Vehicle theft patterns vary across the United States, influenced by local crime trends, vehicle popularity, and the security systems fitted to different models.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported 659,880 vehicle thefts nationwide in 2025, a 23.2% decline from 850,708 in 2024. Despite that improvement, theft remains a significant concern for drivers in major metropolitan areas.
1. Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra topped NICB’s national vehicle-theft ranking for 2025, with 21,732 reported thefts. That made it the most frequently stolen model in the organization’s latest annual list, although the figure combines different model years rather than identifying one particular generation.
The Elantra’s position is important because national theft totals measure the number of incidents, not the likelihood that any individual Elantra will be stolen.
The number of vehicles on the road, the age of the fleet, local crime conditions, and differences in security equipment all affect the interpretation. NICB’s national figure does not establish that the Elantra is the most-stolen model in every U.S. region.
Owners of older Elantras should check their specific vehicle’s security equipment and confirm whether any manufacturer anti-theft software update or related campaign applies.
Some older Hyundai vehicles with traditional keyed ignitions lack an engine immobilizer, a feature that helps prevent an engine from starting without an authorized key. Applicability depends on the exact model year and configuration.
Practical precautions include locking the doors, removing valuables, parking in well-lit areas, and using a visible steering-wheel lock where appropriate. Owners should also ask their insurer whether additional anti-theft measures could affect coverage or premiums.
The Elantra’s national ranking is a reason to pay attention to security, not to assume every example faces equal risk. Local police data and the vehicle’s exact configuration offer more useful guidance for an individual owner.
2. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord ranked second in NICB’s 2025 national list, with 17,797 reported thefts. Its total placed it ahead of the Hyundai Sonata, making the Accord one of the most frequently stolen nameplates in the United States that year. The count includes multiple model years, not just new vehicles.
The Accord’s long history and large presence on American roads matter when interpreting that number. A popular model can accumulate high theft totals simply because many examples are in circulation. The NICB count alone does not establish the theft rate per Accord, nor does it prove that one region has a greater risk than another.
Owners should take particular care with older vehicles that may lack some modern anti-theft technology. Check whether the car has an immobilizer, alarm, or other factory security features, and consider a steering-wheel lock or a professionally installed tracking device if the risk in the local area warrants it.
Always verify compatibility before adding electronic security equipment. Parking choices also matter. A locked garage or a well-lit, busy parking area can reduce opportunities for theft, although no location guarantees protection. Never leave the engine running unattended, even for a short errand.
For Accord owners, the NICB figure is best treated as a national warning signal rather than a prediction. Regional police reports, vehicle year, security equipment, and insurance advice can help determine which precautions are most appropriate.
3. Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata recorded 17,687 reported thefts in 2025, placing third in NICB’s national ranking. Its total was only 110 thefts below the Honda Accord, illustrating how closely the two sedans tracked each other in the annual figures.
The Sonata’s theft history needs to be considered alongside the security differences between model years. Some older Hyundai vehicles with keyed ignitions were built without an engine immobilizer, leaving them more vulnerable to certain theft methods.
Not every Sonata is affected, and owners should verify their exact vehicle’s equipment and eligibility for any manufacturer-provided anti-theft update.
The NICB ranking counts reported theft incidents, not attempted thefts or the percentage of Sonatas stolen out of all those on the road. It also does not identify the model’s position within each U.S. region.
Drivers in high-theft metropolitan areas should consult local law enforcement information rather than assuming a national ranking describes their neighborhood.
If you own an older Sonata, ask a Hyundai dealer whether an anti-theft software update applies and whether it has been completed.
Use a steering-wheel lock as an additional visible deterrent if suitable, and avoid leaving keys inside or near the vehicle. A tracking device may help with recovery, but it cannot guarantee that a stolen vehicle will be found.
For shoppers, check the vehicle’s security equipment before buying a used Sonata. Ask the seller for documentation of any completed update and contact your insurer to understand coverage requirements. The national total signals that the model deserves attention, while the individual car’s configuration and location determine the practical steps to take.
