The most frequently reported stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 was the Hyundai Elantra, with 21,732 reported thefts. The latest complete annual ranking from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) also includes the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Civic, Kia Optima, Ford F-150, Toyota Camry, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Altima.
These are rankings by total reported thefts—not proof that the vehicles are the easiest to steal or that every model year and trim carries the same risk. Vehicle age, security equipment, location, model population, and exposure all matter.
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NICB recorded 659,880 vehicle thefts nationwide in 2025, a 23% decline from 2024. According to NICB, that was the lowest nationwide total in several decades. Even so, certain high-volume nameplates continued to account for thousands of reported thefts.
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The ranking below uses NICB’s calendar-year 2025 data, released March 18, 2026. It is the latest complete annual nationwide list identified for this article. See the NICB’s 2025 vehicle-theft analysis for the underlying table and national context.
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The 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in America in 2025
| Rank | Make and model | Reported thefts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyundai Elantra | 21,732 |
| 2 | Honda Accord | 17,797 |
| 3 | Hyundai Sonata | 17,687 |
| 4 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 16,764 |
| 5 | Honda Civic | 12,725 |
| 6 | Kia Optima | 11,521 |
| 7 | Ford F-150 | 10,102 |
| 8 | Toyota Camry | 9,833 |
| 9 | Honda CR-V | 9,809 |
| 10 | Nissan Altima | 8,445 |
Hyundai Elantra thefts led the list by a substantial margin, exceeding the Honda Accord’s reported total by 3,935 vehicles. The list also shows why raw totals should be interpreted carefully: popular, long-running models can appear frequently in theft data simply because many of them are on the road.
What this list actually tells you
This is a ranking of reported theft counts by make and model. It is not a ranking of the percentage of owners whose vehicles were stolen, and it does not establish that one listed model is intrinsically easier to steal than another.
The NICB table does not provide the denominator needed to calculate an individual model’s theft rate. A fair rate comparison would need to account for factors such as:
- How many vehicles of each model and model year are in service
- Where those vehicles are located
- Differences in trims, key systems, immobilizers, alarms, and other security equipment
- Vehicle age and condition
- Whether the vehicle is regularly parked at home, on the street, at work, or in another high-exposure location
- Differences in reporting and recovery practices
For a separate rate-based approach, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle-theft-rate system uses FBI National Crime Information Center data and model-year production information. NHTSA says its national data comes from approximately 18,000 criminal-justice agencies and includes reported thefts of self-insured and uninsured vehicles.
In other words, “most frequently stolen” is the accurate description here. “Easiest cars to steal” is not.
Why Hyundai and Kia models remain prominent
The 2025 list includes three models associated with the Hyundai and Kia theft surge that began in 2022: the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, and Kia Optima. Some affected Hyundai and Kia vehicles lacked an engine immobilizer, and a theft method promoted through social media made certain vehicles particularly attractive targets.
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- HIGHLY VISUAL DETERRENT AND SAFE:The bright color of the car lock is a fine choice for maximum visibility both day and night,which tells the thief "Not this car"!The anti car theft device greatly reduces the possibility of being targeted by thieves and protects your car security effectively.Tevlaphee steering wheel lock gives you more peace of mind!
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- WORK FOR MOST CARS:The universal anti theft steering wheel lock can be adjusted to fit steering wheels with inner diameter between 5.3”-14.1” for sedans,SUV,pickup trucks,vans,trucks etc.You have the flexibility to make adjustments as you wish!
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That history does not mean every Hyundai or Kia is affected, nor does it mean thefts of those brands are still increasing. NICB reported that Hyundai and Kia thefts declined for the third consecutive year. Their continued appearance in the top ten reflects the number of reported thefts during 2025, not a claim that brand-wide theft activity is worsening.
