The Top 10 Most Stolen Cars in America for 2024: What You Need To Know
When you walk outside and hit "unlock" on your keyfob, you expect to hear a chirp of welcome from your vehicle. If you own one of the top 10 most stolen cars in 2024, you could be waiting for a while.
This article will arm you with the best info to protect what is likely one of your family's largest assets: your personal vehicle. Keep reading to better understand the techniques thieves use, the top stolen cars in America 2024, and how owning a targeted vehicle can affect your insurance rates.
Which Cars Are the Most Stolen in 2024 and Why?
2024 car theft statistics suggest owners of foreign-made cars should be on the lookout. Eight of the top 10 spots on this infamous list went to foreign-made cars.
In particular, Hyundai and Kia were at the highest risk for theft based on a security issue related to the keyless ignition system. Affected cars can be started without the key because these models do not have an immobilizer, which prevents ignition if the key isn't detected. Certain models could be started using a USB cable and a screwdriver.
This problem hit a fever pitch when a video went viral on social media, showing other would-be thieves how to steal cars using "The Kia Challenge." While Kia had the misfortune of top-billing, Hyundai vehicle owners suffered from a similar issue.
1. Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Elantra models topped the list of stolen cars in 2023. Thieves made off with more than 48,000 Elantras last year alone. Hyundai's main security flaw involved its failure to install an immobilizer on models from 2011 to 2022.
2. Hyundai Sonata
Similarly, the Hyundai Sonata placed second on the list, with over 42,000 models stolen last year. The Sonata suffered from the same issue as the Elantra: an insecure ignition system and failure to install an immobilizer. Hyundai has worked with customers to provide a software update they claim will fix the issue.
3. Kia Optima
Kia fared a bit better but still had more than 30,000 Optimas stolen in the last calendar year. Like the Hyundai models, the Kia Optima didn't include a fully secure ignition system or engine immobilizer, allowing thieves to steal the car with relative ease. Like Hyundai, Kia has also tried to find a fix that updates the software, securing vehicles for their customers.
4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Trucks are not immune from theft. More than 23,000 Chevy Silverado owners were the victims of theft in 2023. One reason this vehicle made the list involves the onboard OnStar tracking system. Thieves have discovered how to disable the navigation tracking, meaning you cannot track your truck once it's been stolen.
Trucks are often targets because of the expensive equipment they carry. Your vehicle is much more likely to be stolen if loaded with valuable tools thieves can sell for a quick profit.
5. Kia Soul
The Kia Soul suffered the same security setbacks as many other sedans on the list. The Soul was reported stolen 21,000 times in 2023. Models with turn-key ignitions were sold without immobilizers, making them a ready target for thieves.
6. Honda Accord
More than 20,000 Honda Accords were stolen last year. Criminals have learned how to override the system's ignition computer without the key. Without an engine immobilizer, the Accord is a safe target for thieves. Honda recommends subscribing to the Honda Link tracking service and considering a steering wheel lock.
7. Honda Civic
Honda Civic owners became victims of car theft at an alarming rate, with over 19,000 Civics reported stolen in 2023. The Civic falls into that group of cars with keyed ignitions but no engine immobilizer.
8. Kia Forte
The third Kia on the list is the Kia Forte, which was boosted 16,000 times last year. This model was plagued by an easily manipulated ignition system, which enabled thieves to steal Fortes with only a USB cable and screwdriver.
9. Ford F150 Series Pickup
The Ford F150 pickup was the second most stolen truck and the ninth most stolen vehicle in 2023. Thieves made off with more than 15,000 F150s. Law enforcement suggests this may be due to a combination of owner habits and security weaknesses, such as the tracking system, which thieves can disable with relative ease.
10. Kia Sportage
Kia had the dubious distinction of having four vehicles on the list of most stolen cars of 2023. The final model, the Sportage, was stolen over 15,000 times last year alone. This vehicle could be started without the key by bypassing the ignition system. Since there was no immobilizer, thieves could drive off without the key.
How Does Owning a High-Risk Car Affect Your Insurance Rates?
Purchasing an often stolen vehicle can make finding auto insurance more costly and challenging. You may pay more if you buy a car with a significant uptick in thefts. For instance, Progressive notes that Kia owners in some areas should expect to pay more for comprehensive and collision coverage based on the high theft rate.
Likewise, potential Kia and Hyundai buyers should check if the vehicle is insurable. Major insurers in certain states and regions stopped issuing comprehensive policies for high-theft models made by these foreign-based companies.
Car insurance varies considerably based on your zip code, history, and vehicle. If you need help wading through the offers and comparing rates, request a quote today.
What Are the Common Methods Thieves Use To Steal Cars?
Car thieves have both low and high-tech weapons in their arsenal. Many low-tech methods are as simple as finding an unlocked car with the keys in the ignition or swiping the keys from a distracted diner at a coffee shop. Low-tech methods require low-tech solutions like locking up and being aware of your surroundings.
The more high-tech methods plague many of the vehicles on the list. Kia and Hyundai models don't feature an engine immobilizer. Immobilizers prevent the engine from cranking if a security feature isn't present, such as a chip in the keyfob.
In vehicles without these features, thieves discovered they could bypass the push-button ignition system using a screwdriver and USB cable. This became a major problem in the summer of 2023 when social media users shared "The Kia Challenge," which instructed users how to steal cars using this method.
How Can You Protect Your Vehicle From Being Stolen?
You can protect your property by parking in well-lit, well-trafficked areas, locking your doors, and removing the keys. If you own a car without an immobilizer, check if your manufacturer has issued a fix or security patch to account for the abovementioned weakness.
Since thieves use USB cables to steal specific models, remove your charger or USB cable when you park. You may also want to consider an anti-theft device you can physically lock.
What Should You Do If Your Car Is Stolen?
If your car is stolen, it's crucial to call the police as soon as possible. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that 35% of vehicles stolen are recovered the same day, while 45% are recovered within two days.
Once you've called the police, your next call should be to your insurance carrier. Some insurers allow online reporting, while others offer a phone number. Either way, inform all interested parties as quickly as possible.