Despite its size and diverse landscapes, Texas has a less appealing claim to fame: the state with the tenth-highest rate of car theft at 320 thefts per 100,000 residents in 2021, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Topping the list of the most stolen cars in Texas are full-size pickup trucks from Chevrolet, Ford and GMC, followed by compact to midsize sedans from Honda, Toyota and Nissan.
This report dives into the most stolen cars in Texas using data from NICB’s latest "Hot Wheels" report, focusing on theft numbers, year-over-year comparisons, how much buyers paid for the 2021 year models and vehicle reliability ratings according to J.D. Power and Edmunds.
- Full-size pickups from Chevrolet, Ford and GMC were the most stolen cars in Texas in 2021.
- The Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima occupy the rest of our list of Texas’s most stolen cars of 2021.
- Texas is the 10th highest state for car thefts in 2021, with a theft rate of 320 per 100,000 residents, according to the NICB.
- Texas’s car theft rate per 100,000 people in 2021 increased from 319 to 320 in 2020.
Sources: NICB: Annual Auto Theft Report, NICB: Most Stolen Cars per State
Top 10 Stolen Cars in Texas
Car theft is a significant issue in Texas, with certain models being more popular targets. For Texas residents, it's crucial to know which cars are most at risk. Let's review the most stolen cars in Texas.
10. Honda Civic
Key Takeaways
Number of Thefts: 1,184
Model Most Stolen: 2012
Starting Price: $23,948
The Honda Civic is the tenth most stolen car in Texas, with 1,184 recorded thefts in 2021, down from 1,197 in 2020. J.D. Power rated the 2021 Honda Civic 83/100 overall, with the Civic's driving experience earning an 86/100 and quality and reliability scoring 82/100. Owners who rated the Honda Civic enjoyed it for its engine power and convenient storage spaces. The price of a 2021 Honda Civic starts at around $23,948.
9. Toyota Camry
Key Takeaways
Number of Thefts: 1,303
Model Most Stolen: 2007
Starting Price: $25,352
The Toyota Camry is the ninth most stolen car in Texas in 2021. This sedan experienced a decrease in thefts this year, with 1,303 reported thefts compared to 1,369 in 2020. J.D. Power gave the 2021 Toyota Camry a score of 84/100, with owners rating its driving experience at 83/100 and quality and reliability at 84/100. Owners who reviewed the car liked its higher-than-average fuel economy of 22–51 MPG in the city and 31–53 MPG on the highway. The starting price for a 2021 Toyota Camry is around $25,352.
8. Nissan Altima
Key Takeaways
Number of Thefts: 1376
Model Most Stolen: 2015
Starting Price: $23,442
The Nissan Altima is eighth on the list of most stolen cars in Texas, with 1,376 thefts reported in 2021, down from 1,407 in 2020. J.D. Power rates the 2021 Nissan Altima an 83/100, with owners giving its quality and reliability an 85/100 and its driving experience 82/100. Owners who rated the car liked its low noise and vibration, built-in audio system and excellent safety features. The 2021 Nissan Altima starts at around $23,442.
7. Ram Pickup (Full-Size)
Key Takeaways
Number of Thefts: 1,420
Model Most Stolen: 2020
Base Model Price: $33,597
Ram’s 1500 pickup trick ranks seventh on the most stolen cars in Texas, with 1,420 reported thefts in 2021, an increase from 1,340 in 2020. Edmunds notes the Ram 1500’s smooth ride and roomy cabin. The car sports useful new tech features like a driver head-up display, digital rearview mirror and a trailer reverse control system. Its other variants offer supercharged V8 engines with considerable offroad and towing capabilities. According to J.D. Power, the 2021 Ram 1500 starts at $33,597 on the open market.
6. Honda Accord
Key Takeaways
Number of Thefts: 1,484
Model Most Stolen: 2007
Base Model Price: $26,167
The Honda Accord takes the sixth spot on the list of most stolen cars in Texas, with 1,484 reported thefts in 2021, up from 1,423 in 2020. J.D. Power rates this model an overall 82/100, with owners giving its driving experience an 84/100 and quality and reliability 82/100. Drivers like the Honda Accord for its engine power, storage space and effective headlights. The 2021 Honda Accord's price starts at $26,167.
5. Chevrolet Tahoe
Key Takeaways
Number of Thefts: 2,129
Model Most Stolen: 2004
Base Model Price: $48,841
The Chevrolet Tahoe ranks fifth on the list of most stolen cars in Texas, with a reported 2,129 thefts in 2021, an increase from the previous year's 1,814. J.D. Power rates the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe 82/100 overall, with the car's quality and reliability earning a 79/100 while the driving experience scored 85/100. Owners who rated the car appreciated its navigation features and maneuverability. The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe has a starting price of $48,841.
