Dallas has a serious vehicle-theft problem, but the vehicles attracting thieves are not necessarily the same models that dominate national lists.
Recent Dallas Police reporting points particularly toward GMC and Chevrolet trucks, followed by Ford pickups, while Texas Department of Public Safety data shows the same broad pattern across the state.
Dallas-Fort Worth recorded 21,638 vehicle thefts in 2025, ranking sixth among U.S. metropolitan areas. Because Dallas does not publish a current annual model-by-model top-10 list, this ranking uses the latest Dallas Police observations alongside Texas DPS theft data to identify the vehicles most consistently targeted in the region.
1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 takes the No. 1 position because the numbers coming out of Texas are difficult to ignore. The Texas Department of Public Safety recorded 297 Silverado thefts in July 2026, more than any other vehicle in its monthly top-10 list.
The GMC Sierra followed at 206, while the Ford F-150 recorded 121. That gap puts the Silverado in a category of its own in the latest statewide data.
Dallas-specific reporting reinforces the concern. A September 2026 report citing a Dallas Police Department officer said GMC and Chevrolet trucks were the vehicles most frequently targeted in Dallas, followed by Ford trucks, including the F-150, F-250, F-350, and Raptor.
That makes the Silverado especially relevant to Dallas drivers rather than simply being a national theft-list regular.
The Silverado’s enormous presence on Texas roads is part of the explanation. Popular vehicles naturally create a larger pool of potential targets, while full-size pickups also have valuable components and strong resale demand. Texas theft data has repeatedly shown pickup trucks near the top of the list.
The 2026 Silverado 1500 offers several powertrains, including the 5.3-liter V8, 6.2-liter V8, and 3.0-liter Duramax diesel. Chevrolet rates the 5.3-liter V8 at 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Depending on configuration, the Silverado can tow as much as 13,300 pounds.
For Dallas owners, the lesson is simple. Driving a common truck can increase the risk of theft, making secure parking, locking the vehicle, and using available anti-theft technology especially important.
2. GMC Sierra 1500
The GMC Sierra 1500 lands at No. 2, and unlike some entries that rely mainly on national theft statistics, this truck has particularly strong evidence from the Dallas area itself.
A September 2026 report based on local law enforcement information identified GMC as the most frequently reported stolen vehicle make across Dallas and nearby Park Cities. The Dallas Police Department also specifically identified GMC and Chevrolet trucks as the leading targets in Dallas.
Texas DPS figures give the Sierra’s position additional weight. In July 2026, 206 GMC Sierras were reported stolen in Texas, making it the second-most-stolen vehicle in the state’s monthly ranking. Only the Chevrolet Silverado was higher, with 297 reported thefts. The Ford F-150 was third at 121.
The Sierra shares much of its mechanical foundation with the Silverado, but GMC positions the truck toward buyers who want a more upscale presentation without giving up serious capability. That means there are large numbers of expensive, well-equipped examples on Texas roads, alongside work-oriented models.
For 2026, the Sierra 1500 can be equipped with a 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. GMC also offers turbocharged gasoline and diesel powertrains, with the available 3.0-liter Duramax producing substantially more torque. Depending on configuration, the Sierra can stretch beyond 241 inches in length.
Its sheer size also explains why the truck is useful to both working owners and recreational drivers. A large bed, substantial towing capability, and available four-wheel drive make the Sierra valuable beyond simple transportation.
For Dallas drivers, however, that usefulness comes with an unwanted downside. The same popularity and utility that make the Sierra desirable to owners also make it an attractive target for thieves.
3. Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra deserves the third spot because it is not simply a Texas-wide theft statistic that happens to appear in a Dallas article. It is one of the vehicles repeatedly appearing near the top of Texas theft reports, making it a strong indicator of what Dallas-area owners should watch.
In July 2026, the Texas Department of Public Safety recorded 159 stolen Elantras, putting the compact sedan third in the state’s monthly ranking behind the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. The same three-position pattern also appeared in April 2026, when Texas recorded 142 stolen Elantras.
That consistency matters. A single month’s spike can be misleading, but the Elantra has repeatedly appeared among Texas’ most frequently stolen vehicles. The model was also the most stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, according to National Insurance Crime Bureau data, with 21,732 thefts reported nationwide.
The Elantra’s popularity is part of the explanation. There are simply many examples on American roads, giving thieves more opportunities to encounter one.
Certain older Hyundai vehicles also became particularly vulnerable because of security shortcomings, although the company has introduced immobilizers and additional anti-theft measures on newer models.
Hyundai’s 2026 Elantra, for example, includes an immobilizer and an anti-theft system integrated with its remote keyless entry and panic alarm.
For current buyers, the 2026 Elantra uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. It measures 185.4 inches long and 71.9 inches wide, making it substantially easier to maneuver than the full-size pickups dominating Dallas theft reports.
The contrast is what makes the Elantra’s position interesting. Dallas thieves are not targeting only expensive trucks. Common compact sedans can be attractive targets too.
4. Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 ranks fourth using the strongest available Texas model-level data, while Dallas Police observations make the pickup especially relevant locally.
The Dallas Police Department told People Newspapers that Ford trucks, particularly the F-150, F-250, F-350, and Raptor, follow GMC and Chevrolet trucks among the vehicles most frequently targeted in Dallas.
That gives the F-150 a direct connection to the city’s theft pattern rather than relying exclusively on statewide statistics.
Texas DPS recorded 121 stolen F-150s in July 2026, placing the truck fourth on the state’s monthly list. It held the same fourth position in April, with 109 reported thefts. Those numbers put the F-150 well behind the Silverado but ahead of many other passenger vehicles.
The F-150’s popularity is important context. Ford’s pickup is one of the most common vehicles on American roads, and Texas has an especially strong truck culture.
A vehicle that is plentiful, valuable, and useful can naturally become a recurring theft target. Texas auto-theft authorities have previously noted that pickup popularity contributes to their high theft numbers.
The current F-150 also comes with an unusually broad range of powertrains. Ford offers a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 producing 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, a 5.0-liter V8 producing 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft, and a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 rated at 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft.
The available PowerBoost hybrid reaches 430 horsepower and up to 570 lb-ft, depending on the current configuration.
For Dallas owners, the risk is not necessarily about one particular engine. The larger issue is the truck’s combination of popularity, utility, and value.
5. Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata follows the Elantra closely in Texas theft statistics, making it one of the most important sedans for Dallas owners to watch.
Texas Department of Public Safety records show 99 Sonata thefts in July 2026, placing it fifth in the state’s monthly ranking. It also ranked fifth in April 2026, when 102 Sonatas were reported stolen. That repeated appearance makes the model more significant than a one-month spike would suggest.
The Dallas connection is worth emphasizing. Local police have said that theft targets in the city have remained concentrated among certain popular vehicle groups, particularly trucks, but the statewide data demonstrates that passenger cars remain vulnerable. Dallas is part of a much larger Texas market where the Sonata has a substantial installed base.
The model’s theft history also extends beyond Texas. The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s 2025 data placed the Hyundai Sonata third among the most stolen vehicles in the United States, with 17,687 thefts reported nationwide. That gives the Sonata one of the strongest national theft profiles among mainstream passenger cars.
For current buyers, the Sonata has changed considerably from the vehicles that established its reputation. The 2025 U.S. model offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, while the available Sonata N Line used a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft.
Its relatively long body also provides plenty of interior space. The 2025 Sonata measures 192.9 inches long and 73.2 inches wide, giving occupants considerably more room than a subcompact sedan while avoiding the width of a full-size pickup.
The theft statistics should not suggest that every Sonata is equally vulnerable. Model year, security equipment, and theft techniques matter. Owners should still use basic precautions such as locking the vehicle, keeping keys secure, and using available anti-theft systems.
6. Ford F-250
The Ford F-250 occupies an unusual position on the list because it is not merely a high-volume passenger vehicle. It is a heavy-duty pickup designed for substantially greater towing and hauling demands than the F-150, yet Texas theft data shows that it attracts thieves in meaningful numbers.
The Texas Department of Public Safety recorded 88 stolen F-250s in July 2026, placing the heavy-duty Ford sixth among the state’s most frequently stolen vehicles that month.
Its position is not an isolated result. The F-250 also ranked sixth in Texas in April 2026, with 87 thefts reported. That consistency suggests the model’s presence in theft statistics is tied to its broader popularity rather than one unusual month.
Dallas Police have separately identified Ford trucks, including the F-250, among the vehicles frequently targeted in Dallas. Local officers told People’s Newspapers that Ford trucks follow GMC and Chevrolet trucks in the city’s theft pattern, specifically mentioning F-150, F-250, F-350, and Raptor models.
There is an economic reason a heavy-duty pickup can attract attention. An F-250 is frequently purchased for commercial work, towing, construction, ranching, and other demanding applications. Its usefulness gives the truck substantial value even after years of ownership, while its components and equipment can also have strong resale value.
The current F-250 offers several engine choices, including a 6.8-liter gasoline V8 and a 7.3-liter gasoline V8. The available 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8 delivers considerably more torque for heavy towing.
For Dallas owners, the F-250’s size does not make it immune to theft. In fact, its popularity as a valuable working truck can make security particularly important.
7. Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is another truck that appears consistently in Texas theft records, and its presence is especially relevant to Dallas because local police have identified full-size pickups as a major theft category.
Texas Department of Public Safety data recorded 75 stolen Ram 1500s in July 2026, putting it seventh among the state’s most stolen vehicles that month. The model also appeared in the top 10 in April, with 78 reported thefts.
There is a bigger pattern behind those numbers. Dallas Police told People Newspapers that after GMC and Chevrolet trucks, Ford trucks such as the F-150, F-250, F-350, and Raptor were frequently targeted. The concentration of theft among full-size pickups reflects the enormous number of trucks operating throughout the Dallas area and across Texas.
