Vehicle theft has fallen sharply across the United States, but the risk has not disappeared. NICB recorded 659,880 vehicle thefts in 2025, a 23.2% decline from 2024, yet that still meant roughly one vehicle was stolen every 48 seconds.
FBI data adds an important clue for driveway owners: residences were the most common reported location for motor-vehicle theft, while the largest time-of-day category from 2019 through 2023 was 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
The list below uses NICB’s 2025 national rankings, combined with U.S. FBI and police data on when and where vehicle theft occurs. NICB does not publish a model-specific “driveway overnight” ranking, so the distinction is important.
1. Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra remained America’s most frequently stolen vehicle in 2025, with 21,732 thefts reported nationwide, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. That figure put it well ahead of the second-ranked Honda Accord and made the sedan the most important vehicle on this list from a raw theft-volume perspective.
NICB’s data also shows that thefts involving Hyundai and Kia vehicles continued to decline in 2025, but they still represented 14% of all vehicle thefts.
The Elantra’s position is particularly relevant for owners who park at home because residential locations account for a major share of vehicle theft. FBI analysis found that residences were the most common location for motor-vehicle theft incidents in every year from 2019 through 2023, with 256,733 incidents at residences in 2023 alone.
The same FBI report found that 8 p.m. through midnight was the most frequently reported four-hour period for vehicle theft.
That combination makes nighttime driveway parking a situation worth taking seriously, although the available national data does not establish that all 21,732 Elantra thefts happened overnight or in driveways.
The model’s theft history is also strongly connected to specific older Hyundai vehicles that lacked electronic immobilizers. Hyundai subsequently introduced theft-prevention measures and software updates for eligible vehicles, and NICB says thefts involving Hyundai and Kia models have declined for three consecutive years.
Buyers should therefore identify the exact model year and confirm whether applicable anti-theft updates have been completed rather than treating every Elantra identically.
- Engine: 2.0L inline-4
- Torque: 132 lb-ft
- Horsepower: 147 hp
- Length/Width: 184.1 inches / 71.9 inches
2. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord ranked second on NICB’s 2025 list with 17,797 reported thefts. That is a substantial number, particularly for a model that has been sold in the United States for decades and exists in a wide range of model years.
The Accord’s long production history also means that theft exposure can vary considerably depending on the particular vehicle’s age, security equipment, and location.
For someone parking an Accord in a driveway, the FBI’s location data provides the more useful warning. Its national motor-vehicle-theft analysis found that residences generated more reported theft incidents than any other location category.
Time matters as well. From 2019 through 2023, the FBI found that the 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. period recorded the highest number of reported motor-vehicle thefts.
That does not mean an Accord is automatically vulnerable simply because it sits outside overnight. Modern vehicles can have significantly different security systems from older examples of the same model.
Buyers should pay particular attention to the vehicle’s model year, factory immobilizer equipment, and whether the keys are being stored securely inside the home.
NICB’s 2025 figure also needs context. Vehicle theft nationwide dropped to 659,880, down from 850,708 in 2024. The decline is encouraging, but the Accord’s second-place position shows that popular vehicles remain attractive targets.
Owners who park in a driveway should therefore avoid relying on the vehicle’s popularity or reputation for reliability as protection. A locked vehicle, secured keys, adequate exterior lighting, and an additional theft-deterrent device can make the driveway a less attractive target.
- Engine: 1.5L turbocharged inline-4 or 2.0L hybrid four-cylinder, depending on trim
- Torque: Up to 247 lb-ft
- Horsepower: Up to 204 hp
- Length/Width: 195.7 inches / 73.3 inches
3. Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata ranked third among the most stolen vehicle models in the United States in 2025, with 17,687 thefts reported nationwide, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
That puts it only 110 thefts behind the Honda Accord, showing just how concentrated theft activity was among a handful of popular sedan models. NICB also reports that thefts involving Hyundai and Kia vehicles declined for the third consecutive year, but those two brands still represented 14% of all vehicle thefts in 2025.
For driveway owners, the national time and location data adds useful context. FBI motor-vehicle-theft data has consistently identified residences as the most common location category. Its analysis for 2019 through 2023 also found that the 8 p.m. through 11:59 p.m. period had the highest number of reported thefts among the four-hour time blocks.
