Updated: November 1, 2024
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According to the latest "Hot Wheels" report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), California's most stolen cars in 2021 reveals a mix of popular sedans, SUVs and pickup trucks. The top contenders are Chevrolet's full-size pickups, Honda Civic and Accord, Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota Corolla and Honda CR-V.
Let's delve into the details of these sought-after models and explore the trends of car theft in the dynamic automotive landscape of California.
Sources: NICB Annual Auto Theft Report, NICB: Most Stolen Cars per State, NICB: Vehicle Thefts Nationwide Surpass One Million
California, from Hollywood to Silicon Valley, has its share of car thefts. But which cars are most often stolen? Discover the most stolen cars in California.
Number of Thefts: 2,197
Model Most Stolen: 2015
Starting Price: $20,765
The Kia Optima is tenth on our list of California's most stolen cars. This year is its first entry on the list, with a reported 2,917 thefts as of 2021. The last model of the Kia is its 2020 iteration which J.D. Power owners rated at 80/100 overall, 83/100 for quality and reliability and 81/100 for driving experience. Owners liked the Kia Optima for its ease of entering the cabin and built-in voice assistant. The Kia K5 has replaced the Kia Optima as of 2021.
J.D. Power lists the starting price of the 2020 Kia Optima at $20,765.
Number of Thefts: 3,908
Model Most Stolen: 2002
Starting Price: $48,841
The Chevrolet Tahoe is ninth on our list of most stolen cars in California. In 2021, the SUV had 3,098 reported thefts, increasing from 2,442 in 2020. According to J.D. Power, owners of the Chevrolet Tahoe gave the vehicle an overall score of 82/100. It received an average rating of 79/100 for quality and reliability, while it got an 85/100 for its driving experience. Chevy Tahoe owners liked the car for its navigation system and maneuverability. The 2021 Chevrolet Tahor has a starting price of $48,841.
Number of Thefts: 3,186
Model Most Stolen: 2020
Starting Price: $21,538
The Toyota Corolla lands in the eighth spot of the most stolen cars in California. The Corolla saw a slight decrease from 3,250 thefts in 2020 to 3,186 in 2021. J.D. Power noted it for its peppy Dynamic Force 2.0L engine, paddle shifters and a suite of driver assist systems. According to J.D. Power, the 2021 Toyota Corolla has a starting price of $21,538.
Number of Thefts: 3,940
Model Most Stolen: 2007
Starting Price: $25,352
The Toyota Camry was the seventh most stolen car in California in 2021. The Camry saw a decrease in thefts from 4,020 in 2020 to 3,940 in 2021. J.D. Power polled Camry owners and rated the car 83/100 overall and 84/100 on quality and reliability. The vehicle also earned an 83/100 on its driving experience. Owners noted the Camry’s economy and range in addition to its low car noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). J.D. Power lists the 2021 Toyota Camry’s starting price as $25,352.
Number of Thefts: 4,258
Model Most Stolen: 2000
Starting Price: $27,829
The Honda CR-V took the sixth spot in the most stolen cars in California in 2021. According to NICB, the Honda CR-Vs in California saw a decrease in thefts from 4,773 in 2020 down to 4,258 in 2021. Honda CR-V owners surveyed by J.D. Power rated it an overall 82/100, with quality and reliability earning an 84/100. Its driving experience received an average of 78/100. Car owners highlighted the car's economy, comfortable seats and ease of entering the passenger cabin. J.D. Power lists the 2021 Honda CR-V with a starting price of $27,829.
Number of Thefts: 2,129
Model Most Stolen: 2004
Starting Price: $29,952
The GMC Sierra 1500 ranks fifth in the most stolen cars in California in 2021. The full-size pickup had an increase in vehicle thefts to 5,034 thefts in 2021 compared to 3,736 in 2020. Verified GMC Sierra 1500 owners surveyed by J.D. Power rated the truck an overall 85/100, with its quality and reliability rated at 84/100 and its driving experience similarly at 84/100. The GMC Sierra is known as a tech-rich and high-performance truck among car owners. It features an infotainment system with smartphone compatibility, in-vehicle trailering apps and advanced safety features. According to J.D. Power, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is available at a starting price of $29,952.
