South Carolina’s vehicle theft figures reveal that popular pickups and everyday passenger cars can all become targets. The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s Hot Wheels state table for 2020 identifies ten vehicle categories with the highest reported theft counts in South Carolina.
The figures include the number of reported thefts and the model years most frequently stolen within each category. They provide a historical snapshot rather than a current 2026 ranking.
Understanding these results helps drivers evaluate older vehicles, recognize the importance of effective security equipment, and make informed decisions about protecting their vehicles.
1. Ford Full-Size Pickup
Reported thefts: 828 | Most frequently stolen model year: 2006
Ford’s full-size pickup category topped South Carolina’s 2020 NICB Hot Wheels table, recording 828 reported thefts. The 2006 model year appeared most frequently among the stolen vehicles in this category. This placed Ford pickups ahead of every other vehicle entry in the state’s historical ranking.
Full-size pickups serve many purposes across the United States. Contractors use them to transport equipment, rural residents rely on them for practical work, and other owners drive them as everyday vehicles.
Their versatility helps explain their widespread presence, although the NICB table does not establish whether popularity or any particular technical feature caused the reported theft numbers.
The category covers multiple configurations, including different cab styles, bed lengths, engines, and trim levels. Therefore, the figures should not be interpreted as evidence that every Ford pickup has identical security vulnerabilities. The 2006 model-year result identifies a historical pattern, not a specific defect.
Owners should inspect their vehicle’s locks, ignition, and factory security equipment. Keeping keys secure, removing valuables from the cab, and choosing a locked garage or well-lit parking space are sensible precautions. A compatible alarm, steering-wheel lock, or tracking device may add another layer of protection.
For someone buying an older Ford pickup, checking the VIN against the title and examining the maintenance history are important steps. An independent inspection can reveal damaged locks or poorly repaired electrical components.
The recorded 828 thefts establish the category’s first-place position in 2020. They do not show the theft rate per registered pickup or establish its current ranking in South Carolina.
2. Chevrolet Full-Size Pickup
Reported thefts: 553 | Most frequently stolen model year: 2020
Chevrolet’s full-size pickup category ranked second, with 553 reported thefts in South Carolina during 2020. The model year most frequently stolen was 2020, a newer year than the one recorded for the leading Ford category.
This contrast demonstrates that the state’s historical ranking included both older vehicles and comparatively recent pickups.
Chevrolet full-size trucks are used for commuting, towing, construction, and other demanding tasks. Their configurations differ according to model, trim, and equipment, so security features must be assessed on the individual truck rather than assumed from the nameplate.
The 2020 model-year result does not prove that every Chevrolet pickup from that year was vulnerable to the same theft method. The state table records theft counts, not technical investigations into the circumstances of each incident. It also does not provide the number of registered Chevrolet pickups needed to calculate a theft rate.
Owners should check that the factory locks and any fitted alarm operate correctly. Keys and key fobs should be kept secure, and spare keys should never be hidden inside the truck. Drivers who park outdoors regularly may benefit from a visible steering-wheel lock or a compatible tracking system.
The financial consequences of losing a pickup can extend beyond its market value. A truck may carry tools, supplies, or equipment needed for work, and its absence can interrupt a business’s daily operations. Keeping an inventory of valuable items and removing them when practical can make recovery and insurance documentation easier.
Used-truck buyers should verify the VIN, inspect the title, and investigate signs of damage around the ignition or steering column. A qualified technician can also confirm whether the vehicle’s security equipment is functioning properly.
The 553 reported thefts place Chevrolet second in the 2020 table, but they do not establish its current position or the likelihood of theft for any particular truck.
3. Honda Accord
Reported thefts: 471 | Most frequently stolen model year: 2003
The Honda Accord occupied third place in South Carolina’s 2020 ranking, with 471 reported thefts. The most frequently stolen model year was 2003. Its position shows that theft activity extended beyond pickups to a familiar passenger sedan used by commuters and families.
The 2003 Accord belongs to the seventh generation sold in the United States. Depending on configuration, buyers could find four-cylinder or V6 engines, along with different transmission and equipment options. Security features may also vary, so owners should check their particular vehicle rather than assume every example has identical protection.
