The 10 Most-Stolen Vehicles: Is Your Car One of Them?
Despite a sharp drop in vehicle thefts, some makes and models are still magnets for thieves
For the first time in four years, motor vehicle thefts in the US have actually dropped. After more than a million incidents were reported in 2023—marking the fourth straight year of rising trends—that number fell to 850,708 in 2024, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). That’s a 17 percent drop and a dip below the million mark for the first time since 2021. In fact, it’s the largest year-over-year decrease in stolen vehicles in nearly four decades. While the national decline is welcome news, not all drivers are in the clear. Certain makes and models continue to be frequent targets for thieves—usually because they’re desirable or have known security vulnerabilities that can be easily exploited for a quick getaway.
The most stolen vehicles
| Vehicle Model | Number Stolen in 2024 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai Elantra | 31,712 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 26,720 |
| Chevy Silverado | 21,666 |
| Honda Accord | 18,539 |
| Kia Optima | 17,493 |
| Honda Civic | 15,727 |
| Kia Soul | 13,562 |
| Ford F150 Series Pickup | 12,952 |
| Toyota Camry | 12,296 |
| Dodge Charger | 11,452 |
The reasons for vehicle theft
Although vehicle thefts had been climbing for years, many of the incidents in 2023 stemmed from technological vulnerabilities in specific makes and models, according to NICB. These weaknesses were widely exploited by thieves and shared on social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube.
Hyundai and Kia responded by issuing recalls and partnering with law enforcement and insurance companies to address the tech flaws that had made their vehicles easier targets. While they remain among the most stolen brands, these coordinated efforts appear to have contributed to a significant drop in thefts:
| Vehicle Model | Number Stolen in 2024 | Number Stolen in 2023 | Year-Over-Year Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Elantra | 31,712 | 48,445 | 16,733 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 26,720 | 42,813 | 16,093 |
| Kia Optima | 17,493 | 30,204 | 12,711 |
| Kia Soul | 13,562 | 21,001 | 7,439 |
Notably, the Kia Forte and Sportage dropped off the Top 10 most-stolen list altogether, replaced by the Toyota Camry and Dodge Charger.
A continued downward trend
More good news: Midway through 2025, the NICB reported that vehicle thefts were down another 23 percent compared with the first half of 2024, with consistent month-over-month declines. This sharp drop suggests that the surge in vehicle thefts fueled by the pandemic may finally be leveling off, as numbers begin to return to pre-pandemic levels.
Some locations are seeing particularly dramatic improvements. According to NICB data, Puerto Rico, Washington, North Dakota, and Louisiana all reported theft decreases of more than 30 percent in the first half of 2025.
| State | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Puerto Rico | -43% |
| Washington | -42% |
| North Dakota | -32% |
| Louisiana | -32% |
| Colorado | -31% |
| Florida | -30% |
| Tennessee | -29% |
How to protect your car—even as thefts decline
Just because theft rates are on the decline doesn’t mean it’s time to let your guard down. Vehicle theft still happens, and rates can vary depending on where you live and where you’re in the habit of leaving your car.
Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk.
- Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas. Thieves are far less likely to target a vehicle that’s parked in a bright, busy location. Lighting and foot traffic increase visibility—and decrease opportunity.
- Close and lock windows and doors. It sounds obvious, but this basic habit does so much to deter theft. Always double-check that all windows are fully closed and doors are locked before walking away.
- Hide your valuables. If you must leave items in the car, stash them out of sight in the glove box, under a seat, or in the trunk. Visible valuables make your car a more attractive target.
- Don’t leave your car running. Even if you’re just pumping gas, always turn off the engine, and keep your keys with you. A running, unattended car is practically an invitation for theft.
If your vehicle is stolen, report it to law enforcement immediately—and then contact your insurance company. Acting fast gives you a better shot at recovering your vehicle.