Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles

In 2023, there were over a million incidents of motor vehicle theft reported in the United States. That’s a 1% increase year over year, or a vehicle theft every 32 seconds. While there are many steps owners can take on their own to decrease the likelihood that their vehicle will be stolen, certain makes and models are targeted more often by thieves either due to desirability or because of a vulnerability that can be easily exploited for a quick theft. In this article, we’ll discuss the vehicles stolen the most, how to prevent car theft, and what to do if your car is stolen.

Most stolen vehicles and why

Vehicle theft rates in the U.S. have been steadily on the rise since 2019, becoming the third most common property crime. This is due in part to technological weaknesses in specific makes and models that have been exploited by bad actors and shared virally over social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Rates also fluctuate geographically, with city centers and densely populated areas experiencing increased theft rates that are, in some cases, twice as high as those in smaller cities and towns or rural areas. Criminals are also using more sophisticated tools and methods to get into vehicles, sometimes allowing them to sidestep security systems and drive the car away without a key.

Kia and Hyundai theft goes viral

Beginning in Milwaukee in 2021, the hashtag #KiaBoyz was trending on videos that showed viewers how certain Kia and Hyundai models could be quickly and easily stolen with just a screwdriver, USB cable, and without having to know how to hotwire the car. In the U.S., there is no regulation for vehicles to have ignition immobilizers—anti-theft devices that prevent a motor vehicle from being started without the key being present. It is this small design flaw that has left tens of thousands of Hyundai and Kia vehicles vulnerable and driven the theft rate for these vehicles up almost 7 times higher than all other makes and models in the first two quarters of 2023. In fact, it pushed them to occupy six of the top ten most stolen vehicles list, bumping full-sized pickups from the top spots for the first time in years.

While Hyundai and Kia have not issued mandatory recalls, they have pushed out free software updates to combat the issue and are taking steps to fix the problem. But at this point, so many vehicles have been stolen that recovered vehicles are now flooding dealerships, leading to parts shortages that compound the issues. Reports of recovered vehicles from both automakers sitting—for months in some cases—waiting for ignition cylinders.

How to prevent car theft

By being thoughtful and keeping a few things top of mind whenever you leave your vehicle unattended, you can make your vehicle a less-desirable target, significantly lowering your risk of theft.

• Park in well-lit, high foot traffic areas: By parking in well-lit areas, there is less of a chance for thieves to target your vehicle without being seen. Similarly, by parking where you know there will be significant foot traffic, you make the car less desirable to thieves.
• Close and lock windows and doors: This simple step does so much to deter theft. Get in the habit of always fully closing windows and locking doors before you leave your vehicle unattended.
• Hide valuables: Whether you move items to the glove box or trunk, taking the extra time to secure your valuables out of sight so no items are visible inside your car will help lower your risk of theft.
• Do not leave your car running: Even while nearby, turn off your vehicle completely and keep your keys with you if you exit the vehicle. A running car, especially unattended, is a welcome mat for vehicle thieves.

What to do if your car is stolen

If you do experience a stolen vehicle, call law enforcement immediately to report it, then report it to your insurance agency. Over 85% of stolen vehicles were eventually recovered in 2023—34% of those were found on the same day. The more quickly you report the stolen vehilce, the better chance you have of recovering it.