. Liability-only insurance only pays for the other driver's damages in an at-fault accident.
Car Theft FAQ
Vehicle theft can be an extremely stressful experience, which is why being aware of vehicle theft statistics can help you protect your ride. In order to promote safer driving and car practices, below are some frequently asked questions about car theft.
Does car insurance cover theft?
Most comprehensive auto insurance policies cover car theft, but liability-only policies only provide minimum coverage and don't cover car theft. Keep in mind that home insurance policies do not cover your vehicle, which means that even if it gets stolen on your property, only your comprehensive auto insurance will cover you.
Why are some cars stolen more than others?
The reasons why some cars are stolen more often than others can vary greatly. For instance, older models are easier to steal. Other vehicles have widely used parts, making selling those parts financially lucrative.
How frequent is car theft in the U.S.?
In 2023 alone, there were1,020,729 vehicle thefts — that’s around 2,797 vehicles stolen per day. This is a 1% increase compared to 2022, which had 1,008,756 thefts.
Which is the hardest car to steal and why?
Given the number of new technologies being put into cars these days, there are some cars that are harder to steal. For example, Tesla models and other luxury brands, such as Jaguar or Lexus, have anti-theft technologies that make it difficult to steal without the owner or even the brand knowing about it.
What is the most stolen car in America?
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra was the most stolen car in America in 2023, with over 48,445 units stolen.
Expert Insights
Knowing the steps you can take to prevent car theft can help lower your chances of experiencing it. MoneyGeek gathered insights from several industry experts on how to keep your car protected.
- How can car owners of older models keep their cars protected?
- While newer models have new anti-theft technology, what other precautions can owners of modern models take to further protect their vehicles?
Zach WimpeyOperations Manager at Craig and Landreth Cars
Brandon MyersExecutive Director at DefensiveDriving.org
Cody CrawfordCo-Founder at Low Offset
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About Nathan Paulus
Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.
Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.
sources
- National Insurance Crime Bureau. "New Report: Imports Top List for America’s Most Stolen Vehicles." Accessed August 16, 2024.
- National Insurance Crime Bureau. "Vehicle Thefts Surge Nationwide in 2023." Accessed August 16, 2024.