4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ranked fourth in NICB’s 2025 national list, with 16,764 reported thefts. Unlike the leading sedans, the Silverado is a full-size pickup used for commuting, work, towing, and recreation. Its widespread use across the country makes it important to consider both vehicle security and the equipment or cargo stored inside.
The national count does not show that every Silverado generation is equally vulnerable. Security features, key technology, and anti-theft systems vary by year and trim. A modern truck with factory immobilization and alarm features should not automatically be treated like an older vehicle with different equipment.
Pickup owners can reduce opportunities for theft by parking in a locked garage when possible, securing keys, and avoiding leaving tools or valuables visible in the cabin. If a truck is frequently parked at a worksite, consider a well-lit parking location and additional security appropriate to the environment.
Owners who carry expensive tools should also consider separate cargo security rather than relying solely on the truck’s door locks.
Theft statistics require careful interpretation because NICB reports the total number of vehicles stolen rather than the theft rate among registered Silverado trucks. Since pickups are commonly used for both personal and business purposes, the number of reported thefts alone does not provide a clear measure of the risk of a Silverado being stolen.
Before purchasing a used Silverado, check its VIN for outstanding recalls, confirm that factory security equipment works, and ask the seller about missing keys or prior theft damage. Owners concerned about local risk should check police reports and discuss appropriate coverage with their insurer.
5. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic recorded 12,725 reported thefts in 2025, ranking fifth in NICB’s national list. Its popularity as a commuter car means a large number of examples are in circulation, but the theft count alone does not reveal how likely a specific Civic is to be stolen.
The Civic spans many generations, from older cars with simpler security systems to newer versions with modern key and immobilizer technology.
That variation matters more than the nameplate alone. Owners should confirm the exact vehicle’s security equipment and make sure all keys are accounted for, especially after buying a used car.
In areas where vehicle theft is a concern, a steering-wheel lock can provide a visible deterrent, while parking in a garage or well-lit location reduces opportunities for unauthorized access. Keep the vehicle locked, remove valuables, and never leave it running unattended.
If the Civic has connected services or a tracking function, make sure the feature is activated and that account access is secure.
NICB’s annual ranking counts reported thefts nationwide. It does not identify a Civic-specific ranking for the Northeast, Midwest, South, or West, so regional claims would require separate police or state data. Local conditions can differ significantly, even between neighboring cities.
For used-car buyers, ask whether the car has ever been stolen or recovered, check its history, and test the alarm and locking systems. If the seller has only one key, consider the cost of obtaining a replacement and reprogramming the vehicle’s security system.
The Civic’s place on the national list is a reminder to check the individual car’s safeguards rather than assuming every model year has the same vulnerability.
6. Kia Optima
The Kia Optima recorded 11,521 reported thefts in 2025, placing sixth in NICB’s national ranking. The Optima was replaced by the Kia K5 in the U.S. market, but many older examples remain on American roads.
Security equipment is a key consideration for this model. Some older Kia vehicles with traditional keyed ignitions were manufactured without an engine immobilizer, making them vulnerable to certain theft techniques.
However, this issue does not affect all Optima models equally. Differences in model year, trim level, and production specifications can influence a vehicle’s vulnerability, making it important for owners to check their vehicle’s features and confirm whether the manufacturer offers an anti-theft update.
If an update applies, arrange it through an authorized Kia dealer and keep the service documentation. A steering-wheel lock can provide an additional visible deterrent, particularly when parking outside overnight. Owners should also secure their keys, lock the doors, and avoid leaving personal items visible through the windows.
The national figure records theft incidents, not the share of all Optimas stolen or the model’s ranking in a specific region. It therefore cannot establish that every Optima owner faces the same level of risk. Local police data and insurance guidance can help drivers understand conditions in their area.
Anyone buying a used Optima should ask for evidence of completed anti-theft work and check that the car’s locks, alarm, and key system function correctly. If the vehicle has been recovered after a theft, inspect it carefully for damage to the ignition, steering column, wiring, and door locks.
