Car theft is rising, and criminals are getting smarter. In 2023 alone, over one million vehicles were stolen in the U.S., marking a 1% increase from the previous year. Certain cars are easier to steal due to outdated security, high resale value, and demand for parts. Is your car one of them? Let’s find out!
Hyundai Elantra
In 2023, Elantra stood as one of the most targeted cars by thieves, with around 48,445 stolen. Thieves were able to hotwire them in seconds since models from 2011 to 2022 lacked engine immobilizers. Viral social media challenges exposed this flaw, which further led to a massive spike in thefts.
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata also has a whopping number of cases, with 42,813 thefts. Older models, especially those made before 2022, lack essential anti-theft technology. Criminals can break in and start the engine using basic tools. The widespread demand for Hyundai parts makes stealing and reselling these cars even more profitable.
Kia Optima
More than 30,000 Kia Optimas were stolen in 2023. Like Hyundai, older Kias also lacked immobilizers. The “Kia Boyz” movement showed how simple it is to start these cars without a key. While the company later issued fixes, not all owners upgraded.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a top choice for criminals because of its high demand and high resale value. This has led to 23,000+ thefts so far. Many thieves strip stolen Silverados for valuable components like catalytic converters, engines, and airbags before abandoning the frame.
Kia Soul
This small Kia car is also a big target for car thieves. In 2023, around 21,000 Kia Souls were stolen. Like other models, this one didn’t have an immobilizer. Plus, the vehicle’s compact size added to the thieves’ convenience. They used simple components to unlock and start the car and drive it away quickly.
Honda Accord
Here’s one under the Honda banner that stood out as a top target. The Honda Accord is also one of the most commonly owned cars, so thieves could easily blend in while stealing one. More than 20,895 of these models have been stolen. Parts like airbags and engines fetch high prices and have made these vehicles attractive for illegal resale markets.
Honda Civic
In 2024, thieves stole 19,858 Honda Civics. Older models, particularly those made before 2017, lack advanced security features. Civics are known for interchangeable parts, so stealing one is a goldmine for chop shops. Their popularity also means stolen vehicles can be resold with fake VINs.
Kia Forte
Another Kia facing security issues–why are we not surprised? The Kia Forte recorded 16,209 thefts in 2023. Criminals frequently use these vehicles in secondary crimes like robberies because they can steal them so quickly. Kia has introduced security updates, but many affected models remain vulnerable.
Ford F-150
America’s favorite truck is also a thieves’ favorite. With 15,852 thefts, the Ford F-150 remains one of the most stolen trucks in the U.S. Its high resale value makes it a profitable steal. Thieves often bypass its security system using relay attacks, intercepting key fob signals to unlock and start the truck remotely.
Kia Sportage
This SUV turned out to have a major security flaw, which resulted in around 15,749 thefts in 2023. Like other Kia models, these models were easy to steal with hotwires. Many criminals prefer SUVs for their higher resale value and larger parts market. Owners opted for physical anti-theft devices to upgrade the security of their Kia SUVs.
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is stolen at alarming rates due to its supercharged V8 engine and high demand among illegal street racers. Many are taken from dealerships or personal driveways, often using signal-boosting devices that allow thieves to unlock and start push-to-start models.
Dodge Charger HEMI
Like the Hellcat, the Dodge Charger HEMI is a magnet for thieves. With a powerful Hemi V8 engine and high resale demand, these cars disappear quickly. Thieves often target them in organized theft rings, strip them for parts, or resell them with fake registration papers.
Kia Sorento
In 2023, thousands of Kia Sorentos were stolen due to outdated security features. This mid-size SUV shares the same immobilizer issue as other Kias. Like many other stolen cars—especially under this brand—thieves used them for secondary crimes, such as transporting stolen goods or committing robberies.
Nissan Altima
The older models of the Nissan Altima remain high-theft vehicles as well. The demand for its engine, transmission, and catalytic converters keeps it on criminals’ radar. Many stolen Altimas end up in overseas markets, where their parts fetch premium prices.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry has been a top-selling sedan for decades, but it has also been quite popular among thieves. Older models lack modern anti-theft systems, which allow criminals to hotwire them easily. Stolen Camrys often get resold with altered VINs, which makes it hard for authorities to track them.