Top 10 Most Stolen Cars in America 2024

Name: Top 10 Most Stolen Cars in America 2024
Item: Top 10 Most Stolen Cars in America 2024
Author: Nathan Paulus

The most stolen car in America is the Hyundai Elantra, and Kia or Hyundai vehicles make up the top three and six out of the top ten spots of the most stolen vehicles.

By Nathan Paulus

Edited by Casie McCoskey

Updated: November 1, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

A masked individual in a hoodie is attempting to break into a car using a tool, illustrating a scene of vehicle theft.

What is America's most stolen car? According to the latest report, the Hyundai Elantra is the most stolen car in the U.S., with 48,445 thefts in 2023. This shift breaks the long-standing trend of full-size pickups holding the top spot among most stolen vehicles. Close behind is the Hyundai Sonata, with 42,813 thefts, and the Kia Optima, with 30,204 thefts. The Sonata and Elantra were new entries in the previous report.

Among the top ten most stolen cars, Hyundai and Kia occupy six spots, including the top three. The NICB stated that this shift is likely influenced by social media trends demonstrating how to steal these cars. After Hyundai and Kia, the most stolen vehicles are full-size pickups and mid-size cars, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and Ford F150 Series Pickup.

Most Stolen Cars: Key Takeaways

The Hyundai Elantra and Sonata were the most stolen vehicles in 2023, with 48,445 and 42,813 reported incidents, respectively.

Nationwide vehicle thefts increased by 1% from 2022 to 2023, totaling 1,020,729 incidents.

Hyundai and Kia brands overtook full-size pickups as the most stolen vehicles in the U.S.

Over 85% of stolen passenger vehicles were recovered, with 34% found on the same day they were reported.

The Most Stolen Cars as of 2023

Here is the NICB's list of the most stolen cars in the U.S. as of 2023.

Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Sonata
Kia Optima
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Kia Soul
Honda Accord
Honda Civic
Kia Forte
Ford F150 Series Pickup
Kia Sportage

Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)

1. Hyundai Elantra

Vehicles Stolen: 48,445

Model Base Price: $27,895–29,910 (2024 Model)

The Hyundai Elantra rose to the top of the most stolen cars list, with 48,445 thefts, marking a 147% increase from its sixth-place position in 2022. The 2017 model was particularly popular among car thieves in the previous report. Overall, the Elantra is a popular compact sedan known for its looks and price.

2. Hyundai Sonata

Vehicles Stolen: 42,813

Model Base Price: $27,500–34,950 (2024 Model)

The Hyundai Sonata ranked second, with 42,813 thefts in 2023, nearly doubling its numbers from 2022, when it ranked fifth with 21,707 thefts. The 2013 model was the most targeted by thieves in the previous report.

3. Kia Optima

Vehicles Stolen: 30,204

Model Base Price: $23,390–32,190 (2020 Model)

The Kia Optima is third on the list of most stolen cars in America, with 30,204 reported thefts. It was seventh before, experiencing a 66% increase from 18,221 thefts. Its popularity among consumers has kept it as one of the most stolen vehicles in 2023.

4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Vehicles Stolen: 23,721

Model Base Price: $36,800–69,900 (2024 Model)

The full-size pickup Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reported 23,721 thefts, making it the fourth most stolen car. This model was the most stolen vehicle in 2022, with 49,903 thefts. The Silverado remains popular among consumers for its durability and versatility, which also makes it a popular vehicle to steal.

5. Kia Soul

Vehicles Stolen: 21,001

Model Base Price: $20,190–24,490 (2024 Model)

The Kia Soul is a new entry on the list of most stolen cars, ranking fifth with 21,001 reported thefts. This car stands out for its reliability, unique design and spacious interior.

6. Honda Accord

Vehicles Stolen: 20,895

Model Base Price: $27,895–29,910 (2024 Model)

The Honda Accord ranked sixth on the list of most stolen cars, down from fourth place. It experienced an 11% decrease in thefts, from 30,274 in 2021 to 27,089 in 2022. Despite the decline, it remains a common target due to the high demand for its parts, which can fetch high prices.

7. Honda Civic

Vehicles Stolen: 19,858

Model Base Price: $23,950–31,450 (2024 Model)

The Honda Civic remained a frequent target for thieves, ranking lower than in previous years when it was in the top three. Stolen vehicles decreased to 27,113 in 2022, representing an 8% reduction from the prior year. Older models, like the 2000 version, remain vulnerable to being stolen due to their lack of anti-theft technology.

