Vehicle theft remains a serious concern for drivers across Missouri, and the types of vehicles targeted can be quite different from national trends. Recent Missouri data show that older pickup trucks and several familiar passenger vehicles appear frequently among reported thefts.
The figures also show why vehicle age, availability, security technology, and local demand can matter when assessing theft risk. This article looks at the top 10 most stolen vehicles in Missouri based on 2025 data available for the state, while also explaining broader theft trends and practical ways owners can reduce their risk.
1. Ford F-Series Full-Size Pickup, 2004
The 2004 Ford full-size pickup ranks at the top of the Missouri list, with 2,044 reported thefts in the 2025 data available for the state. This figure stands well above the number reported for the second vehicle on the list. Full-size Ford pickups have a large presence on Missouri roads, which can contribute to their appearance in theft statistics.
It is important to remember that a high theft count does not necessarily mean a particular vehicle is inherently easy to steal. The number of vehicles on the road, their age, local demand, and the availability of replacement parts can all influence theft patterns.
The age of this particular model is also worth noting. A 2004 vehicle is more than two decades old, and older vehicles generally have security systems that differ from those found in many newer cars. Modern vehicles may incorporate electronic immobilizers, connected services, location technology, and other theft deterrents.
Older vehicles can have fewer layers of electronic protection. That does not mean every 2004 Ford pickup is vulnerable in the same way, but it helps explain why older models can continue to appear prominently in theft statistics.
Ford’s full-size pickup line has also been extremely common in the United States for many years. High vehicle availability can create a larger pool of potential targets. When a model has been sold in large numbers, thieves may encounter more examples of it, and stolen vehicles can provide access to parts that are in demand.
Missouri’s agricultural, construction, transportation, and outdoor industries also make pickup trucks a familiar sight across the state, though the theft statistics alone cannot establish why individual vehicles were targeted.
2. Chevrolet Full-Size Pickup, 2005
The 2005 Chevrolet full-size pickup ranks second in the Missouri list, with 1,284 reported thefts in the available 2025 data. Like the Ford pickup at the top of the list, this vehicle belongs to a long-running and highly common truck category.
Chevrolet full-size pickups have been sold in large numbers for decades, giving them a substantial presence on American roads. That widespread ownership is relevant when looking at raw theft totals because there are simply many vehicles of this type available in the population.
The difference between the first and second positions is also significant. The 2004 Ford full-size pickup had 2,044 reported thefts, while the 2005 Chevrolet full-size pickup had 1,284.
Both figures are much higher than those associated with the vehicles occupying the lower positions on the Missouri list. This concentration suggests that pickup trucks are an important part of Missouri’s vehicle theft picture, at least within the data being discussed.
Vehicle age can affect security in several ways. Older trucks were designed before some of the modern anti-theft technologies that are now common across the automotive industry.
Owners of older vehicles may therefore benefit from combining the original security equipment with additional protection. A steering wheel lock, secure parking location, alarm system, or tracking device can add layers of protection. The most appropriate approach depends on the vehicle and how it is normally used.
Pickup trucks also have practical value beyond transportation. They can carry equipment, tools, materials, and other goods, making them valuable to individuals and businesses.
That means theft can create costs beyond the value of the truck itself. A stolen work truck may interrupt employment, delay projects, or require replacement equipment. For businesses operating several older pickups, maintaining an inventory of keys, tracking devices, and security measures can be a useful part of fleet management.
The Chevrolet full-size pickup’s position on the Missouri list should be viewed as a statistical observation rather than a prediction that a particular truck will be stolen.
3. Dodge Full-Size Pickup, 2001
The 2001 Dodge full-size pickup occupies third place, with 639 reported thefts in the Missouri data. This is another older pickup, reinforcing the noticeable presence of aging trucks among Missouri’s most frequently reported stolen vehicles.
The three highest positions on the list are all occupied by full-size pickups from the early 2000s. That pattern is particularly notable because national lists often receive attention for newer Hyundai, Kia, Honda, Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, and Nissan models.
The national picture provides useful context. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the most frequently stolen vehicle model in the United States during 2025 was the Hyundai Elantra, followed by the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Civic, Kia Optima, Ford F-150, Toyota Camry, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Altima completed the national top 10. Missouri’s state-specific data therefore demonstrates why national rankings should not automatically be treated as a list of the vehicles most frequently stolen in every state.
The 2001 Dodge pickup is considerably older than many vehicles currently on American roads. Older vehicles can remain attractive targets because they are widely available and may have fewer modern security systems.
Parts availability can also influence theft patterns, though theft statistics alone cannot determine the specific motive behind each reported incident. Owners should therefore focus on practical prevention rather than assuming that vehicle age automatically makes theft inevitable.