Number of Thefts: 9,681
Model Most Stolen: 1997
Starting Price: $26,167
The Honda Accord ranks fourth on California's list of most stolen cars of 2021. The NICB report notes 9,681 reported thefts of Honda Accords in 2021, down from 11,473 in 2020. Accord owners interviewed by J.D. Power gave this model an overall score of 82/100, with drivers giving their driving experience an 84/100 and the car's quality and reliability an 82/100. Honda Accord owners appreciate it for its powerful engine, adequate storage space and effective headlights. The 2021 Honda Accord has a going price of $26,167 per J.D. Power.
Number of Thefts: 10,332
Model Most Stolen: 2006
Starting Price: $32,966
The Ford F-150 ranked third on our list of most stolen cars in California in 2021. According to the NICB, the popular Ford truck had a reported theft count of 10,332 in 2021, an increase from 9,543 in 2020. J.D. Power recognizes the Ford F-Series of trucks as the best-selling truck across the United States. The consumer ratings agency gave the 2021 F-150 an overall score of 80/100, rating its quality and reliability at 77/100 and its driving experience at 82/100. Owners liked the car for its infotainment systems and maneuverability. J.D. Power reports that the 2021 Ford F-150 starts at $32,966.
Number of Thefts: 13,507
Model Most Stolen: 2000
Starting Price: $23,948
The Honda Civic is the second most stolen car in California. In 2021, the NICB reported a decrease in thefts from 16,625 in 2020 to 13,507 in 2021, losing its status as the most stolen car in California. Verified Honda Civic owners in J.D. Power rated it 83/100 overall, with the car's driving experience earning 86/100. Owners gave it a score of 82/100 for quality and reliability. Honda Civic owners gave the vehicle a thumbs up for its engine power and convenient storage spaces. According to J.D. Power, a 2021 Honda Civic starts at around $23,948.
Number of Thefts: 15,462
Model Most Stolen: 2001
Starting Price: $27,841
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was the most stolen car in California in 2021. The latest NICB report showed increased thefts from 11,408 in 2020 to 15,462 in 2021, surpassing the Honda Civic as the state’s most stolen car. Silverado owners surveyed by J.D. Power rated the vehicle an overall 83/100, with drivers giving its quality and reliability an 83/100 while rating its driving experience an average of 75/100. Per J.D. Power, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a starting price of $27,841.
In the period spanning from 2018 to 2021, California saw an overall upward trend in its motor vehicle theft rates, measured per 100,000 people. While there was a slight decrease in 2019, dropping to 359.5, this was followed by a significant increase in 2020 and 2021, with the latter year recording the highest rate of 511.1. This trend underscores a growing issue of car thefts in the state, requiring increased attention and preventive measures.
The most commonly stolen vehicles in California in 2021 include the 2001 Chevrolet Pickup (full-size), the 2000 Honda Civic and the 2006 Ford Pickup (full-size).
You should contact your insurance provider, especially if you have coverage against theft. Your provider can start filing a claim for your lost vehicle. If you took out a loan to purchase your car, you'll also need to inform your auto loan company about the incident.
Thieves often target specific car models due to their reliability and popularity, which make them easy to sell. Older models may be easier to steal, and the presence of valuables or keys left in the car can also entice thieves.
To prevent your car from being stolen, general suggestions include always locking your car and taking your keys with you, parking in well-lit areas and using anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks or car alarms.
If you recover your stolen car, insurance coverage for any damage depends on the specifics of your insurance policy. Typically, you would need comprehensive coverage as part of your auto insurance policy to receive coverage for theft. If you have comprehensive coverage and your car is stolen, your insurance company can pay for the loss or damage up to the car's actual cash value, minus your deductible.
Explore more about automobile insurance with these supplementary materials from MoneyGeek. Whether you're an insurance novice or seeking in-depth knowledge, these guides offer important information:
About Nathan Paulus
Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.
Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.
