Top 5 Most Stolen Vehicle Brands

With more than a million automobiles stolen in 2023 alone, auto theft is on the rise everywhere, but particularly in the US and Canada.

This concerning pattern demonstrates how thieves frequently target particular brands due to their popularity or susceptibility.

Because of their security flaws, quantity on the road, or component worth, some cars are especially desirable targets.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) data reveals clear patterns in vehicle theft in order to help car owners know which brands are most at risk and enable them to take additional safety measures.

Here are the top five most stolen vehicle brands in no particular order:

Hyundai: Security Vulnerabilities Exposed

With two models that rank first and second among the most stolen cars, Hyundai is at the top of the list. The Elantra was the most targeted car in America in 2023, with 48,445 thefts.

The Sonata comes in second with 42,813 thefts reported. Social media revealed the security flaws in both models, especially in the earlier vehicles without immobilizers, making them potential targets.

Particularly at risk are models made prior to 2022. According to NICB data, the most often reported thefts are the 2013 Sonata and the 2017 Elantra.

These cars might be taken in less than 30 seconds, thieves found. Viral “Kia Boyz” social media challenges helped disseminate this weakness, which significantly raised theft rates.

Kia: Social Media’s Theft Target

Starting in 2021, there was a trend with the #Kiaboiz, which showed videos demonstrating how specific Kia and Hyundai vehicles could be swiftly and easily stolen.

This method was without the need to know how to hotwire the vehicle and was done with only a screwdriver and a USB cable.

After the viral video, four Kia models are included among the top ten most stolen automobiles, with Optima recording 30,204 thefts the next year.

Theft statistics also show that the Soul (21,001 thefts), Forte (16,209 thefts), and Sportage (15,749 thefts) are also very common. The most often reported stolen models are those from 2015–2021.

Similar to Hyundai, a large number of Kia automobiles lacked standard immobilization technology. Because of this security hole, robbers can use simple tools to start the cars without keys.

After facing legal repercussions, the manufacturer consented to a $200 million class-action settlement.

Although software upgrades have been made available, certain updated cars are still allegedly at risk.

Honda: Longevity Creates Opportunity

With the Accord (20,895 thefts) and Civic (19,858 thefts) placing sixth and seventh among the most stolen cars, respectively, Honda is still a popular target for thieves.

Older models are especially vulnerable, as the 1997 Accord and 2000 Civic are the most commonly attacked.

These cars have valuable, interchangeable parts but lack contemporary anti-theft systems.

Additionally, theft reports frequently feature the CR-V. Older models with fewer security features are widely available due to Honda’s popularity and durability.

A strong secondary parts market is created by the interchangeability of many Honda model components.

Because of this, chop shops all throughout the country find them to be profitable prey.

Ford: America’s Bestseller at Risk

Despite a decrease in theft, Ford’s F-Series pickups are still often targeted. 15,852 F-150 thefts were reported last year, with the 2006 model being the most commonly stolen.

Given that F-Series trucks are frequently ranked as the best-selling automobiles in America, their widespread presence makes them desirable targets.

These vehicles are frequently targeted by thieves for both expensive cargo and valuable parts.

The Ford Focus also ranks among frequently stolen vehicles in other countries, and Ford pickups previously topped theft lists before Kia and Hyundai’s security issues emerged.

Chevrolet: Pickup Popularity Problems

With 23,721 stolen in 2023, Chevrolet pickups, especially Silverados, are in high danger of theft. The model year 2004 seems to be the most susceptible to theft.

Even though they still have important parts, older Chevy trucks lack contemporary anti-theft systems. Due to their extensive popularity, there are many opportunities for theft.

Risk factors are also increased by their popularity in rural locations where security may be laxer.

Protecting Your Vehicle

Take these NICB-recommended steps regardless of what vehicle you drive:

Always lock doors and close windows completely. Never leave keys in the ignition or vehicle, even briefly.

Park in well-lit areas with security cameras when possible. Consider installing wheel locks, especially for high-risk models.

Add aftermarket security devices like alarms or immobilizers. GPS tracking systems significantly increase recovery chances if theft occurs.

Report thefts immediately to maximize recovery potential. Vehicles reported stolen within 24 hours have a 34% recovery rate.

Consider upgrades offered by manufacturers addressing security vulnerabilities. Both Kia and Hyundai now provide security software updates for vulnerable models.