Hyundai’s official anti-theft program says certain vehicles from model years 2011 through 2022 may qualify for a free anti-theft software upgrade. Eligibility depends on the model year, model, configuration, and VIN. Hyundai lists potentially affected lines including the Accent, Elantra, Kona, Palisade, Santa Fe, Sonata, Tucson, Veloster, and Venue. The company says nearly four million vehicles were eligible for the upgrade and that engine immobilizers became standard on Hyundai vehicles produced as of November 2021. Check the official Hyundai anti-theft program rather than relying on a general model-year assumption.
Owners should:
- Check the VIN through the manufacturer’s official remedy or support page.
- Ask a Hyundai or Kia dealer whether the vehicle qualifies for a software update, recall-related work, or another manufacturer remedy.
- Confirm that the update was completed and keep the repair documentation.
- Ask whether a dealer-provided steering-wheel lock is available if the vehicle is not eligible for the software remedy.
A software update may address a specific vulnerability, but it does not make a vehicle impossible to steal. The same caution applies to any lock, alarm, tracker, or recovery service.
How to reduce the chance of vehicle theft
The best approach is layered: use the vehicle’s factory protections and manufacturer remedies first, then add a visible deterrent or recovery aid that fits the vehicle and your parking habits.
1. Complete factory and manufacturer anti-theft remedies
Before buying an accessory, check recalls, software campaigns, immobilizer information, and model-specific anti-theft programs. This is especially important for potentially affected Hyundai and Kia vehicles. A dealer-installed remedy is generally more relevant to a known vehicle vulnerability than a generic accessory alone.
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Never leave a key, spare key, or key fob inside the vehicle. For keyless-entry vehicles, avoid storing the fob immediately next to an exterior door or window when the manufacturer warns that proximity can matter. Follow the vehicle maker’s instructions for disabling or putting the fob into a sleep mode if that feature is provided.
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3. Lock the vehicle and close every opening
Before walking away, check the doors, windows, hatch, and sunroof. A vehicle left unlocked can be stolen or stripped even when it is parked in a relatively safe location.
4. Use a visible physical deterrent when appropriate
NHTSA identifies steering-wheel locks as a relevant anti-theft option. A visible steering wheel lock can make the vehicle less convenient than an unprotected alternative and may deter an opportunistic thief. Verify that the device fits the vehicle and steering-wheel design. It is a deterrent, not a guarantee of prevention.
For owners comparing products, a steering wheel lock is the most straightforward accessory category to investigate. Check vehicle compatibility, installation instructions, storage, and return terms before buying; do not assume that a lock designed for one steering-wheel shape fits every car or truck.
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5. Park strategically
When possible, park in a well-lit, populated area or inside a locked garage. Avoid leaving the vehicle for extended periods in isolated locations. Parking choices cannot eliminate risk, but they can reduce opportunity and improve the chance that suspicious activity is noticed.
6. Keep valuables out of sight
Do not leave bags, electronics, paperwork, spare keys, or other tempting items visible. A thief looking for property may break into the vehicle even if stealing the vehicle was not the original objective.
7. Separate prevention from recovery
A GPS vehicle tracker or other recovery system may help locate a vehicle after a theft, but it does not necessarily stop the theft. Before choosing one, check whether it requires a subscription, professional installation, a particular cellular network, an external power connection, or regular battery maintenance. Also understand who can access location data and how police or the provider handle recovery requests.
NHTSA lists vehicle-recovery systems and GPS tracking devices among the options owners may consider, particularly when a vehicle lacks an appropriate factory anti-theft system. A tracker should complement—not replace—locks, keys, factory remedies, and prompt police reporting.
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Apple’s AirTag and similar item trackers can be useful for locating personal belongings, but they are not dedicated vehicle-recovery systems. Apple documents unwanted-tracking alerts and other safeguards. Those features, along with Bluetooth range, battery condition, placement, network availability, and notification behavior, mean an AirTag should not be presented as a guaranteed way to prevent theft or recover a stolen car. See Apple’s Find My documentation for how its item-location features work and their limitations.
