Most Stolen Cars in America

Name: Most Stolen Cars in America
Item: Most Stolen Cars in America
Author: Nathan Paulus

The Ford full-size pickup remains the most stolen vehicle in the U.S., followed by the Chevrolet full-size pickup and the Honda Civic. Full-size pickup trucks were observed to have the highest theft rate in the country.

Updated: July 17, 2024

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According to the latest National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) report from 2022, the 2004 full-size Chevrolet pickup is the most stolen vehicle in America, with a reported 49,903 thefts, a 3.5% increase from 2021.

The 2006 full-size Ford pickup is the second most stolen with 48,175 reported thefts — also seeing an increase from the previous year’s 47,999. Both cars retained their most stolen car status from 2021. Similarly, the Honda Civic retained its third-place rank with 27,113 reported thefts, a 14% decrease from the previous year’s 31,673.

New entries into the most stolen cars list are the Hyundai Sonata, with 21,707 thefts, and the Hyundai Elantra, with 19,602 thefts in 2022.

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The 2004 full-size Chevrolet pickup ranked first in NICB's 2022 Annual Auto Theft Report with 49,903 recorded thefts. The 2006 full-size Ford pickup comes in second with 48,175 incidents.

Vehicle theft rates across the U.S. went up 7% in 2022 compared to 2021.

Sedans from Asian manufacturers occupied the next spots. These were the Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Optima and Toyota Camry.

Full-size pickups made up more than 25% of thefts reported in 2022, a decrease from 33% in 2021.

In 2022, there was a 34% same-day recovery rate if a vehicle was reported stolen within the first 24 hours.

Sources:

National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)

Most Stolen Cars by State

Although the reported number of motor vehicle thefts across all states reached more than one million in 2022, some locations had higher theft rates than others. Find the top stolen car in your state on the interactive map below.

America’s Top 10 Stolen Cars

Thieves prefer certain vehicle models for a number of reasons, such as being easy to steal or having parts that are popular to sell. Being aware of which car models are most often stolen can help you determine if you should take extra safety precautions with your vehicle. The following are the top 10 most stolen cars in America.

1. Chevrolet Full-Size Pickup

Number of thefts: 49,903

Model most stolen: 2004

Model base price: $19,545

Chevrolet’s full-size pickup retained its title as the most stolen car in America for 2022. From 49,903 reported thefts in 2021, numbers for this full-size pickup truck increased by 3.5% in 2022, putting it at 49,903 reported thefts. Most incidents still involve the 2004 model. Despite Chevy trucks having anti-theft technology, thieves are still able to find a way to steal this popular truck.

2. Ford Full-Size Pickup

Number of thefts: 48,175

Model most stolen: 2006

Model base price: $18,930

The full-size Ford Pickup also retained its place as the second-most stolen car in America. However, slightly more units were stolen in 2022 than in 2021. Thefts went from 47,999 to 48,175. This vehicle's popularity among American drivers makes it attractive to thieves, particularly the 2006 version.

3. Honda Civic

Number of thefts: 27,113

Model most stolen: 2000

Model base price: $10,750

Another vehicle with older models lacking anti-theft technology is the Honda Civic, so it's unsurprising that its 2000 version was the most stolen among its models in 2022. That said, thefts of the Civic decreased to 27,113 in 2022 — 2,471 fewer than the previous year.

4. Honda Accord

Number of thefts: 27,089

Model most stolen: 1997

Model base price: $15,100

From 30,274 Honda Accord thefts reported in 2021, numbers were lower by a significant 3,185 in 2022, putting it at 27,089. The 1997 model remains the most stolen. Besides having little-to-no anti-theft technology, various models use its parts, so thieves can get a hefty sum for these.

5. Hyundai Sonata

Number of thefts: 21,707

Model most stolen: 2013

Model base price: $20,895

The Hyundai Sonata, a mid-size sedan, takes the No.5 most stolen car spot with 21,707 reported thefts. Its 2013 model appears to be eyed most by thieves, ranking as the most stolen model year in the NICB’s 2022 list.

6. Hyundai Elantra

Number of thefts: 19,602

Model most stolen: 2017

Model base price: $17,150

The Hyundai Elantra is the No.6 most stolen car in America with 19,602 reported thefts. Its 2017 model happens to be popular among car thieves as it is the most stolen across its U.S. models. Overall, the Elantra is a popular compact sedan known for its looks and price.

7. Kia Optima

Number of thefts: 18,221

Model most stolen: 2015

Model base price: $21,840

The Kia Optima lands the No.7 spot in the most stolen cars in America, with 18,221 reported thefts. Its popularity among consumers and resulting proliferation made it one of the prime targets for car thieves in 2022. Among this vehicle's models, the 2015 is the most commonly stolen.

8. Toyota Camry

Number of thefts: 17,094

Model most stolen: 2021

Model base price: $25,045

The Camry is another popular car from Toyota. That, plus its high resale value, may be why many car thieves target it. However, theft reports slightly decreased from 17,270 in 2021 to 17,094 in 2022. The 2021 model was the most stolen model as it is popular for its high gas mileage and reliability.

9. GMC Full-Size Pickup

Number of thefts: 16,662

Model most stolen: 2005

Model base price: $18,190

GMC’s full-size pickup is the first truck on our list, with 16,662 theft incidents in 2022 — 1,023 more than 2021 figures. Most thefts still steal the 2005 year model, similar to 2021. The theft of pickup trucks has been on the rise lately, making them the segment with the highest theft rate in 2022.