The Sonata’s theft history requires some qualification because vulnerability varies substantially by model year and equipment. The theft surge involving certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles was heavily associated with vehicles lacking electronic immobilizers.
Hyundai subsequently introduced software updates and other theft-prevention measures for eligible vehicles.
That means a Sonata owner should not assume that every model has the same level of exposure. Check the exact model year and VIN, and verify whether applicable theft-prevention software or other manufacturer measures have been completed.
The good news is that the national theft picture is improving. NICB reported 659,880 vehicle thefts in 2025, a 23% decline from 2024. Yet more than 17,000 reported Sonata thefts demonstrate why owners should continue taking basic precautions, particularly when the vehicle spends the night outside.
A locked garage, secured keys, good lighting, and an additional visible anti-theft device can make a driveway less attractive than an unprotected target.
- Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder or 2.5L hybrid four-cylinder, depending on configuration
- Torque: Up to 311 lb-ft
- Horsepower: Up to 290 hp
- Length/Width: 192.9 inches / 73.2 inches
4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was the fourth most stolen vehicle model in America in 2025, with NICB recording 16,764 thefts during the year.
Unlike some of the passenger cars near the top of the ranking, the Silverado’s presence highlights another important reality of vehicle theft: America’s most popular trucks can attract thieves simply because they are common, valuable, and widely available.
The Silverado’s theft count also deserves perspective. NICB recorded 659,880 vehicle thefts across the country in 2025, meaning the Silverado represented roughly 2.5% of all reported vehicle thefts by itself. That is a substantial number for a single model line.
For owners who leave a Silverado in a driveway overnight, physical security remains important. NICB recommends parking in well-lit locations, locking the vehicle, taking the keys with you, and considering additional anti-theft technology such as steering-wheel locks, audible alarms, kill switches, or aftermarket tracking devices.
The FBI’s national data reinforces why the driveway should not be treated as automatically safe. Residences were the most frequently reported location for motor-vehicle theft incidents in its 2019 through 2023 analysis. The highest-volume four-hour period was 8 p.m. to midnight.
That does not mean thieves specifically target Silverados during those hours or that a driveway creates a higher risk than every other location.
The available national datasets do not provide that model-by-location-by-hour breakdown. Instead, they show that residential locations and nighttime hours represent significant portions of reported vehicle theft.
For Silverado owners, the practical response is layered protection. Lock the truck every time, keep keys away from doors and windows, use exterior lighting, and consider a visible secondary deterrent. If the truck has valuable equipment or accessories, those should not be left visible either.
- Engine: 2.7L TurboMax inline-4, 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8, or 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel inline-6, depending on configuration
- Torque: Up to 495 lb-ft
- Horsepower: Up to 420 hp
- Length/Width: Up to 211.4 inches / 81.2 inches
5. Kia Optima
The Kia Optima may no longer be sold as a new vehicle in the United States, but its presence in the used market keeps its theft history relevant.
NICB’s 2025 vehicle-theft ranking placed the Optima among the nation’s most frequently stolen models, with 7,966 thefts reported during the year. That makes it one of the older nameplates that still deserves attention from used-car owners.
The Optima’s theft history is closely connected to the wider theft surge involving certain older Hyundai and Kia vehicles. NICB says thefts involving Hyundai and Kia models declined for the third consecutive year in 2025, but the brands still accounted for 14% of all vehicle thefts. The important detail is that vulnerability differs by model year and equipment.
Certain older vehicles lacked electronic immobilizers, a security feature designed to prevent an engine from being started without the correct electronic key authorization.
Kia subsequently introduced anti-theft software and other measures for eligible vehicles. A used-car buyer should therefore check the exact model year and VIN rather than assuming every Optima has the same security configuration.
The driveway question is also worth separating from the model ranking. NICB’s national data tells us how many Optimas were reported stolen, but it does not publish a national breakdown showing exactly how many were taken from driveways between particular overnight hours.
FBI data nevertheless shows why residential parking deserves attention. Residences were the most common location category for reported motor-vehicle theft from 2019 through 2023, while 8 p.m. through midnight was the most frequently reported four-hour period.
