18 Easily Stolen Cars in America: Uncovering the Thieves’ Favorites

Car theft is a growing concern across the United States, with certain models becoming prime targets for thieves. Understanding the landscape of vehicle theft can help owners take preventive measures and stay informed. In 2023, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported a total of 1,020,729 stolen vehicles in the U.S., marking a 1% increase from the previous year. Among these, the Hyundai Elantra emerged as the most stolen vehicle, with a staggering 48,445 thefts. This shift represents a significant break in a long-standing trend where full-size pickups dominated the top stolen vehicle rankings. The rise of thefts for certain brands can be attributed to social media trends revealing easier methods for stealing these models.

As car enthusiasts and everyday drivers, we must keep an eye on these trends, particularly when it comes to protecting our investments. The most stolen vehicles often share certain characteristics such as popularity, lack of advanced anti-theft technology, and the availability of replacement parts. In this slideshow, we will explore the 18 easily stolen cars in America, starting with those that topped the charts in 2023.

1. **Hyundai Elantra**: The Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that claimed the number one spot in 2023 with 48,445 thefts. The model has gained popularity due to its affordability and aesthetic appeal, but it also saw a 147% increase in theft incidents from 2022. Thieves particularly targeted the 2017 model, which lacks robust anti-theft features.

2. **Hyundai Sonata**: In second place is the Hyundai Sonata, with 42,813 thefts reported in 2023. The Sonata nearly doubled its theft numbers from the previous year, driven by demand and model age. The 2013 Sonata was a favorite for thieves, as it was easy to steal and had parts in high demand.

3. **Kia Optima**: The Kia Optima secured the third spot with 30,204 thefts. This mid-size sedan is a popular vehicle among consumers, but its desirability also makes it a prime target for thieves. The Optima’s theft numbers rose significantly, indicating a trend in the theft of Kia models.

4. **Chevrolet Silverado 1500**: The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that saw 23,721 thefts in 2023. Silverado has always been a popular vehicle due to its durability and versatility, which unfortunately also makes it appealing to thieves. Though it has dropped in rankings, it still remains a sought-after vehicle by car thieves.

5. **Kia Soul**: The Kia Soul made a surprising entry at fifth place with 21,001 thefts. Known for its unique design and spacious interior, the Soul’s popularity among consumers also translates into high theft rates. Its quirky shape can attract both buyers and car thieves.

6. **Honda Accord**: The Honda Accord, a reliable and commonly owned vehicle, ranked sixth with 20,895 thefts. Although its theft numbers saw an 11% decrease from the previous year, it continues to be a target due to the demand for its parts, which are often resold at a premium.

7. **Honda Civic**: The Honda Civic remains a frequent target for thieves, coming in at seventh place with 19,858 thefts. Known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, older models are particularly vulnerable due to their lack of modern security technology, making them easy pickings for seasoned car thieves.

8. **Kia Forte**: The Kia Forte joined the list as the eighth most stolen car, with 16,209 thefts. Its affordability and stylish design make it popular among consumers, but that same appeal can lead to increased theft rates.

9. **Ford F150 Series Pickup**: The Ford F150 Series Pickup, another full-size truck, saw 15,852 thefts in 2023. This model remains a favorite among truck enthusiasts, which also places it on the radar of car thieves looking for a robust vehicle.

10. **Kia Sportage**: Lastly, the Kia Sportage rounded out the list with 15,749 thefts. This compact SUV is well-known for its practicality and affordability, making it a popular choice for families and individuals alike. However, its desirability makes it an attractive target for theft.

11. **Chevrolet Tahoe**: A spacious full-size SUV, the Chevrolet Tahoe is a favorite among families and adventure seekers alike. Its large size and robust features make it appealing, but with 15,413 thefts reported in 2023, it has become a hot target for thieves. The Tahoe’s popularity in the second-hand market makes it a lucrative option for those looking to resell stolen vehicles, leading to a spike in theft rates.

12. **Toyota Camry**: The Toyota Camry has long been praised for its reliability and fuel efficiency, which is reflected in its high sales volume. In 2023, the Camry saw 14,892 thefts, making it one of the top stolen cars. Its parts are in constant demand, and older models, in particular, have simple anti-theft systems, making it an attractive target for thieves.

13. **Dodge Ram**: Known for its ruggedness and performance, the Dodge Ram pickup truck is a staple for many drivers. With 14,569 reported thefts in 2023, it ranks among the most stolen vehicles. The appeal of the Ram lies in its versatility, making it sought after both for personal use and by those looking to profit from stolen parts in the aftermarket.

14. **Nissan Altima**: The Nissan Altima, a midsize sedan that combines comfort with efficiency, experienced 13,408 thefts in 2023. Its blend of affordability and performance makes it a popular choice among consumers, and this popularity translates into increased thefts as thieves know they can easily sell its parts.

15. **Ford Explorer**: The Ford Explorer is a well-known midsize SUV, which has become a frequent target for thieves, racking up 12,673 thefts in 2023. Its spacious interior and family-friendly features make it desirable, but its wide availability also makes it easy to steal and resell.

16. **Toyota Corolla**: Another iconic model, the Toyota Corolla, with 12,456 thefts, is favored for its longevity and efficiency. While it boasts a reputation for reliability, this model’s older versions lack modern security features, making it an easy target for seasoned car thieves.

17. **Chevrolet Impala**: The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size sedan that has been popular for decades. With 12,037 thefts this past year, it remains a favored model among car thieves due to its easy-to-access parts and the high demand for its components in the used car market.

18. **BMW 3 Series**: With a reputation for performance and luxury, the BMW 3 Series has found its way onto the list with 11,874 reported thefts. This model attracts car thieves not just for its luxury brand appeal but also for the parts that can be resold at a premium.

Understanding the motives behind these thefts is vital for car owners. As trends evolve, it’s crucial for vehicle owners to remain vigilant and adopt appropriate security measures. The more aware we are of the vehicles thieves prefer, the better we can protect ourselves and our investments from becoming the next statistic in the growing trend of car theft.

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