4. Dodge Pickup (Full-Size)
Key Takeaways
Number of Thefts: 2,251
Model Most Stolen: 2005
Base Model Price: $33,597
Dodge’s 1500 full-size pickups saw a rise in thefts in Texas in 2021, with 3,496 incidents, up from 2,891 in 2020. It’s worth remembering that Dodge segmented its pickup production under Ram in 2009. Still placing fourth on the list of the most stolen cars in Texas more than a decade after the split speaks volumes about the truck brand’s reputation. Known for its hauling capabilities and smooth ride, modern full-size pickup trucks from Ram start at $33,597.
3. GMC Pickup (Full-Size)
Key Takeaways
Number of Thefts: 3,496
Model Most Stolen: 2018
Base Model Price: $29,952
The GMC Sierra 1500 ranked third on the list of the most stolen cars in Texas, with an increase in vehicle thefts to 3,496 in 2021 compared to 2,891 in 2020. J.D. Power rates the GMC Sierra 1500 an overall 85/100, with its quality and reliability rated at 84/100 and its driving experience similarly at 84/100. The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 features an infotainment system with smartphone compatibility, in-vehicle trailering apps and advanced safety features, starting at around $29,952.
2. Ford Pickup (Full-Size)
Key Takeaways
Number of Thefts: 8,202
Model Most Stolen: 2006
Base Model Price: $32,966
The Ford F-150 ranked second on the list of most stolen cars in Texas, with a reported theft count of 8,202 in 2021, a decrease compared to the previous year's 8,433. J.D. Power ranks the Ford F-Series of trucks as the best-selling truck in the U.S. The consumer ratings agency rates the 2021 F-150 with 80/100 overall. It earned an average quality and reliability score of 77/100 and a driving experience rating of 82/100. Owners appreciate it for its infotainment systems and maneuverability. The 2021 Ford F-150 starts at $32,966.
1. Chevrolet Pickup (Full-Size)
Key Takeaways
Number of Thefts: 9,981
Model Most Stolen: 2006
Base Model Price: $27,841
With 9,981 reported thefts in 2021, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 topped the list of the most stolen cars in Texas, surpassing its 2020 theft count of 9,382. J.D. Power rates the Silverado 1500 an overall 83/100, with its quality and reliability earning an 83/100 and driving experience scoring an average of 75/100. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a powerful, tech-integrated truck featuring advanced safety technologies like Transparent Trailer rearview camera, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Keep Assist. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 starts at $27,841.
Understanding Car Theft Trends in Texas
Car theft rates in Texas saw an upward trend from 2018 to 2021. The 2018 rate of 273.18 per 100,000 residents surged to 320.04 in 2021. The rise in car theft rates poses challenges for car ownership and car insurance rates in Texas. Heightened theft rates may necessitate enhanced security measures and potentially impact insurance premiums in the state.
FAQ About the Most Stolen Cars in Texas
Related Resources
Learn more about auto insurance with these additional resources from MoneyGeek. Whether you're new to car insurance or seeking detailed information, these guides provide valuable insights:
- Does Insurance Cover Stolen Cars? Learn whether your auto insurance policy can cover a stolen car if it includes comprehensive insurance coverage.
- A Beginner's Guide to Car Insurance This comprehensive guide created by industry experts provides a thorough understanding of car insurance for beginners.
- The Average Cost of Car Insurance Discover the average cost of car insurance across the U.S. and factors that may affect your rate.
- How Much Car Insurance Do You Need? This resource guides you to find affordable car insurance by comparing quotes from multiple companies and understanding what you should be paying.
- View the Most Stolen Cars in California, Florida and Colorado: See how these states compare with the most stolen cars in Texas.
About Nathan Paulus
sources
- National Insurance Crime Bureau. "FBI releases new auto theft numbers - Nearly 750,000 motor vehicles stolen in 2018." Accessed June 16, 2023.
- National Insurance Crime Bureau. "2019 Hot Spots Vehicle Theft Report." Accessed June 16, 2023.
- National Insurance Crime Bureau. "NICB 'Hot Spots': Auto Thefts Up Significantly Across the Country." Accessed June 16, 2023.
- National Insurance Crime Bureau. "NICB Report Finds Vehicle Thefts Continue to Skyrocket in Many Areas of U.S." Accessed June 16, 2023.