Parking habits can make a meaningful difference. A vehicle parked in a locked garage generally has a different exposure level from a truck left outside overnight in an isolated area.
4. Chevrolet Malibu, 2020
The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu appears in fourth place, with 438 reported thefts in the Missouri data. Its position stands out because it is substantially newer than the first three vehicles on the list.
While the leading vehicles are pickups from 2001, 2004, and 2005, the Malibu is a 2020 passenger car. This difference shows that vehicle theft in Missouri is not limited to older trucks. Newer passenger vehicles can also appear in significant numbers within state-level theft statistics.
The Chevrolet Malibu has been a familiar midsize sedan in the American market. Its broad availability means there are many examples in circulation, and common vehicles can naturally generate substantial theft totals.
Raw theft numbers should therefore not be interpreted as the probability that any individual Malibu will be stolen. A vehicle model’s population size is an important factor when comparing counts.
Owners of newer vehicles should not assume that factory security makes additional precautions unnecessary for an older pickup. A well-lit driveway, secured garage, monitored parking area, or location with cameras may reduce exposure. Drivers should avoid leaving the vehicle unlocked or running without supervision. Personal unnecessary.
Modern vehicles can still be stolen through various methods, and criminals can adapt to security technology. Keeping software and vehicle systems updated when updates are provided can be useful. Owners should also follow manufacturer guidance regarding keys, connected services, and security functions.
Parking location remains relevant for a 2020 Malibu just as it does for an older pickup. A well-lit driveway, secured garage, monitored parking area, or location with cameras may reduce exposure.
Drivers should avoid leaving the vehicle unlocked or running without supervision. Personal belongings should also be removed from sight, since vehicle break-ins can occur even when the objective is not to steal the entire car.
The Malibu’s appearance in fourth place provides an important reminder for Missouri drivers. Theft patterns change over time, and a list based on a particular year should not be treated as a permanent ranking.
The 438 thefts reported for the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu in the available 2025 Missouri data make it a significant entry on the list, but future data may show different patterns.
5. Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, 2015
The Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee from the 2015 model year rank fifth, with 418 reported thefts in the Missouri data. This entry combines two closely related Jeep models, so the figure should not be interpreted as the theft count for just a single vehicle model.
The combined category demonstrates how vehicle classification can affect statistics. When reviewing a theft list, readers should pay attention to whether a number represents a single model, a group of related models, or a broader vehicle category.
Jeep vehicles have a substantial presence in Missouri and throughout the United States. SUVs have remained popular with drivers who want passenger capacity, cargo space, and utility. That broad ownership can affect theft totals because frequently owned vehicles have more examples on the road.
The statistics do not establish that every Cherokee or Grand Cherokee faces the Grand Cherokee category ranks below the four vehicles discussed earlier but remains within Missouri’s top five in the cited dataset. It also illustrates the same risk.
Owners of 2015 Jeep vehicles can take several basic precautions. Consistently locking the vehicle, keeping keys secure, parking in visible locations, and using available security features are sensible starting points.
Owners should also pay attention to recalls or manufacturer-provided security updates that apply to their specific vehicle. Keeping documentation and identifying information in a secure location can help if the vehicle is stolen.
Vehicle tracking technology may provide additional assistance after a theft. Some vehicles have factory-connected services, while aftermarket tracking systems are also available. A tracking device does not necessarily prevent theft, but it can potentially help law enforcement locate a vehicle. Owners should understand how their system works and keep account information current.
With 418 reported thefts, the 2015 Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee category ranks below the four vehicles discussed earlier but remains within Missouri’s top five in the cited dataset. It also illustrates that the list contains a mixture of pickups, sedans, and SUVs rather than a single vehicle category.
6. Nissan Altima, 2020
The 2020 Nissan Altima ranks sixth, with 401 reported thefts in Missouri’s available 2025 data. The Altima is another midsize passenger vehicle that has been widely sold in the United States. Its appearance on the Missouri list is significant because it shows that newer sedans can experience theft activity alongside much older pickup trucks.
The difference between the Altima and the Chevrolet Malibu is relatively small in the cited figures. The Malibu had 438 reported thefts, while the Altima had 401. These numbers should not be interpreted as a precise measurement of individual vehicle risk because the total number of Altimas and Malibus on Missouri roads, where they are parked, how they are secured, and other factors can differ.
Owners should treat vehicle security as a routine part of car ownership. Drivers can make sure doors are locked before walking away, keep keys protected, and avoid leaving the vehicle running while unattended. At home, parking inside a garage can provide an additional physical barrier. In public locations, choosing visible and well-lit parking can reduce opportunities for unauthorized access.
Technology can also play a role. Depending on the vehicle’s equipment and available services, owners may have access to remote functions, location services, or other security features. Drivers should learn what their particular Altima includes rather than assuming that every vehicle with the same model name has large population on American roads is relevant when considering theft counts.
