Most stolen cars in America today—why they’re targeted and how to protect yours

Vehicle thefts in the United States fell 23% in the first six months of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024, according to new analysis from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The organization attributes the decline to the collective efforts of law enforcement, automakers and insurance companies, but some common, everyday vehicles still top the list of most commonly stolen vehicles.

Over the past few years, the car theft landscape has been largely defined by technological vulnerabilities, digital hacking, and social media exploitation. Some automakers appear twice on the NICB list with two different models, which we’ve combined in the list below. We’ll also cover some simple ways to prevent your car from being stolen.

Ford F-150

As America’s best-selling vehicle, demand for Ford F-150 parts continues to grow. Because the catalytic converter is physical hardware rather than software, it’s harder to track, and the regular F-150’s higher ground clearance tends to make it easier for thieves to crawl underneath.

From a technical standpoint, F-150 trucks were targeted by relay attacks that amplified key fob signals to trick the engines into starting. Ford has since introduced a feature called Start Disable that allows owners to remotely disable the engine through the FordPass app. Start Inhibit is part of the larger Ford Safety Package, which is a monthly subscription service.

Despite these countermeasures, the F150’s huge sales on the road and its resale value on the black market mean it is likely to remain a sought-after target for thieves. Overall, there have been nearly 5,000 thefts of Ford F-150s through the first half of 2025.

Additionally, because F-150s are common work or recreational trucks, they often contain valuable tools and equipment, making the contents of the vehicle as profitable to criminals as the truck itself.

Chevrolet Silverado

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was targeted after tech-savvy thieves discovered digital vulnerabilities that allowed them to bypass the truck’s security system. As of 2019, Silverados are vulnerable to a CAN bus injection attack, in which a device connected to an external line (such as headlights or front sensors) tricks a truck into unlocking the doors and disabling the engine immobilizer.

Thieves can also use ECM swapping to replace the engine computer with an unlocked version, or use signal cloning tools to imitate the owner’s key fob. According to NICB data, there were 8,006 thefts of Silverado trucks through the first half of 2025.

While the Corvette may be stylish and fast, the Silverado does have a target on its tailgate (literally). As one of the best-selling cars in the United States, there is a persistent black market for its parts, including tailgates and factory wheels for high-end models such as the High Country. Trucks like the Silverado are also often targeted by organized crime because of their parking space, four-wheel drive capabilities and overall ruggedness.

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is often one of the most stolen vehicles because its ubiquitous parts, namely airbags and catalytic converters, are easily resold privately. It ranks among the most frequently stolen vehicles with over 8,500 thefts.

Overall, the Accord’s popularity may be to blame. With so many people on the road, daily parts and service are in high demand. That makes the humble Accord a prime target for thieves who can sell parts for less than dealer prices. Honda parts are generally interchangeable, too, and the new Sport and Touring trim levels are susceptible due to their factory wheels.

Blame it on popularity again, but the Accord blends into traffic. A fast exotic car will stand out, and a thief can improve the performance of an Accord and few people on the road will be the wiser.

Interestingly, the Honda Civic also ranks among the most stolen vehicles in the first half of 2025 (6,396 thefts) for much the same reasons.

Hyundai Elantra

Despite significant efforts to patch security vulnerabilities exploited by “Kia boys” on social media, older Hyundai Elantra and Sonata models, especially those without engine immobilizers, continued to be the most stolen vehicles in the first half of 2025 by volume. According to NICB data, the Elantra is the most stolen vehicle with more than 11,300 thefts, followed by the Sonata with 9,154 thefts.

In 2022, a viral trend on TikTok revealed that Kia and Hyundai vehicles from 2011 to 2022 can be stolen via a USB cable. The infamous Kia Challenge revealed that the vehicles actually lacked an engine immobilizer, a common anti-theft feature that prevents the car from being started without the key fob.

An IIHS study found that Hyundai and Kia lag far behind other automakers in installing engine immobilizers in their lineups. The IIHS found that only 26 percent of 2015 models made by Hyundai and Kia were equipped with anti-theft devices, compared with 96 percent of all other automakers.

In early 2023, Hyundai and Kia launched massive recalls involving free software updates, though it wasn’t without its hurdles and challenges. In May 2023, the two companies reached a $200 million settlement to compensate owners. In late 2025, a multistate settlement worth $9 million was finalized.

The Kia Optima, like the Elantra and Sonata, is also a target during the 2022 Kia Challenge. NICB data shows that there were 6,011 Kia Optima thefts in the first half of 2025. As a potential silver lining, the IIHS noted that while theft rates for Hyundai and Kia vehicles remain relatively high, they have dropped significantly from their original peak levels.

How to protect your car from being stolen

The most effective strategy is a layered defense that combines digital protection and physical barriers.

Storing the key fob in a Faraday bag blocks radio signals that trick the car into starting, thwarting high-tech relay attacks and key cloning. To add a digital layer, install an OBD-II port lock to prevent criminals from plugging in a device to program new keys, and consider using an AI-powered GPS tracker.

At the same time, old-fashioned visible deterrents still work, as thieves generally prefer the path of least resistance. For example, a standard steering wheel stick or brake pedal lock is often enough for a potential thief to just walk right over.