The 10 Most-Stolen Cars: Is Yours on the List?

To the delight of vehicle owners and insurers nationwide, vehicle thefts in the US experienced a historic decline in 2025, falling 23% from 2024, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The decline follows a 17% drop in thefts in 2024, previously the largest year-over-year decrease in 40 years.

Thanks to coordinated theft-prevention efforts by law enforcement, insurance companies, manufacturers, policymakers, and others, the pandemic-fueled surge in thefts seen in the first half of this decade is finally receding. While this downward trend is encouraging, drivers and vehicle owners are encouraged to remain vigilant. One vehicle is stolen every 48 seconds in the US, according to the NICB.

Certain makes and models are targeted more often than others, making it important for owners to understand their vehicle’s vulnerabilities. Thieves continually evolve their methods, looking for new vulnerabilities to exploit as manufacturers introduce new models and security technologies.

By staying informed about trends in auto theft—and knowing how to protect your particular vehicle—you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

Top 10 most-stolen vehicles in the US in 2025

Although Hyundai still occupies two of the top three slots for stolen vehicles in 2025, the Sonata fell to third place with 34% fewer vehicles stolen than the year before. That decline comes as Hyundai and Kia have taken steps to address security vulnerabilities exposed by viral TikTok hacks of their models. Hyundai, for example, set up pop-up “clinics” around the country where owners of affected vehicles could get anti-theft software upgrades, while Kia announced additional security upgrades in late 2023.

The results are notable: The Kia Optima, another model affected by the TikTok-exposed vulnerabilities, saw the same 34% decline in thefts.

Additionally, experts note that the broader spike in thefts that started in 2020 and was fueled in part by economic hardships and unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic has ended. That broader reversal, combined with the large, coordinated push to stem thefts, helps explain the dramatic year-over-year decline in thefts.

Top states by percentage decrease in vehicle theft

Reflecting the nationwide decline, many states in the US experienced large declines in vehicle theft numbers, with Washington state seeing a whopping 39% drop in auto thefts year over year.

How to protect yourself from auto theft 

Declining auto theft rates shouldn’t lull you into a false sense of security. Simple habits can often make a big difference in protecting your vehicle, especially when it’s left unattended for extended periods. Keep in mind that theft risk varies by location and where you regularly park.

And it’s not just the vehicle itself that can attract thieves. Anything left visible inside your car can make it a tempting target for a break-in. Common targets include:

• Stereos and entertainment systems 
• Electronics, including tablets and laptops 
• Phones and headphones 
• Purses and bags 
• Branded or labeled car parts 
• Wheel covers 

The good news is that a few simple precautions can make your vehicle a less desirable target. Be thoughtful and keep these tips in mind whenever you leave your vehicle unattended:

• Park smart. Thieves are always on the hunt for the easiest target, so park in well-lit, high-traffic areas, where your vehicle stays visible.

• Add a GPS tracker. While some vehicles have GPS tracking built in, placing an additional GPS tracker (such as an AirTag) into the spare tire compartment or glove box can help with recovery if your vehicle is stolen.

• Close and lock windows and doors. Get in the habit of always fully closing windows and locking doors before you leave your vehicle unattended. 

• Use visible locks and alarms. A visible steering-wheel lock or anti-theft decal isn’t guaranteed to prevent theft, but it can send a signal to thieves that your vehicle may be more difficult to target

• Add lighting. If you park outdoors or in a driveway, motion-activated lights and cameras can be strong theft deterrents. If a thief feels a vehicle is being watched or guarded, they’re less likely to try and steal it.

• Hide valuables. Move items to the glove box or trunk, or better yet, take them with you. Nothing valuable should be visible inside your vehicle.

• Don’t leave your car running. Turn off your vehicle and take your keys with you—even when you’re making a quick stop, such as at a gas station.

• Secure your key fob. If your vehicle has keyless entry or a push-button start, keep your key fob away from windows and exterior walls or consider using a signal-blocking case. Thieves can intercept and amplify the RF signal from your key fob using what’s called a “relay attack,” essentially tricking your vehicle into thinking the key fob is nearby and allowing them to unlock and potentially start the vehicle.

• Install an immobilizer. A vehicle immobilizer can prevent a vehicle from starting without the proper key or authorization. While immobilizers can vary in sophistication, they provide an extra layer of protection, such as setting off an alarm, notifying a security service, or even preventing the engine from running.

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If you do experience a vehicle theft, call law enforcement immediately to report it, and then notify your insurance company. NICB says reporting a stolen vehicle immediately increases your chance of recovery in the first 24 hours by a remarkable 34%.