A high number of reported thefts can partly reflect how many examples exist, and their owners may need to consider additional protection depending on their circumstances.
This is particularly relevant for drivers who park outside overnight or leave their vehicle in public areas for extended periods in the Missouri list. Its inclusion demonstrates that highly common older passenger cars can remain part of state vehicle theft statistics years after they were manufactured.
2004 model year places this GMC pickup in the same general age range as the Ford and Chevrolet pickups near the top of the list. Older trucks can remain in service for many years, particularly when they are maintained properly.
This means a vehicle that was manufactured more than two decades ago can still be a working vehicle for personal used for work may carry expensive tools or equipment, making the potential loss more significant than the vehicle itself.
7. Toyota Camry, 2007
The 2007 Toyota Camry ranks seventh with 399 reported thefts. The Camry has been among the most widely recognized passenger cars in the United States for many years, and its large population on American roads is relevant when considering theft counts. A high number of reported thefts can partly reflect how many examples of a particular vehicle are in circulation.
The 2007 model year also puts this vehicle in a different age category from the 2020 Nissan Altima and Chevrolet Malibu. Older cars may have different factory security equipment, and their owners may need to consider additional protection depending on their circumstances.
This is particularly relevant for drivers who park outside overnight or leave their vehicle in public areas for extended periods.
Owners can reduce opportunities for theft by developing consistent habits. Keys should remain with the owner rather than inside the vehicle. Doors and windows should be secured whenever the vehicle is unattended. If an owner uses a spare key, it should be stored somewhere secure rather than hidden inside the car.
8. GMC Full-Size Pickup, 2004
The 2004 GMC full-size pickup ranks eighth, with 392 reported thefts. Its presence continues the strong representation of pickup trucks in Missouri’s top theft categories. Four of the first eight entries on this list are full-size pickups, highlighting how important truck theft is within the specific Missouri data being discussed.
The 2004 model year places this GMC pickup in the same general age range as the Ford and Chevrolet pickups near the top of the list.
Older trucks can remain in service for many years, particularly when they are maintained properly. This means a vehicle that was manufactured more than two decades ago can still be a working vehicle for personal transportation, business use, farming, construction, or recreation.
Truck owners should consider where their vehicles spend most of their time. A pickup used for work may carry expensive tools or equipment, making the potential loss more significant than the vehicle itself. Removing valuable equipment when possible and securing tools separately can reduce losses if the truck is broken into or stolen.
Physical security can be particularly useful for older vehicles. A steering wheel lock, alarm, immobilizer, or tracking system may add protection depending on the truck’s existing equipment.
Owners should also keep the vehicle’s identification information and insurance documents accessible outside the vehicle so they can provide accurate information after a theft.
The 392 reported thefts associated with the 2004 GMC full-size pickup place it eighth in the cited Missouri list. Its inclusion adds further support to the observation that older pickups form a major portion of the state’s most frequently reported stolen vehicles in this dataset.
9. Honda Accord, 1997
The 1997 Honda Accord ranks ninth, with 389 reported thefts. The Accord has been a highly common vehicle in the United States for decades, and older examples remain on the road because of their long service lives. Its inclusion in Missouri’s top 10 demonstrates that older passenger vehicles can remain relevant in vehicle theft statistics long after their original sale.
A vehicle from that model year is nearly three decades old, and its original security technology predates many modern anti-theft systems. Owners of older vehicles may therefore have good reason to consider additional security measures, particularly if the vehicle is parked outdoors or in locations with limited supervision.
The Accord also appears in national theft statistics, though the model year and state-level figures differ from the national rankings.
In 2025, the Honda Accord ranked second nationally when all model years were combined, with 17,797 reported thefts. That national figure cannot be used to determine how likely a specific Missouri Accord is to be stolen, but it does show that the model has appeared prominently in theft data across the country.
10. Chevrolet Impala, 2008
The 2008 Chevrolet Impala rounds out Missouri’s top 10, with 373 reported thefts. Like several vehicles higher on the list, the Impala is an older model that has remained familiar on American roads. Its inclusion means the Missouri top 10 contains a substantial number of vehicles from the early and mid-2000s.
The Impala was widely used as a personal vehicle and also had a significant presence in commercial and fleet applications. Large numbers of vehicles in circulation can influence raw theft totals. When interpreting theft statistics, it is therefore useful to distinguish between the number of thefts and the theft rate relative to the number of vehicles registered or in use.
Older vehicles may also have different security characteristics from newer cars. Owners should review the equipment fitted to their individual vehicle rather than relying on assumptions based solely on the model name. Additional physical security devices can provide an extra layer of protection, especially when a vehicle is parked outside regularly.
