Top 10 Most Stolen Cars That You Should Be Careful

Top 10 most stolen cars in the United States

In 2020, a total of 880,595 vehicles were stolen throughout the nation, marking an 11% increase from 2019, when 794,019 vehicles were stolen off U.S. streets.

Without some of the security features found in more modern cars, these vehicles may be a prime target for unscrupulous individuals looking to pawn off their parts. Although thieves often love older cars, newer vehicles aren't immune to theft, either—just more difficult to purloin.

Car theft in popular culture usually involves elaborate heists and high-speed chases with sporty roadsters or sleek sedans with six- or seven-figure price tags.

The reality is much less glamorous; professional car thieves generally are uninterested in jacking the latest McLaren or Bentley. Instead, they target popular and long-standing model lines, such as the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic.

These cars are then dismantled and sold for parts on the black market. Parts for popular models are in high demand due to the multitude of owners with the same model, and they generate more money than the value of the car intact. High demand for parts makes these cars lucrative targets for thieves.

Here are 10 most stolen cars in the United States.

How many cars have been stolen in the United States?

The FBI includes the theft or attempted theft of automobiles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, scooters, snowmobiles and other vehicles in its definition of motor vehicle theft. About $6.4 billion was lost to motor vehicle theft in 2019. The average dollar loss per theft was $8,886. Motor vehicles were stolen at a rate of 219.9 per 100,000 people in 2019, down from 230.2 in 2018. In 2019, 721,885 vehicles were stolen, down 4.0 percent from 751,885 vehicles in 2018.

Vehicle thefts have been trending downward in the 26 years since they peaked at 1.7 million in 1991, falling 43 percent to 721,885 in 2019, according to the FBI. The National Insurance Crime Bureau credits law enforcement efforts, along with the creation of specific antitheft programs, technology and insurance company-supported organizations such as the NICB for contributing to the theft reduction. However, auto theft appears to have increased considerably in 2020, compared with 2019, ending a two-year trend of decreasing auto thefts, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The bureau released a preliminary analysis that indicates that the number of auto thefts in 2020 totaled 873,080, a 9.2 percent increase compared with 2019, when its data showed that 799,644 thefts were recorded. The NICB analyzed data from the FBI’s National Crime Information Center. It counts the pandemic, economic downturn, loss of juvenile outreach programs and public safety budgetary and resource limitations as contributing factors of the increase.

Despite the reduction in vehicle thefts over the past two decades, industry observers caution that thieves constantly devise new and sophisticated means of stealing autos. Tactics include acquiring smart keys, which eliminated hot-wiring to steal cars; switching vehicle identification numbers; and using stolen identities to secure loans for expensive vehicles. Also alarming is the finding that there were 229,339 vehicle thefts with keys or fobs left in the vehicles between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018. According to the NICB, this represents a 56% increase in vehicle thefts with keys or fobs in the vehicle from the 147,434 vehicles stolen in this manner between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2015. The 2016 to 2018 vehicles stolen works out to 209 vehicles every day during those three years. The top five states with the most thefts with keys or fobs left in the vehicle during this period were California (31,185), Florida (17,300), Texas (15,511), Ohio (12,596) and Nevada (11,391).

The NICB also reports that thefts of catalytic converters, devices that convert the engine's environmentally hazardous exhaust into less harmful gasses, have been rising significantly. In 2018, there were 1,298 catalytic converter thefts reported, more than doubling to 3,389 in 2019.

By 2020 they grew more than four-fold, soaring to 14,433 thefts, with December leading the way with 2,347 thefts, or roughly 16 percent of the yearly total. Catalytic converter theft repairs could cost thousands of dollars.

The List of top 10 most stolen cars in the United States

(Last updated October, 2021)

10. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee

9. Dodge Pickup (full size)

8. GMC Pickup (Full size)

7. Toyota Corolla

6. Nissan Altima

5. Toyota Camry

4. Chevrolet Pickup (Full-size)

3. Ford Pickup (Full-size)

2. Honda Accord

1. Honda Civic

***

Top 10 vehicles had the most reported thefts in New York

(year of 2020)

Honda Accord - 770 total thefts

Honda CR-V - 584 total thefts

Toyota Camry - 561 total thefts

Honda Civic - 488 total thefts

Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee - 486 total thefts

Nissan Altima - 475 total thefts

Ford Econoline E250 - 304 total thefts

Toyota Corolla - 288 total thefts

Ford Econoline E350 - 286 total thefts

Ford Pick-Up (Full Size) - 281 total thefts

***

What are the most stolen cars in the United States Today?

10. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee

Photo: Edmunds

Number of thefts: 9,818

Model year most stolen: 2000 (646 thefts)

Thefts per 1,000: 3

The Jeep Cherokee is a line of SUVs manufactured and marketed by Jeep over five generations. Originally marketed as a variant of the Jeep Wagoneer, the Cherokee has evolved from a full-size SUV to one of the first compact SUVs and into its current generation as a crossover SUV. Named after the Cherokee tribe of North American Indians, Jeep has used the nameplate in some capacity since 1974.

Even though the Cherokee is the only SUV to rank among the ten most stolen vehicles, it’s not hard to see why thieves target this car. Not only has the Jeep Cherokee been popular for decades, but like many of the other vehicles on the list, this durable vehicle is also distinguished for its longevity. If maintained properly, this car can reportedly last well over 300,000 miles.

9. Dodge Pickup (full size)

Photo: Forbes

Number of thefts: 11,226

The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.

Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The name Ram was first used in 1981 model year Dodge Trucks in October 1980, following the retiring and rebadging of the Dodge D series pickup trucks as well as B-series vans, though the company had used a ram's-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.

Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to three-peat the award, winning in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Since last year, Dodge pickups have been bumped one ranking from eighth place to ninth, thanks to a 6.5 decrease in thefts of these powerful cars. Dodge pickup owners may want to breathe a little easier due to this decrease, but in general, pickups are still highly coveted by car thieves. It goes without saying that remaining vigilant is crucial.

8. GMC Pickup (Full size)

Photo: GMC

Number of thefts: 11,708

Model year most stolen: 2018 (1,170 thefts)

Thefts per 1,000: 6

GMC (formerly the General Motors Truck Company, or the GMC Truck & Coach Division (of General Motors Corporation), is a division of the American automobile manufacturer General Motors (GM) that primarily focuses on trucks and utility vehicles. GMC currently makes SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and light-duty trucks, catered to a premium-based market. In the past, GMC also produced fire trucks, ambulances, heavy-duty trucks, military vehicles, motorhomes, transit buses, and medium duty trucks.

GMC pickup trucks offer a slightly more upscale experience than their mechanically identical Chevrolet counterparts, plus a little more brand cachet. Unfortunately, they're often treasured by thieves, especially in Alaska, Arkansas, and Maine.

Surprisingly, it's not an older versions of GMC pickups that are the biggest targets. The most stolen version is relatively late-model, from the 2018 model year.

7. Toyota Corolla

Photo: Wikipedia

Number of thefts: 12,388

Model year most stolen: 2017 (1,034 thefts)

Thefts per 1,000: 1.9

The Toyota Corolla (Japanese: トヨタ・カローラ, Hepburn: Toyota Karōra) is a line of subcompact and compact cars manufactured and marketed globally by Toyota. Introduced in 1966, the Corolla was the best-selling car worldwide by 1974 and has been one of the best-selling cars in the world since then. In 1997, the Corolla became the best selling nameplate in the world, surpassing the Volkswagen Beetle. Toyota reached the milestone of 50 million Corollas sold over twelve generations in 2021. The series has undergone several major redesigns.

Thefts of the Toyota Corolla have remained about the same since last year, with only a 0.4 percent increase in incidence. Given the Corolla’s decades-long popular status among car owners, it’s not hard to see why this car consistently ranks high among car thieves taking advantage of the black market for parts.

6. Nissan Altima

Photo: MotorTrend

Number of thefts: 13,284

Model year most stolen: 2017 (1,451 thefts)

Thefts per 1,000: 2

The Nissan Altima is a mid-size car that has been manufactured by Nissan since 1992. It is a continuation of the Nissan Bluebird line, which began in 1955.

The Altima has historically been larger, more powerful, and more luxurious than the Nissan Sentra but less so than the Nissan Maxima. The first through fourth generation cars were manufactured exclusively in the United States and officially sold in North and South America, along with the Middle East and Australia. For other markets, Nissan sold a related mid-size sedan called the Nissan Teana which was between the Altima and Maxima in terms of size. In 2013, the Teana became a rebadged version of the fifth generation Altima.

Despite being overshadowed by segment leaders such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the Nissan Altima sedan has enjoyed strong sales. The most stolen model is the 2015 version, which is the fourth-generation Altima. That model year is one shy of Nissan giving the Altima a face lift, and four years before the sedan was completely redesigned into its current form.