A model’s theft history is useful information, but the specific car’s security equipment and maintenance record should guide the buying decision.
7. Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 ranked seventh in NICB’s 2025 list, with 10,102 reported thefts. The F-150 is widely used for work and personal transportation, and its presence on the list reinforces that vehicle theft affects practical trucks as well as passenger cars.
Because the F-150 has been sold across many generations and configurations, theft protection differs by model year. Owners should confirm whether their truck has an immobilizer, factory alarm, remote-key system, or connected tracking features. A newer model’s equipment should not be assumed to be present on an older work truck.
Trucks can also carry tools, equipment, and other valuable property. Keeping those items out of sight and securing them separately helps limit losses even if a theft attempt does not succeed.
When possible, park in a locked garage or a secure worksite area. If the truck is parked outside overnight, choose a well-lit location and consider an additional physical deterrent.
NICB’s figure is a national theft count, not a regional ranking or a per-vehicle theft rate. It does not prove that F-150s are the most stolen trucks in every state. Local crime patterns, the truck’s age, and the security equipment fitted to it all influence the practical risk.
Before buying a used F-150, check the VIN for outstanding recalls, inspect for signs of prior theft damage, and verify that all keys and security functions work. If the truck is used for business, ask an insurer about coverage for both the vehicle and the tools carried inside.
8. Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry recorded 9,833 reported thefts in 2025, ranking eighth in NICB’s national list. Its long presence in the American market means many generations are still in use, and their security equipment can differ considerably.
For Camry owners, the model year is an important part of the security picture. Newer vehicles may have more advanced key systems and electronic safeguards than older examples, so a single statement about Camry theft vulnerability would be misleading. Check the owner’s manual or ask a Toyota dealer to confirm the features fitted to the exact car.
Good security habits remain useful regardless of generation. Lock the doors, keep keys secure, avoid leaving the engine running unattended, and park in a well-lit or enclosed space when possible.
A visible steering-wheel lock may add a deterrent, while a tracking device can assist recovery if a vehicle is stolen. Neither measure guarantees protection.
NICB’s national total reflects reported theft incidents, not the number of Camrys registered or the model’s theft rate in each region. A state with many Camry thefts may also have a large number of Camrys on the road, so raw totals should not be confused with individual risk.
When buying a used Camry, review the vehicle history, verify that the locks and alarm work, and ask about any previous theft or recovery. If the car has connected services, confirm that the former owner’s account has been removed and your own access is set up securely.
The Camry’s ranking makes it worth taking sensible precautions, but the actual risk depends on the vehicle’s security features and where it is kept.
9. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V ranked ninth in NICB’s 2025 national list, with 9,809 reported thefts. Its total was only 24 incidents below the Toyota Camry, showing how closely the two models ranked in that year’s figures.
The CR-V’s practical shape and widespread popularity make it a familiar sight in American neighborhoods and parking lots. However, a high theft count does not necessarily mean the vehicle has the highest theft rate. NICB’s published figure combines all model years and does not adjust for the number of CR-Vs registered nationwide.
Owners should verify the security equipment on their specific generation. Check that the keyless entry system, alarm, and immobilizer operate correctly, where fitted. If the SUV has a connected tracking feature, confirm that it is activated and that the owner’s account is secure. These steps are particularly important when a vehicle has recently changed hands.
Parking habits can help reduce opportunities for theft. Choose a garage or well-lit location when available, lock the vehicle, and avoid leaving bags or electronics visible. A steering-wheel lock may add a visible layer of deterrence, while a tracking device can support recovery efforts. No security measure is completely foolproof.
Regional risk should be assessed with local data. NICB’s national ranking does not show which CR-V model years are most frequently stolen in each U.S. region, and it cannot tell an individual owner how likely their own SUV is to be targeted. Local police reports and insurance guidance offer more specific context.
For used-car shoppers, inspect the CR-V for evidence of prior theft damage and verify that every key works. Ask the seller about previous security repairs and check the vehicle’s history before completing the purchase.
10. Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima recorded 8,445 reported thefts in 2025, placing tenth in NICB’s national ranking. That count includes different model years, so it should not be interpreted as a ranking of one particular Altima generation.
Altima security equipment varies by year and trim. Owners should check the vehicle’s original equipment, including its key system, alarm, and immobilizer where fitted, rather than assume every Altima has identical protection. If a used car comes with only one key, consider having a qualified dealer or locksmith supply and program a spare.
A few habits can make the vehicle a less convenient target. Keep the car locked, park in visible and well-lit places, and remove valuables from the cabin.
Owners who regularly park outdoors may consider a steering-wheel lock or a compatible tracking system. These measures can discourage theft or assist recovery, but none can guarantee that a vehicle will remain untouched.
The Altima’s position in NICB’s national top ten does not establish its regional ranking or its theft rate per registered vehicle. A raw total tells readers how many thefts were reported, not the probability that any specific Altima will be stolen.
Drivers should consult local law-enforcement data for more precise information about theft patterns in their area.
Before purchasing a used Altima, review its history and inspect the ignition, steering column, door locks, and wiring for signs of previous tampering. Make sure any connected services are transferred properly and that the previous owner’s access has been removed.
The national count is a useful prompt to check security, but the right precautions depend on the car’s year, equipment, and parking environment.
11. Kia Soul
The Kia Soul ranked tenth in NICB’s first-half 2025 list, with 4,380 reported thefts between January and June. It did not appear in the top ten of the organization’s full-year 2025 ranking, so the six-month figure should not be presented as its annual total.+1
The Soul’s theft history is relevant because some older Kia vehicles with keyed ignitions were manufactured without engine immobilizers. That vulnerability does not apply to every Soul or every model year. Owners should confirm the equipment fitted to their vehicle and ask Kia whether an anti-theft software update or other manufacturer-supported measure applies.
The first step is to check the exact vehicle identification number and obtain confirmation of completed security updates. If the vehicle is eligible for an update, keep the dealer’s documentation. A steering-wheel lock can offer a visible deterrent, especially when parking outside, while secure key storage helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
NICB’s six-month count is national data, not a regional ranking. It does not establish that the Soul is the most-stolen compact vehicle in any particular U.S. region, nor does it measure thefts relative to the number of Souls on the road.
Used-car buyers should inspect the ignition and steering column for evidence of tampering, verify that the locks and alarm work, and ask about any previous theft or recovery. Owners can also contact their insurer to discuss security requirements and coverage.
The Soul’s presence in the midyear statistics highlights the need for closer examination. However, assessing its theft risk requires looking at the specific model year, the security features it includes, and any anti-theft measures that have already been installed.
12. Kia Forte
The Kia Forte completes this list as a model with a documented history in NICB’s earlier theft reporting. In its 2023 vehicle-theft report, NICB identified the Kia Forte among the models appearing in the national top ten. That historical finding is useful context, but it should not be mistaken for a confirmed 2025 annual ranking or a regional theft count.
As with other older Kia models, security equipment varies by model year and configuration. Some vehicles with traditional keyed ignitions lack an engine immobilizer, while other versions have different security systems.
Forte owners should confirm their own vehicle’s specifications and check with Kia about applicable anti-theft updates rather than assuming all examples have the same vulnerability.
If a software update is available, have an authorized dealer complete it and retain the service record. A visible steering-wheel lock can add another deterrent. Owners should also keep keys secure, lock the doors, and choose well-lit parking whenever possible.
The available NICB evidence does not establish that the Forte is among the 12 most-stolen cars in every U.S. region today. It establishes that the model featured in the organization’s earlier national reporting. For current local risk, police department statistics and insurer guidance are more useful than extrapolating from a historical national list.
Anyone shopping for a used Forte should ask whether the anti-theft update has been completed, inspect for evidence of prior theft damage, and check the vehicle’s history. If the car has been recovered after a theft, the ignition, steering column, wiring, and locking mechanisms deserve particular attention.
The takeaway is not that every Forte is unsafe to own. It is that model-year-specific security checks are essential when buying or keeping an older vehicle with a documented theft history.