8. Kia Forte

Vehicles Stolen: 16,209

Model Base Price: $19,990–25,390 (2024 Model)

The Kia Forte is a new entry on the list of most stolen cars, ranking eighth with 16,209 reported incidents. This compact sedan is known for its affordability, stylish design and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice among consumers.

9. Ford F150 Series Pickup

Vehicles Stolen: 15,852

Model Base Price: $36,770–78,330 (2024 Model)

The Ford F150 Series Pickup was one of the 10 most stolen cars, with 15,852 thefts in 2023. This full-size pickup truck is known for its robust design and versatility. It offers a range of configurations and features, making it one of the vehicles most likely to be stolen.

10. Kia Sportage

Vehicles Stolen: 15,749

Model Base Price: $27,190–37,990 (2024 Model)

The Kia Sportage is the tenth most stolen car, with 15,749 reported incidents. This compact SUV is known for its stylish design and practicality. It offers a comfortable ride and a range of features, making it a popular choice for families and individuals looking for a versatile vehicle.

Most Stolen Cars by State

The most stolen vehicles and theft rate vary by location. To find the most stolen car in your state, click or tap on the interactive map below.

Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)

The Most Stolen Cars in America: Trends by State

California leads the nation in most stolen cars, with 208,668 reported cases, as highlighted by NICB data, and the prevalence of the most stolen cars in California contributes to the state's high theft numbers. Meanwhile, Washington, D.C., has the highest theft rate, with 1,150 thefts per 10,000 people — three times the national average. Washington, D.C., also experienced the most significant increase in car thefts, with a 64% rise compared to 2022.

Most Stolen Cars: Top States by Theft Volume

Based on NICB data, the volume of vehicle thefts in the top ten states remained consistent throughout 2023, with California leading, followed by Texas and Florida. Notably, five states — California, Texas, Washington, Colorado and Missouri — are not only among those with the highest theft volumes but also rank among the top states for theft rates.

Rank	State	Vehicles Stolen
	California	208,668
	Texas	115,013
	Florida	46,213
	Washington	43,160
	Illinois	41,528
	Colorado	34,068
	New York	32,715
	Ohio	31,647
	Georgia	28,171
	Missouri	27,279

Most Stolen Cars: Top States by Theft Rate

The NICB analyzed the rate of stolen cars by state using data from the National Crime Information Center, focusing on metropolitan areas. Washington, D.C., Nevada and Maryland ranked among the top ten states for vehicle theft rates.

Rank	State	Theft Rate/100.000 People
	Washington, D.C.	1,150
	Colorado	583
	Nevada	573
	Washington	554
	California	534
	New Mexico	490
	Missouri	442
	Maryland	428
	Oregon	394
	Texas	383

5 Tips to Prevent Car Theft

The number of stolen vehicles in the U.S. climbed to 1,001,967 in 2022, amounting to nearly two thefts every minute. Knowing 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 way to keep your car from being stolen is to practice standard safety habits, such as locking the doors and windows 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 vehicle 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 your car in secure areas

While you cannot always control where you can park, you can be selective about where you leave your car as a way to prevent it from being stolen. Aim for well-lit areas and places with CCTV cameras, or opt for a parking lot with security.

Protect your vehicle’s wheels from theft.

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

Most Stolen Cars: FAQs

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.

Why are some cars stolen more than others?

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

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

In 2023 alone, there were 1,020,729 stolen vehicles — that’s around 2,797 vehicles stolen per day. This is a 1% increase compared to 2022, which had 1,008,756 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 easiest car to steal and why?

Certain models are easier to steal due to their lack of advanced anti-theft technologies. Older vehicles or budget-friendly brands, particularly Hyundai and Kia models from certain years, have been targeted because they often lack immobilizers or more sophisticated security features, making them more vulnerable to theft. Additionally, models without keyless entry or alarm systems are typically at higher risk.

What is the most stolen car in America?

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra was the most stolen car in America in 2023, with over 48,445 units stolen.

How have vehicle theft trends changed over recent years?

MoneyGeek’s analysis of NICB’s Hot Wheels reports from 2016 to 2023 reveals evolving trends in vehicle thefts. Although Ford and Chevrolet pickups were historically the most stolen vehicles, they were surpassed this year. The Kia Sonata and Hyundai Elantra quickly climbed the rankings, breaking into the top ten within two years due to a surge in thefts. Meanwhile, models like the Honda Accord and Civic have consistently remained among the most stolen cars since 2016.