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5. Toyota Camry

Photo: Toyota

Number of thefts: 16,906

Model year most stolen: 2017 (1,144 thefts)

Thefts per 1,000: 2

The Toyota Camry (/ˈkæmri/; Japanese: トヨタ・カムリ Toyota Kamuri) is an automobile sold internationally by the Japanese manufacturer Toyota since 1982, spanning multiple generations. Originally compact in size (narrow-body), the Camry has grown since the 1990s to fit the mid-size classification (wide-body)—although the two widths co-existed in that decade. Since the release of the wide-bodied versions, Camry has been extolled by Toyota as the firm's second "world car" after the Corolla. In Japan, Camry was once exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store retail dealerships. Narrow-body cars also spawned a rebadged sibling in Japan, the Toyota Vista (トヨタ・ビスタ)—also introduced in 1982 and sold at Toyota Vista Store locations. Diesel fuel versions have previously retailed at Toyota Diesel Store. The Vista Ardeo was a wagon version of the Vista V50.

Theft rates of this popular sedan have decreased by only 2.2 percent since last year, but 2017 remains the most popular car year for thieves. The Camry is the fourth car on this list wherein recent model years are desirable to thieves, which begs the question: exactly how effective are newer antitheft systems at fending off professional thieves?

4. Chevrolet Pickup (Full-size)

Photo: Chevrolet

Number of thefts: 31,566

Model year most stolen: 2004 (2,097 thefts)

Thefts per 1,000: 5

Today's Chevrolet Silverado pickup stands out for its balanced engine options and excellent towing capacity. Apparently, it's a popular choice among thieves, too. The most stolen Chevrolet pickups, however, are those from the 2004 model year.

Chevy’s marketing campaigns tend to highlight the longevity of their pickups, which attracts car buyers and thieves alike. In fact, thefts of Chevy pickups have increased 5 percent since last year, a change that is consistent with upward trends in pickup truck thefts.

3. Ford Pickup

Photo: Sherwood Ford

Number of thefts: 36,355

Model year most stolen: 2006 (3,173 thefts)

Thefts per 1,000: 5

Sensing a theme here? Popular vehicles tend to be popular theft targets. The Ford F-Series has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for 43 years running, and it unsurprisingly takes the top spot as the most stolen vehicle in America in 2019. The most stolen version, specifically, is the 2006 F-series truck.

Notoriously easy to break into and highly sought-after on the black market for parts and whole vehicles, Ford pickups are the perfect target for a thief. Theft rates of Ford pickups have risen slightly, by 3.6 percent, since last year.

2. Honda Accord

Photo: Honda

Number of thefts: 36,815

Model year most stolen: 1997 (5,029 thefts)

Thefts per 1,000: 4

The Honda Accord (Japanese: ホンダ・アコード, Hepburn: Honda Akōdo) /əˈkɔːrd/, also known as the Honda Inspire (Japanese: ホンダ・インスパイア, Hepburn: Honda Insupaia) in Japan and China for certain generations, is a series of automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, best known for its four-door sedan variant, which has been one of the best-selling cars in the United States since 1989. The Accord nameplate has been applied to a variety of vehicles worldwide, including coupes, station wagons, hatchbacks and a Honda Crosstour crossover.

Even though the Accord has maintained its second-place ranking since last year, thefts of America’s favorite car have decreased significantly since last year. It may be surprising to see that 1997 Accords remain the most stolen model year, despite being well over twenty years old. But to some unsavory types, the appeal of these cars is their age. 1997 Accords were built with a fatal flaw: as the ignition in these cars ages, it becomes so imprecise that anything fitting in the keyhole—including the handle of a spoon—is enough to start the engine.

1. Honda Civic

Photo: Honda

Number of thefts: 38,426

Model year most stolen: 2000 (5,290 thefts)

Thefts per 1,000: 5

The Honda Civic (Japanese: ホンダ・シビック, Honda Shibikku) is a series of automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1972. Since 2000, the Civic has been categorized as a compact car, while previously it occupies the subcompact class. Currently, the Civic is positioned between the Honda City and Honda Accord in Honda's car line-up.

Another Honda make is in the top 3 most stolen vehicles this year, the Civic. Although the Civic wins the notorious title for the most stolen vehicle of the year, one statistic is encouraging: in a similar trend to theft rates of the Honda Accord, Honda Civic thefts have decreased 14.7 percent since last year.

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