An older car can remain mechanically useful even when its original security equipment has aged. However, the NICB table does not identify the methods used in individual thefts or establish that a specific weakness caused the Accord’s ranking. Its 471 incidents are a reported count, not a technical assessment.
Owners can begin with a basic security check. Door locks, ignition components, and any factory alarm or immobilizer should work properly. If a vehicle has damaged locks or evidence of previous forced entry, arrange a professional inspection rather than ignoring the problem.
Used-car shoppers should confirm that the VIN matches the title and registration. Reviewing service records and inspecting the steering column for poorly repaired damage can reveal concerns that an ordinary test drive might miss. A qualified mechanic can assess the car’s mechanical condition separately.
Where possible, park in a locked garage or a well-lit area. Keep keys secure, remove valuables from view, and consider an appropriate additional security device if the vehicle’s existing protection is limited.
The Accord’s historical total does not account for the number of similar cars registered in South Carolina. Consequently, it cannot establish an individual owner’s theft probability or prove that every 2003 Accord faces the same risk.
4. Nissan Altima
Reported thefts: 286 | Most frequently stolen model year: 2015
The Nissan Altima ranked fourth in South Carolina’s 2020 NICB table, recording 286 reported thefts. The model year most frequently stolen was 2015. Its appearance among the state’s leading entries highlights theft concerns involving a widely used midsize sedan.
The 2015 Altima belongs to the fifth generation of the model. U.S. versions offered a four-cylinder engine, with a V6 available on certain configurations. Equipment and security features depended on the specific vehicle, making individual inspection more useful than broad assumptions about the entire model range.
The theft count does not reveal whether incidents involved stolen keys, forced entry, or other methods. Nor does it demonstrate that a particular engine or trim made the Altima more vulnerable. Registration numbers and detailed incident information would be needed to evaluate those possibilities.
For current owners, checking the existing security equipment is a practical first step. Ensure the locks and ignition function correctly, and confirm that any fitted alarm or immobilizer has not been disabled. If additional protection is needed, choose equipment compatible with the vehicle’s electronics.
Parking habits also matter. A secured garage or monitored parking facility can limit access, while a well-lit driveway may be a practical alternative. Never leave the vehicle running unattended, even for a short errand, and avoid leaving spare keys inside.
Buyers should check the VIN, title, service records, and signs of damage around the ignition or steering column. A professional inspection can help identify both mechanical problems and possible evidence of previous theft-related damage.
The Altima’s 286 reported incidents represent South Carolina’s 2020 data, not its current statewide position. The figures provide a reason to maintain sensible security precautions, but they do not prove that every Altima has the same level of risk.
5. Toyota Camry
Reported thefts: 272 | Most frequently stolen model year: 2007
Toyota’s Camry recorded 272 reported thefts in South Carolina during 2020, placing it fifth in the NICB table. The most frequently stolen model year was 2007. This entry adds another established family sedan to a list led by full-size pickups.
The 2007 Camry belongs to the sixth generation of the model sold in the United States. Available configurations included four-cylinder and V6 engines, as well as a hybrid version. Equipment varied by trim, so owners should verify the actual security features fitted to their cars.
Camrys have been widely used for everyday travel, but widespread use alone cannot explain the recorded theft total. The NICB table does not provide registration figures for South Carolina, meaning it cannot establish the Camry’s theft rate relative to the number of vehicles in service.
An older vehicle deserves a security check regardless of its reputation for reliability. Owners should test the door locks, inspect the ignition, and confirm that any factory alarm or immobilizer works correctly. If a previous repair involved the steering column or electrical system, a qualified technician can check whether the work affected security equipment.
Parking in a locked garage is useful when available. Otherwise, drivers can choose well-lit areas, secure their keys, and avoid leaving valuables visible. A compatible alarm or tracking device may provide additional protection, although no device guarantees that theft will be prevented.