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- 【HIGHLY VISUAL DETERRENT AND SAFE】:Steering wheel locks are by far the most recommended anti-theft tool. The bright yellow color of the car lock is a fine choice for maximum visibility both day and night,which tells the thief "Not this car"!The anti car theft device greatly reduces the possibility of being targeted by thieves and protects your car security effectively.Tevlaphee steering wheel lock gives you a peace of mind that your car will be safe!
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Geography changes the exposure
National totals do not tell an individual owner exactly how much risk exists in a particular neighborhood. NICB reported California as the state with the most vehicle thefts in 2025, followed by Texas, Illinois, Florida, and New York. The metropolitan areas with the largest totals included:
- Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim
- New York–Newark–Jersey City
- Chicago–Naperville–Elgin
- Houston–Pasadena–The Woodlands
- San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont
These are volume figures, not per-capita rankings. A large state or metropolitan area can record more thefts because it has more residents and vehicles. Local parking conditions, vehicle density, and neighborhood exposure may be more useful to an owner deciding how much protection to add.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do immediately if your car is stolen
Move quickly. NHTSA recommends contacting law enforcement immediately, obtaining a police report or case number, and notifying your insurance company—generally within 24 hours.
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- Contact your insurer. Ask what documents and deadlines apply to the theft claim. Coverage depends on your policy; do not assume that liability coverage alone pays for a stolen vehicle.
- Provide identifying information. Have the license plate number, VIN, make, model, color, model year, and distinctive features ready. Include stickers, wheel changes, damage, accessories, or unusual markings.
- Check connected services or recovery equipment. If the vehicle has a manufacturer recovery service or tracker, follow its instructions and give the information to police. Do not pursue or confront anyone based on a tracker location.
- Notify the police and insurer if the vehicle is found. A recovered vehicle may have been damaged, entered, moved, or used in another offense. Let the relevant authorities and insurer coordinate the next steps.
How owners of the listed models should interpret the risk
Owning one of these nameplates does not mean theft is inevitable. Many millions of Accords, Civics, Silverados, F-150s, Camrys, CR-Vs, Altimas, Elantras, Sonatas, and Optimas remain in use. The list means that these models generated the highest reported theft counts in NICB’s 2025 nationwide data.
Model year is particularly important. A 2025 vehicle with an immobilizer and newer connected-security features may not have the same exposure as an older vehicle with the same nameplate. Trims and equipment can differ as well. Owners should identify the exact VIN and configuration before deciding that a general internet warning applies to their car.
The practical takeaway is simple: verify manufacturer remedies, secure the keys, lock the vehicle, choose safer parking when possible, add a visible deterrent if appropriate, and consider a separate recovery device if its limitations and ongoing costs make sense. No single measure is theft-proof, and the 2025 ranking should not be mistaken for a prediction of any one owner’s precise odds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the most stolen car in the United States in 2025?
The Hyundai Elantra had the highest number of reported thefts in NICB’s 2025 nationwide ranking, with 21,732 reported thefts.
Are these the easiest cars to steal?
Not necessarily. The list ranks total reported thefts, not theft probability or technical ease of theft. Vehicle population, model year, security equipment, geography, and parking exposure all affect individual risk.
Are all Hyundai and Kia vehicles vulnerable to the same theft method?
No. Eligibility and vulnerability vary by model year, model, trim, and VIN. Owners should use the manufacturer’s official VIN lookup or contact a dealer to check for software updates and other remedies.
Does a GPS tracker prevent car theft?
Usually, a tracker is primarily a recovery aid. It may help locate a stolen vehicle, but it does not necessarily prevent the theft and may involve subscription, installation, battery, cellular, privacy, and law-enforcement-response limitations.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: The Hyundai Elantra, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Civic, Kia Optima, Ford F-150, Toyota Camry, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Altima had the highest reported theft counts in the United States in 2025. Treat that as a national count ranking—not a list of guaranteed-easy targets. Check your exact VIN for factory remedies, secure the keys, lock and park the vehicle carefully, use a visible deterrent when appropriate, and keep recovery tools separate from theft-prevention claims.
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