In 2024, there were more than 800,000 cars stolen nationwide, and that’s an estimate of 32 cars being stolen every minute. Some models are targeted more by thieves than others due to their popularity, resale value, or security weaknesses. Because of that, certain vehicles consistently top the list of the most stolen.
The Hyundai Elantra was the most stolen car, with 31,712 units stolen in 2024, followed by the Hyundai Sonata and, Chevrolet Silverado.
This article explains what the most stolen car in the US was in 2025 by explaining what made it a frequent target and shares what drivers can do to protect their cars.
What Cars Are Stolen the Most?
Thieves do have a distinct taste when it comes to stealing vehicles. In the US, there is a list that lists the most stolen cars. Here is the list of the most stolen cars in the US. Own one of these? Make sure you add extra safety to avoid being stolen.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is on top of the list with 31,712 reported thefts. This compact-sized sedan has been a favorite among car thieves for the past few years because many models manufactured before 2022 lacked engine immobilizers, which made them easier to steal.
The Elantra is widely available also makes it a good target for thieves looking to dismantle and sell parts.
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata, unfortunately, followed its sibling’s footsteps to become the second most stolen car in the US, with over than 26,000 cases of stolen vehicles per year. Like the Elantra, the Sonata has a weak key-start ignition system. A lot of viral videos show how to hack into the key-start ignition system, which makes it easier for thieves to target and steal the Sonata.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a valuable target for thieves, especially in rural or urban areas where pickup trucks are commonly used rather than a standard car. With 21,666 thefts reported in 2024, due to Silverado’s popularity among people living in urban areas and higher spare parts resale value.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is known for its luxury design, top-notch amenities, and fuel efficiency. This car is also on the top list of stolen vehicles, with 18,539 theft cases happening annually. Older Accord models are weak due to an outdated security system, and their spare parts are highly priced on the black market due to interchangeable parts between Honda’s vehicles, meaning that Accord’s parts can be used in other Honda vehicles. Thieves often take apart the components and sell them on the black market or illegal market in the United States.
KIA Optima
The fifth position of the top stolen vehicle is the Kia Optima, with 17,493 theft cases happening in a year. The KIA Optima, especially from the 2011 to 2021 models, is often targeted to be stolen due to a weak design of its engine immobilizers, meaning that the car can be started without a key or key FOB.
Before you purchase a vehicle, make sure you get a car with a proper security system to enhance the safety of your car so it does not get stolen easily. On top of that, check the stolen status to make sure you are not buying a stolen car, as it could lead to legal consequences later.
Most Stolen Cars by States
Each area in the US has some differences in what kind of vehicle is the most stolen. For example, in urban areas where there are a lot of vehicles owned tend to be more stolen vehicles compared to downtown areas. However, the target vehicles vary across the states.
For example:
- California: High theft rates for the Chevrolet Pickup (2001), with 15,557 cases.
- Texas: Reported the Chevrolet Pickups (2018) as the most stolen vehicle, with 10,820 cases.
- Illinois: Hyundai Elantra (2020) was reported as the most stolen vehicle in the state with 1,852 cases.
If you’re wondering whether your car was towed or stolen, check thoroughly to ensure the car is just towed, not stolen.
Why Are These Cars the Most Stolen?
Aside from having an outdated security system, there are a few more reasons why thieves choose a favorite vehicle to steal. Here are the reasons why.
Higher Spare Parts Resale Value
Older cars like the Honda Civic and Accord are popular in the used parts market. They’re easy to dismantle, and their components are compatible with different model years of Honda, which makes them a good target for thieves to dismantle the parts and sell them in the illegal market, as some of Honda’s old original parts are no longer in production.
Weak Built-in Security
A vehicle manufactured in the early 2000s has a weaker security system, like lacking an immobilizer and a weak alarm system. In recent years, many Hyundai and Kia models from 2011–2021 were found to be missing engine immobilizers entirely, which most likely were entirely stolen or destroyed by thieves.
Social Media Influence
In 2022, viral videos showed how some Hyundai and Kia models could be stolen with just a USB cable. This led to a significant increase in thefts and class action lawsuits against the manufacturer due to its weak security system.
Easy Access
Some older car models are known for having a weak security system, including the door lock system. Many thieves are breaking into the car with a crowbar.
If you ever get your car stolen by thieves, you can find the stolen car by using vehicle history reports for convenience, as you can check if you are actually buying a normal car or even a stolen car.
How to Protect Your Vehicle From Thieves
Thieves usually steal cars quickly, especially when the car is parked in a dimly lit parking area. But there are some things you can do to prevent the car from getting stolen. Be sure to follow these steps to protect your vehicle.
Use Visible Theft Deterrents
Use extra protection tools like wheel locks, brake locks, and or blinking LED lights to make your car less attractive to thieves. These tools are easy to spot and show that your car won’t be easy to steal.
Extra tip: put an additional sticker (could be a cartoon character) to make your car less appealing to thieves and easier to distinguish.
Install a GPS Tracker
Be sure to put a hidden GPS tracker on the car; if your car ever gets stolen, you can track its whereabouts of your car and inform the authorities as soon as possible. Find the most reliable GPS tracker that can send the location of your car directly to your phone.
Park in Well-Lit Areas
Try to park your car where there is a lot of light. If you can’t use a garage, find a spot under a streetlight or near street CCTV. Thieves avoid places where they can be seen.
Before buying any used car, check if it was stolen in the past. A stolen vehicle history check is quick and can help you avoid legal problems.
What to do if your car is stolen?
Finding your car missing is shocking and stressful. But staying calm is the first important step. Keeping a clear head helps you act fast and follow the right steps to recover your vehicle.
Here’s what you should do if your vehicle gets stolen:
Call the Police Immediately
Report to the police that your car has been stolen. Give them the vehicle’s details, including the make, model, colour, and VIN. A quick report to the police helps a lot in retrieving the stolen car.
File a Report to the Insurance Company
After you’ve reported the case to the police, don’t forget to file a report with your car’s insurance company. They will ask for the police report and other car details. Reporting quickly may help with faster claims and investigations.
Check the Security Camera
If your car was parked near shops, homes, or public spaces, check for CCTV cameras in the area. Ask the owner of the CCTV to give you a copy of the footage of when your car was stolen. It’s best to get a security camera installed in your car and connect it to your phone for convenience.
Read also: What to Do If Your Car Registration Is Stolen: Key Steps
Conclusion
Some of the car’s models and years are thieves’ favorites because of their weak security systems, and some of the cars are sold on the black market or have their parts removed to sell as original spare parts if the car is either popular or old enough.
Be sure to check the vehicle’s history report to avoid buying a stolen car, as you will be dealing with legal compliance and registration issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check if a car has been stolen before buying?
Decode the VIN and get yourself a vehicle history report to find out if a vehicle was reported stolen. It helps avoid legal issues and buying a car with a hidden past.
Which cars are most likely to be stolen by percentage?
Cars with poor anti-theft systems or high demand for parts, like full-size pickups and older sedans, often top the list of most stolen by percentage.
What is the most stolen car in America right now?
The most stolen car in America is often a popular model of truck or compact sedan. Usually it’s the older model like the Honda Accord or Civic, as these cars are easy to steal because it has a weak security system and have high resale value for parts.