A Ram 1500 can be valuable for reasons that have little to do with luxury. It is a working vehicle for contractors, landscapers, and tradespeople, but it is equally common among drivers who simply want a large truck for towing, hauling, or recreation. That broad ownership base puts many examples on the road.
The latest Ram 1500 also offers a wide spread of powertrains. The 2026 model can use a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 producing 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, while the available 3.0-liter Hurricane produces 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft. A high-output Hurricane reaches 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft. Ram lists a maximum towing capacity of 11,610 pounds.
For Dallas owners, the truck’s value and prevalence make security worthwhile. Parking in a secure garage when possible, keeping keys protected, and using the vehicle’s available security technology can reduce exposure.
8. Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry enters the ranking from a different direction. It is not a pickup, yet Texas theft data shows that it remains a recurring target. In July 2026, the Texas Department of Public Safety recorded 71 stolen Camrys, tying it with the Kia Optima for eighth place in the state’s monthly ranking. The Camry also appeared in the April top 10 with 71 reported thefts.
That consistency is more revealing than one isolated figure. The Camry has been one of America’s most common midsize sedans for decades, so there is a very large population of them available to thieves. Nationally, the National Insurance Crime Bureau recorded 9,833 Camry thefts in 2025, placing it eighth among all vehicle models.
Dallas adds another factor. A sedan can be easier to conceal and maneuver than a full-size pickup, while its components can still have value in the secondary market. The Camry’s widespread use also means parts and replacement components are readily recognized across the country.
The current Camry is significantly different mechanically from many older examples appearing in theft statistics. Toyota made a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain standard for the 2025 redesign.
Front-wheel-drive versions produce 225 net combined horsepower, while all-wheel-drive models produce 232 horsepower. Toyota lists the sedan at 193.5 inches long and 72.4 inches wide.
That means today’s Camry is not necessarily representative of every stolen example. Theft statistics combine multiple model years, and older vehicles can have different security equipment and vulnerabilities.
For Dallas owners, the Camry’s ranking is a reminder that theft risk is not limited to large or expensive trucks. A common sedan can attract just as much attention because of how many examples exist and how useful their components remain.
9. Kia Optima
The Kia Optima takes the ninth position because it has remained a recurring target in Texas theft data, even though Kia discontinued the Optima name in the United States after the 2020 model year.
The Texas Department of Public Safety recorded 68 stolen Optimas in July 2026, placing the sedan ninth in the state’s monthly ranking. The model also appeared in the top 10 in April, with 71 reported thefts.
That distinction between current sales and theft risk matters. A vehicle does not need to be a current-production model to appear frequently in theft statistics. There are still many older Optimas on Texas roads, and the theft data includes vehicles across different model years.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau recorded 11,521 Kia Optima thefts nationwide in 2025, ranking it sixth among the country’s most stolen vehicle models.
The Optima also belongs to a group of Hyundai and Kia vehicles that received considerable attention because of security vulnerabilities affecting certain older models without electronic immobilizers.
Kia introduced software updates and other anti-theft measures for eligible vehicles, but owners of older examples should verify that their particular car has received every applicable security update.
For Dallas drivers, the Optima’s conventional sedan shape can make it easy to overlook when thinking about vehicle theft. The Texas figures demonstrate why that assumption can be dangerous. Common passenger cars can be just as attractive to thieves as expensive trucks when there is a large population of them and a market for their parts.
The final U.S. Optima models used a 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the available 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produced 245 horsepower and 260 lb-ft.
10. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord closes the Dallas ranking, and its position is backed by both Texas and national theft statistics. Texas DPS recorded 61 stolen Accords in July 2026, putting the sedan tenth on the state’s monthly list. The Accord has also appeared repeatedly in previous Texas rankings, demonstrating that its presence is not limited to a single reporting period.
Nationally, the numbers are even more striking. The National Insurance Crime Bureau recorded 17,797 Honda Accord thefts in 2025, making it the second-most-stolen vehicle model in the United States that year, behind only the Hyundai Elantra.
That figure puts the Accord ahead of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, and Toyota Camry in the national ranking.
Popularity is an important part of the equation. The Accord has been sold in the United States for decades and exists in enormous numbers across the country. A common vehicle provides more opportunities for theft, while its widespread parts supply can make stolen components valuable.
Dallas owners should also remember that theft statistics combine different generations and model years. The security equipment on a newer Accord is not necessarily identical to that of an older example. The current U.S. Accord uses modern electronic security systems and is substantially different from the older cars that contribute to historical theft totals.
For 2026, the Accord’s standard powertrain is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the LX and SE, producing 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. Hybrid versions use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder-based system producing 204 combined horsepower. The sedan measures 195.7 inches long and 73.3 inches wide.
The Accord’s No. 10 position, therefore, should not be interpreted as meaning theft risk is low. It simply reflects the latest Texas ranking. For Dallas drivers, the bigger takeaway is that a vehicle’s popularity can itself become a security concern.