For an Optima owner, the first step should be determining whether the vehicle qualifies for Kia’s anti-theft software update or another applicable security measure. After that, simple measures such as locking the vehicle, securing the keys, and adding a visible steering-wheel lock can add another layer of protection.
- Engine: 2.4L four-cylinder or 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder, depending on model year and trim
- Torque: Up to 260 lb-ft
- Horsepower: Up to 245 hp
- Length/Width: Approximately 191.1 inches / 73.2 inches
6. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic was the sixth most stolen vehicle model in the United States in 2025, with 7,478 thefts reported, according to NICB. Its appearance on the list is not surprising given the Civic’s enormous presence on American roads.
Millions of Civics have been sold over the model’s long U.S. history, creating a large population of vehicles that can potentially become theft targets.
Unlike the Hyundai and Kia models associated with the recent theft surge, the Civic’s ranking should not be interpreted as evidence that every model year has the same vulnerability. Honda has used different security equipment across generations, and owners should identify the exact year and configuration when evaluating theft protection.
The FBI’s location data gives driveway owners another useful piece of information. From 2019 through 2023, residences were the most frequently reported location for motor-vehicle theft.
The FBI also found that the 8 p.m. through 11:59 p.m. period accounted for the largest number of reported thefts among the four-hour time periods analyzed.
Those figures do not establish that civics are specifically stolen from driveways during those hours. They are national statistics covering all motor-vehicle thefts. Still, they show why leaving a vehicle outside overnight should not be treated as risk-free simply because the owner is at home.
Civic owners can make the vehicle less attractive by using multiple layers of protection. Locking the car should be automatic, while keys should be kept somewhere away from easily accessible doors and windows.
A steering-wheel lock provides a visible deterrent, while a properly installed tracking device can potentially help recover a stolen vehicle.
NICB reported a major decline in U.S. vehicle thefts in 2025, but 659,880 thefts nationwide still represent a significant problem. The Civic’s position among the top 10 shows that common, desirable used cars continue to warrant sensible security precautions.
- Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder or 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder, depending on model year and trim
- Torque: Up to 200 lb-ft
- Horsepower: Up to 200 hp
- Length/Width: Approximately 184.0 inches / 70.9 inches
7. Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 ranked seventh in the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s 2025 list, with 10,102 thefts reported across the United States. That figure puts the F-150 among only two pickup trucks in the national top 10, alongside the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
The number is significant, but it should also be viewed in context because the F-150 is one of the most widely used vehicles in America. A large vehicle population naturally gives thieves more opportunities.
For driveway owners, the location data is particularly relevant. FBI motor-vehicle-theft statistics for 2019 through 2023 identified residences as the most frequently reported location for vehicle theft. The FBI also found that the 8 p.m. through 11:59 p.m. period had the highest number of reported thefts among the four-hour time blocks analyzed.
That does not establish that 10,102 F-150s were stolen from driveways overnight. NICB’s model ranking does not provide that level of detail. Instead, the two datasets show why an F-150 parked outside a home should still receive sensible protection.
Pickup trucks can also carry valuable accessories and equipment, giving owners another reason to avoid leaving tools or other valuables visible in the bed or cabin. A thief looking at a driveway can potentially see both the truck and anything stored inside it.
NICB recommends multiple layers of theft prevention, including locking the vehicle, parking in well-lit locations, and using visible or audible anti-theft devices. For an F-150 owner, a steering-wheel lock or another visible deterrent can add a physical obstacle even when the truck already has factory security.
The good news is that U.S. vehicle theft declined 23.2% in 2025, but more than 10,000 reported F-150 thefts show that popular trucks remain attractive targets.
- Engine: 2.7L EcoBoost V6, 5.0L V8, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, or 3.5L PowerBoost V6 depending on configuration
- Torque: Up to 640 lb-ft
- Horsepower: Up to 450 hp
- Length/Width: Up to 243.5 inches / 79.8 inches
8. Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry occupied eighth place in NICB’s 2025 ranking, with 9,833 thefts reported nationwide. It was one of three Toyota and Honda passenger vehicles among the 10 most stolen models, illustrating how vehicles with enormous populations on American roads can account for substantial theft totals.
