These 6 Cars Are The Most Stolen Cars In the US
More than 1 million cars were stolen in the United States in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This was a 25% increase from previous years and it’s continuing to be on the rise. That said, certain vehicles are bigger targets than others. They might be easier to steal or have a high resale value. Whatever the case might be, these are the six most stolen cars in the U.S.
1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is one of the most popular trucks in America, making it a prime target for thieves. Pickup trucks are often stolen because of their high resale value and the demand for parts. Many Silverado models lack modern anti-theft technology, making them easier to steal. Thieves also target them for their powerful engines and durability, which make them valuable on the black market. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) consistently ranks the Silverado among the most stolen vehicles each year.
2. Kia Soul
The Kia Soul has gained attention for all the wrong reasons after being linked to the viral “Kia Boyz” TikTok challenge. Many older models lack engine immobilizers, allowing thieves to start the car easily with basic tools. This flaw has made the Soul one of the easiest and most frequently stolen vehicles in the U.S. Insurance companies have even raised rates for Kia owners due to the high theft risk. Despite Kia’s efforts to roll out anti-theft software updates, many Souls remain vulnerable.
3. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has been one of the most stolen cars in the U.S. for decades. Its widespread popularity means that parts are always in high demand, making stolen Accords easy to dismantle and sell. Older models are particularly vulnerable because they lack modern anti-theft technology. Thieves often target Accords in large cities and suburban areas, where they can blend in easily with traffic. Even newer models with keyless entry systems have been stolen using high-tech relay attacks.
4. Hyundai Elantra
Like the Kia Soul, the Hyundai Elantra has been targeted due to security vulnerabilities in older models. Thieves exploit a lack of engine immobilizers, making it easy to start these cars with simple tools. The surge in Hyundai thefts has forced police departments to distribute free steering wheel locks to owners. Criminals often steal Elantras for joyrides or quick resale, as the cars are commonly found in most cities. Hyundai has introduced security updates, but not all owners have installed them, leaving many vehicles at risk.
5. Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata has fallen victim to the same theft trend as the Elantra and Kia models. Many Sonatas built before 2022 lack immobilizers, making them easy targets for car thieves. The popularity of the Sonata means that stolen models and parts are easy to sell. In some cities, theft rates for these vehicles have skyrocketed by over 100% in recent years. Hyundai has released a free security software update, but some thieves have found ways around it.
6. Kia Optima
Another Kia on the list, the Optima, is a favorite among car thieves due to its security flaws. Many older Optima models are part of the notorious TikTok-fueled theft trend, which has led to a significant spike in stolen vehicles. Thieves use USB cables and screwdrivers to quickly bypass the ignition system. Some cities have sued Kia and Hyundai over these security issues, arguing that their vehicles were too easy to steal. Kia has rolled out fixes, but thousands of Optimas remain unprotected.
How to Protect Your Car from Theft
If you own one of these high-risk cars, it doesn’t mean you’ll absolutely have your car stolen. There are some things you can do to protect your vehicle. Steering wheel locks, GPS trackers, and alarm systems can thwart would-be thieves. You should always park in well-lit areas or in a secured garage. Additionally, you can check with the manufacturer of your car to see if there are available software updates to improve the safety of your vehicle. I’d always recommend that you have comprehensive insurance coverage too. So, if you are unlucky enough to have your car stolen, you’ll be covered.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.