Top 10 Most Stolen Cars in America 2024

Updated: October 9, 2024

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A masked individual in a hoodie is attempting to break into a car using a tool, illustrating a scene of vehicle theft.

What is America's most stolen car? According to the latest report, the Hyundai Elantra is the most stolen car in the U.S., with 48,445 thefts in 2023. This shift breaks the long-standing trend of full-size pickups holding the top spot among most stolen vehicles. 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 cars. After Hyundai and Kia, the most stolen vehicles 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: Key Takeaways

The Hyundai Elantra and Sonata were the most stolen vehicles in 2023, with 48,445 and 42,813 reported incidents, respectively.

Nationwide vehicle thefts increased by 1% from 2022 to 2023, totaling 1,020,729 incidents.

Hyundai and Kia brands overtook full-size pickups as the most stolen vehicles in the U.S.

Over 85% of stolen passenger vehicles were recovered, with 34% found on the same day they were reported.

The Most Stolen Cars as of 2023

Here is the NICB's list of the most stolen cars in the U.S. as of 2023.

  1. Hyundai Elantra
  2. Hyundai Sonata
  3. Kia Optima
  4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  5. Kia Soul
  6. Honda Accord
  7. Honda Civic
  8. Kia Forte
  9. Ford F150 Series Pickup
  10. Kia Sportage

Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)

1. Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Elantra

Vehicles Stolen: 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

Hyundai Sonata

Vehicles Stolen: 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

Kia Optima

Vehicles Stolen: 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 most stolen vehicles in 2023.

4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Chevrolet Silverado

Vehicles Stolen: 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 popular vehicle to steal.

5. Kia Soul

Kia Soul

Vehicles Stolen: 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

Honda Accord

Vehicles Stolen: 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

Honda Civic

Vehicles Stolen: 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. Stolen vehicles decreased to 27,113 in 2022, representing an 8% reduction from the prior year. Older models, like the 2000 version, remain vulnerable to being stolen due to their lack of anti-theft technology.

8. Kia Forte

Kia Forte

Vehicles Stolen: 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

Ford F150 Series Pickup

Vehicles Stolen: 15,852

Model Base Price: $36,770–78,330 (2024 Model)

The Ford F150 Series Pickup was one of the 10 most stolen cars, with 15,852 thefts in 2023. This full-size pickup truck is known for its robust design and versatility. It offers a range of configurations and features, making it one of the vehicles most likely to be stolen.

10. Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

Vehicles Stolen: 15,749

Model Base Price: $27,190–37,990 (2024 Model)

The Kia Sportage is the tenth most stolen car, 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.

Most Stolen Cars by State

The most stolen vehicles and theft rate vary by location. To find the most stolen car in your state, click or tap on the interactive map below.

The Most Stolen Cars in America: Trends by State

California leads the nation in most stolen cars, with 208,668 reported cases, as highlighted by NICB data, and the prevalence of the most stolen cars in California contributes to the state's high theft numbers. 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.

Most Stolen Cars: Top States by 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
Vehicles Stolen

California

208,668

Texas

115,013

Florida

46,213

Washington

43,160

Illinois

41,528

Most Stolen Cars: Top States by Theft Rate

The NICB analyzed the rate of stolen cars by state 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 vehicle theft rates.

Rank
State
Theft Rate/100.000 People

Washington, D.C.

1,150

Colorado

583

Nevada

573

Washington

554

California

534

5 Tips to Prevent Car Theft

The number of stolen vehicles in the U.S. climbed to 1,001,967 in 2022, amounting to nearly two thefts every minute. Knowing 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.

    rideshare icon

    Practice protecting your car

    The simplest way to keep your car from being stolen is to practice standard safety habits, such as locking the doors and windows when you’re in and out of the vehicle.

    ignition icon

    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.

    gauge icon

    Install vehicle 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.

    garage icon

    Park your car in secure areas

    While you cannot always control where you can park, you can be selective about where you leave your car as a way to prevent it from being stolen. Aim for well-lit areas and places with CCTV cameras, or opt for a parking lot with security.

    carColored icon

    Protect your vehicle’s wheels from theft.

    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.

Most Stolen Cars: FAQs

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.

Why are some cars stolen more than others?
How common is car theft in the U.S.?
Which is the hardest car to steal and why?
What is the easiest car to steal and why?
What is the most stolen car in America?
How have vehicle theft trends changed over recent years?

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.

  1. How can car owners of older models keep their cars protected?
  2. While newer models have new anti-theft technology, what other precautions can owners of modern models take to further protect their vehicles?
Zach Wimpey
Zach WimpeyOperations Manager at Craig and Landreth Cars
Brandon Myers
Brandon MyersExecutive Director at DefensiveDriving.org
Cody Crawford
Cody CrawfordCo-Founder at Low Offset

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About Nathan Paulus


Nathan Paulus headshot

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.


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