The most stolen cars in the U.S.

Key points:

• Hyundai, Kia, Honda, and Chevrolet dominate the list of most-stolen vehicles, often because of their abundance and certain security vulnerabilities.
• Online trends have driven up theft rates in specific cars, particularly older ones without modern anti-theft tech.
• Locking your doors, installing an anti-theft system and parking in well-lit areas, are basic preventive measures that can help deter car theft.

In 2024, 850,708 vehicle thefts were reported nationwide, a 17% decrease from 2023 and the largest annual decline in vehicle thefts in the last 40 years, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Find out which cars are most commonly stolen, how you can avoid buying a stolen car and what you can do to help prevent your vehicle from being stolen.

NICB publishes vehicle theft reports that identify the most frequently stolen vehicle makes and models in the United States. Here are the 10 most stolen vehicles of 2023 by make and model:

1. Hyundai Elantra
2. Hyundai Sonata
3. Kia Optima
4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
5. Kia Soul
6. Honda Accord
7. Honda Civic
8. Kia Forte
9. Ford F150 Series Pickup
10. Kia Sportage

The NICB warns that even if you didn't know you bought a stolen vehicle, it can be confiscated and returned to its original owner. To help avoid buying a stolen vehicle, NICB recommends that you:

• Contact your state's motor vehicle department to check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Run a title search on the vehicle.
• Consider having the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic and contact your insurer to determine whether any pre-purchase verification services are available.
• Be wary of buying a car from anyone you don't know who is using a cell phone for contact, especially from online ads
• Walk away if you don't trust the seller and something doesn’t feel right

Stolen car parts, from catalytic converters to bumpers, doors, wheels and hoods are also on the rise, says the NICB. To avoid unknowingly having stolen parts installed on your vehicle, the NICB suggests:

• Using repair shops with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified technicians.
• Getting shop recommendations from friends, family or your insurance provider.
• Asking for a written warranty for installed parts and completed paint work.