Anyone buying a used Camry should verify the VIN and title, review available service records, and inspect the vehicle for signs of forced entry. A mechanical inspection can identify separate issues with the engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes.
The 272 thefts establish the Camry’s historical position in South Carolina’s 2020 list. They do not show how likely an individual Camry is to be stolen, and they should not be presented as a current ranking.
6. Dodge Full-Size Pickup
Reported thefts: 255 | Most frequently stolen model year: 2001
Dodge’s full-size pickup category recorded 255 reported thefts in South Carolina in 2020, ranking sixth. The most frequently stolen model year was 2001. The result demonstrates that older pickups continued to feature prominently in the state’s historical vehicle theft figures.
Dodge-branded full-size pickups were sold before Ram became a separate brand. Trucks from the 2001 model year came in different cab configurations, bed lengths, engines, and equipment packages. Those differences matter when assessing an individual truck’s condition and security features.
An older pickup may remain useful for hauling, towing, or farm work long after its original purchase. However, the NICB table does not explain why each vehicle was stolen, so it would be inaccurate to assign the reported incidents to a particular resale market, parts demand, or technical weakness.
Owners should inspect the locks, ignition, and any existing alarm. If the truck lacks suitable modern protection, a qualified installer can recommend a compatible security device. A visible steering-wheel lock may also act as a physical deterrent.
For people who use their trucks for work, the loss can affect both transportation and equipment. Keep tools secured when possible, remove spare keys from the cab, and maintain an inventory of valuable items. At work sites, choose secure parking whenever practical.
A used-truck inspection should cover the frame, drivetrain, title, service records, and any signs of forced entry. Verify the VIN against the paperwork and investigate unexplained alterations before purchasing.
The 255 thefts establish the category’s sixth-place position in the 2020 table. The figures do not reveal the total number of Dodge pickups registered in the state, and they cannot establish the likelihood that a particular truck will be stolen today.
7. Honda Civic
Reported thefts: 236 | Most frequently stolen model year: 1998
The Honda Civic ranked seventh in South Carolina’s 2020 NICB table, with 236 reported thefts. The most frequently stolen model year was 1998. Its presence shows that compact passenger cars also featured among the state’s leading entries, alongside larger pickups and sedans.
The 1998 Civic belongs to the sixth generation sold in the United States. The lineup included different body styles and engine configurations, with specifications varying according to trim. Owners should therefore check their own vehicle’s equipment rather than assume every Civic from the same year has identical security features.
Older compact cars can remain practical choices for commuting and everyday errands. Nevertheless, age and modest market value do not automatically make a vehicle secure. The NICB figures count reported thefts but do not identify a particular design weakness responsible for the Civic’s position.
Owners should check the ignition, locks, and any factory security equipment. Damaged locks or signs of previous forced entry should be repaired promptly. An automotive locksmith or qualified technician can assess whether a compatible immobilizer or alarm would be appropriate.
For used-car buyers, confirming the VIN against the title is essential. Examine the steering column and electrical components for evidence of poor repairs, and review service records where available. A professional inspection can uncover mechanical issues that are separate from security concerns.
Choose well-lit parking areas, lock the doors, and keep keys secure. A garage or monitored parking facility may offer another layer of protection. Drivers who regularly park on the street can consider a physical deterrent suited to their vehicle.
The Civic’s 236 reported thefts are a historical statewide count, not a theft rate for every registered Civic. The 1998 model-year result does not mean that all examples are equally vulnerable or that the Civic holds the same position in current data.
8. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
Reported thefts: 182 | Most frequently stolen model years: 2004 and 2000
The combined Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee category ranked eighth in South Carolina’s 2020 table, with 182 reported thefts. The NICB listed 2004 and 2000 as the most frequently stolen model years for this entry. Unlike the other entries, this category combines two distinct Jeep nameplates.
The Cherokee and Grand Cherokee differ in size, generations, equipment, and available engines. The combined figure does not reveal how many incidents involved each model, nor does it identify whether a specific trim or security feature contributed to the theft count.
