Is your car more likely than others to disappear? Possibly — if you drive one of the cars on this list, at least. The National Insurance Crime Bureau crunched the most recent data (from 2023) on the cars that are most likely to be stolen nationwide. The (sort of) good news? Vehicle theft claims only rose 1% from 2022 to 2023. From full-size pickups to compact sedans, here are the vehicles that give a new meaning to the phrase “hot wheels.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated in July 202410. Kia Sportage
Reported thefts: 15,749
Kia seems to be popular with thieves, since four models made the top ten. Chalk that up to social media, where tips on how to steal this brand and the one that ranked at the top have been popular.
9. Ford F150 Series Pickup Truck
Reported thefts: 15,852
Good news: Ford full-size pickup trucks have fallen down the list. They usually rank much higher, mainly in the top three stolen.
8. Kia Forte
Reported thefts: 16,209
The second appearance by a Kia in the top ten (don’t worry, there are more), this car is tageted thanks to social media, so if you have one consider an alarm or other theft protection.
7. Honda Civic
Reported thefts: 19,858
The Accord’s smaller sibling had the dubious honor of being 2020’s most-stolen sedan, but far fewer are being pinched these days.
6. Honda Accord
Reported thefts: 20,895
While bigger than the Civic, the Accord is also a slightly bigger draw for thieves given its ranking on the list. But this is still a drop in thefts for the model, probably because models older than 1997 — when the brand icorporated anti-theft tech — aren’t as common.
Trending on Cheapism
5. Kia Soul
Reported thefts: 21,001
Yes, Kia’s here again, and social media is still to blame. Sadly, it’s not the last one on the list.
4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Reported thefts: 23,721
One of the larger vehicles on the list, this is the only appearance in the top 10 for Chevrolet.
3. Kia Optima
Reported thefts: 30,204
This is Kia’s last appearance on the list, and there is some good news if you have a Kia (or any other car likely to be stolen). An impressive 85% of passenger vehicles reported stolen were subsequently recovered by law enforcement or other means, with 34% recovered within a day of the vehicle being reported stolen.
Sign up for our newsletter
2. Hyundai Sonata
Reported thefts: 42,813
Like Kia, Hyundai has been the focus of social media tips on how to easily steal the car. This trend has knocked pickups out of the top two most-stolen slots.
1. Hyundai Elantra
Reported thefts: 48,445
Wondering if social media has an impact? The fact that so many people have posted how-to theft tips for Kia and Hyundai vehicles have made them favorites for theft.
Want more car facts? Be sure to sign up for our free newsletter.