10. Honda CR-V

Number of thefts: 13,832

Model most stolen: 2001

Model base price: $18,750

The Honda CR-V continues to be one of the most stolen cars in America, ranking No.10 on the list. Although the total thefts slightly increased from 13,308 in 2021 to 13,832 in 2022, it moved down from the No.8 spot in 2021. The 2001 model year was the most stolen.

Sedans to Pickups: Vehicle Theft Trends From 2016–22

MoneyGeek analyzed the NICB’s Hot Wheels reports from 2016 to 2022, revealing a shift in vehicle theft trends. While older models like the 1997 Honda Accord and 1998 Honda Civic were the most stolen in 2016, there has been an increase in thefts of full-size pickups in recent years, particularly Chevrolet and Ford models, peaking in 2022.

Most Stolen Cars	Total Thefts	Most Stolen Model Year	Peak Theft Year
Ford Pickup (Full Size)	283,352	2006	2022
Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)	264,522	2004	2022
Honda Civic	259,185	1998	2016
Honda Accord	249,928	1997	2016
Toyota Camry	117,851	2007	2021
Nissan Altima	80,994	2020	2020
GMC Pickup (Full Size)	78,974	2005	2022
Toyota Corolla	74,293	2020	2021
Dodge Pickup (Full Size)	58,641	2001	2016
Honda CR-V	49,543	2001	2022

Sources: NICB Reports and Statistics

5 Tips to Prevent Car Theft

The number of vehicle thefts in the U.S. climbed to 1,001,967 in 2022, amounting to nearly two stolen vehicles every minute. Knowing how to protect your car from theft 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.

Practice protecting your car

The simplest thing you can do to keep your car safe is to practice common safety habits, such as keeping your car doors and windows locked when you’re in and out of the vehicle.

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.

Install 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.

Park in secure areas

While you cannot always control where you can park, you can be selective about where you leave your car. Aim for well-lit areas and places with CCTV cameras, or opt for a parking lot that has security.

Protect your wheels

If a thief can’t steal your car, they can try to steal your wheels instead. If you intend to not 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.

What to Do When Your Car Is Stolen

Taking immediate action after a car theft is crucial. If your car is stolen, report it to the authorities and call your insurer as soon as possible. Depending on your coverage type and circumstances, you may be covered for theft. Follow the steps below to increase your odds of recovering your vehicle and avoiding undue financial burden.

Call the police and file an auto theft report

Once you’ve realized your vehicle has been stolen, contact law enforcement immediately and inform them of the vehicle details, such as the color, license plate, make and model year and any distinct features it may have.

Call your insurer

Contact your auto insurance provider and inform them of the theft. Even if you don’t have full coverage car insurance, notifying your insurer can ensure you’re protected if your stolen vehicle causes property damage or injuries. Depending on your insurer, you may have to report the claim online or by phone. Make sure to have all the necessary details on hand to expedite the process.

Call your leasing or financing company

If your car is being financed or leased, inform relevant parties about the details of the theft. Have those parties contact your insurance company directly so that your insurer can pay for the claims.

Inform the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Notifying the DMV of the stolen vehicle is essential as they have a database of stolen vehicles — this is useful in case the thief tries to register the car.

Check the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) VINCheck

If the NICB or any of its partner agencies and companies find your stolen vehicle, it will be reported on VINCheck. Use your vehicle’s identification number (VIN) to regularly look up your car on this tool in case it gets recovered.

WHAT IF YOUR CAR IS UNINSURED?

If your car is stolen with no insurance or your policy doesn’t include comprehensive insurance, you won’t be able to get financial compensation for the stolen vehicle. Liability-only insurance only pays for the other driver's damages in an at-fault accident.

Graphic of two people standing near an SUV, one with a clipboard

Car Theft FAQ

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.

Does car insurance cover theft?

Most comprehensive auto insurance policies cover car theft, but liability-only policies only provide minimum coverage and don't cover car theft. Keep in mind that home insurance policies do not cover your vehicle, which means that even if it gets stolen on your property, only your comprehensive auto insurance will cover you.

Why are some cars stolen more than others?

The reason why some cars are stolen more often than others can vary greatly. For instance, older models are easier to steal. Other cars have parts that are widely used, making selling those parts financially lucrative.

How frequent is car theft in the U.S.?

In 2022 alone, there were 1,001,967 vehicle thefts— that’s around 2,738 vehicles stolen per day. This is nearly a 7% increase compared to 2021, which had 937,976 thefts.

Which is the hardest car to steal and why?

Given the number of new technologies being put into cars these days, there are some cars that are harder to steal. For example, Tesla models and other luxury brands, such as Jaguar or Lexus, have anti-theft technologies that make it difficult to steal without the owner or even the brand knowing about it.

What is the most stolen car in America?

The 2004 Chevrolet Pickup (full size) was the most stolen car in America in 2022, with over 49,903 units stolen.

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.

How can car owners of older models keep their cars protected?
While newer models have new anti-theft technology, what other precautions can owners of modern models take to further protect their vehicles?

Zach WimpeyOperations Manager at Craig and Landreth Cars

Brandon MyersExecutive Director at DefensiveDriving.org

Cody CrawfordCo-Founder at Low Offset

Most Stolen Cars in America