Owners of older Jeep SUVs should verify that the locks, ignition, and any fitted alarm or immobilizer work correctly. If previous repairs involved the steering column or electrical system, a qualified technician can inspect the work. Any additional security equipment should be selected for the exact model year and configuration.
SUVs may carry outdoor gear, tools, and personal belongings. Keep valuable items out of sight and remove them when practical, although concealing belongings does not prevent theft of the vehicle itself. A locked garage, secured parking area, or well-lit location can reduce opportunities for unauthorized access.
Used-car shoppers should check the VIN and title, review maintenance records, and look for signs of forced entry or previous theft-related damage. An independent mechanical inspection is also worthwhile, especially for older examples with high mileage or incomplete service histories.
Because the NICB grouped the two Jeep nameplates, the total cannot be treated as the separate theft count for either Cherokee or Grand Cherokee. The model-year information also does not establish that a shared security defect caused the reported incidents.
The 182 thefts establish the combined category’s historical position in 2020. They do not indicate its present-day ranking in South Carolina or predict the risk associated with an individual SUV.
9. Chevrolet Impala
Reported thefts: 170 | Most frequently stolen model year: 2008
The Chevrolet Impala ranked ninth in South Carolina’s 2020 NICB state table, recording 170 reported thefts. The most frequently stolen model year was 2008. Its appearance shows that traditional full-size passenger sedans were also represented among the state’s leading theft categories.
The 2008 Impala was part of the ninth generation sold in the United States. Depending on trim, it offered different V6 engine options and equipment levels. These variations are important when inspecting a particular vehicle, but the NICB data do not connect a specific engine or trim to the reported theft total.
The Impala served private owners and fleet operators, providing a spacious cabin for everyday transportation. Its role in the market does not explain why individual cars were stolen. The state table provides reported counts rather than detailed incident descriptions or technical findings.
Owners should check the door locks, ignition, and any factory alarm or immobilizer. If the car has damaged locks or a history of steering-column repairs, arrange a professional inspection. A compatible alarm or tracking device may be worth considering if the existing security equipment is limited.
Used-car buyers should verify the VIN against the title and registration, review service records, and investigate unexplained repairs around the ignition or electrical system. A mechanical inspection can identify other concerns involving the engine, transmission, suspension, or brakes.
Parking in a locked garage is useful when possible. Otherwise, choose a well-lit or monitored location, remove keys whenever leaving the car, and avoid leaving the engine running unattended. Keep valuables out of sight and store spare keys securely.
The 170 reported thefts establish the Impala’s ninth-place position in the historical state table. They do not establish the theft rate for all Impalas registered in South Carolina or prove that every 2008 example faces the same risk.
10. Chevrolet Malibu
Reported thefts: 153 | Most frequently stolen model year: 2020
The Chevrolet Malibu completed South Carolina’s 2020 NICB top ten with 153 reported thefts. The most frequently stolen model year was 2020, making it one of the newer model-year entries in the state’s historical ranking.
The 2020 Malibu belonged to the ninth generation of Chevrolet’s midsize sedan. U.S. models included a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while certain versions offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. Features and security equipment varied by trim, so the individual vehicle’s specification should always be checked.
A newer model year does not make a vehicle impossible to steal. Factory security systems provide protection, but the NICB table does not explain how the 153 reported thefts occurred or establish that any specific security feature failed.
Owners should understand their vehicle’s security equipment and keep key fobs secure. Lock the doors, close the windows, and avoid leaving keys inside. If a manufacturer-supported security update applies to the vehicle’s VIN, an authorized dealer can confirm the details.
Parking choices remain important. A secured garage or monitored facility provides another layer of protection, while a well-lit location may be preferable when those options are unavailable. Additional alarms or tracking devices should be compatible with the vehicle’s electronics.
Anyone buying a used Malibu should verify the VIN and title, check the service history and recall status, and look for evidence of previous theft or damage to the locks and ignition. A professional inspection can identify problems that may not be apparent during a short test drive.
The 153 reported thefts establish the Malibu’s tenth-place position in South Carolina’s 2020 table. They do not show the current statewide ranking or establish the likelihood that a particular 2020 Malibu will be stolen.