The Camry’s position is especially interesting because it is not associated with the same theft pattern that made certain older Hyundai and Kia vehicles prominent targets. Instead, its high ranking should be interpreted alongside its enormous presence in the U.S. market and the demand for common vehicles and their components.
For someone parking a Camry in a driveway, the FBI’s national statistics provide useful context. Residences were the most frequently reported location for motor-vehicle theft incidents in its 2019 through 2023 analysis.
The FBI also found that reported thefts were highest during the 8 p.m. to midnight period when incidents were grouped into four-hour blocks.
Again, those statistics cannot tell us that a particular Camry is more likely to disappear between those exact hours. They simply demonstrate that residential and nighttime theft are significant parts of the national picture.
NICB recommends a layered approach rather than relying on one security feature. Owners should remove their keys, lock the doors and windows, park in well-lit areas, and consider additional visible or audible theft deterrents.
A driveway can actually provide an opportunity for better protection. Motion-activated lighting, a visible camera, and a locked garage can make the vehicle less appealing than an unattended car parked in a darker location. Keeping the keys away from exterior doors can also reduce opportunities for thieves who attempt to obtain keys.
The Camry’s 9,833 thefts show that even a mainstream family sedan deserves deliberate protection when it spends the night outside.
- Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid powertrain
- Torque: Up to 163 lb-ft
- Horsepower: Up to 225 hp combined, depending on configuration
- Length/Width: 192.1 inches / 72.4 inches
9. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V ranked ninth on NICB’s 2025 list of America’s most stolen vehicle models, with 9,809 thefts reported nationwide. That placed it just 24 thefts behind the Toyota Camry, showing how closely grouped the bottom of the top 10 was.
The CR-V’s ranking should be viewed in the context of its enormous presence on American roads. A vehicle with millions of examples in circulation can produce a high theft count even when individual vehicles are not equally vulnerable. Model year, security equipment, and location can all affect risk.
For driveway owners, FBI data provides useful context. Residences were the most frequently reported location category for motor-vehicle theft during its 2019 through 2023 analysis. The 8 p.m. through 11:59 p.m. period also recorded the highest number of reported thefts among the four-hour blocks.
That does not establish that 9,809 CR-Vs were stolen overnight from driveways. NICB’s model data does not provide that specific breakdown. It does show that the CR-V belongs among the vehicles owners should take seriously when considering theft prevention.
NICB recommends locking the vehicle, taking the keys inside, parking in well-lit areas, and considering additional anti-theft technology. For a driveway, motion lighting and a visible steering-wheel lock can add another layer of deterrence.
- Engine: 1.5L turbocharged inline-4
- Torque: 179 lb-ft
- Horsepower: 190 hp
- Length/Width: 184.8 inches / 73.5 inches
10. Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima completed NICB’s 2025 top 10 with 8,445 reported thefts across the United States. That figure placed it behind the Honda CR-V, but it still represented thousands of stolen vehicles in a single year.
The Altima’s appearance on the list is notable because Nissan discontinued the model after the 2025 model year in the United States. That means the used-car population will become increasingly important for owners and buyers, particularly as older examples remain widely available.
The national statistics again provide important context for driveway parking. FBI data covering 2019 through 2023 found that residences were the most common reported location for motor-vehicle theft. Among four-hour time periods, 8 p.m. through midnight recorded the highest number of reported thefts.
Those figures should not be interpreted as proof that Altimas are specifically targeted during those hours or that a driveway is inherently dangerous. They simply show why overnight residential parking deserves sensible precautions.
NICB recommends taking the keys inside, locking the vehicle, and using additional anti-theft technology where appropriate. A visible steering-wheel lock can provide a physical deterrent, while a tracking device may improve the chances of locating the vehicle if it is stolen.
The national picture is improving, with vehicle thefts falling 23.2% in 2025, but the Altima’s 8,445 thefts show that commonly used sedans remain attractive targets.
- Engine: 2.5L naturally aspirated inline-4
- Torque: 180 lb-ft
- Horsepower: 188 hp
- Length/Width: 192.9 inches / 72.9 inches
