3 min read
Car theft is one of those problems that makes zero sense—especially when you hear which models are behind more thefts. We have two different yardsticks: raw theft numbers (how many were stolen total) and theft rate (how likely a single vehicle is to be stolen). Both matter. Here’s what you need to know.
Top 5 by raw thefts (most stolen in total, 2024)
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s 2024 stats:
| Rank | Vehicle Model | Number Stolen |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyundai Elantra | 31,712 |
| 2 | Hyundai Sonata | 26,720 |
| 3 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 21,665 |
| 4 | Honda Accord | 18,539 |
| 5 | Kia Optima | 17,493 |
These are the numbers when we just count stolen cars. The more of them on the road, the more likely they’ll crop up on this list.
Top 5 by theft rate (risk per vehicle, 2022-2024 models)
Now here’s what looks different when you measure how many are stolen relative to how many exist:
- Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 — ~39× the average theft rate
- Chevrolet Camaro (non-ZL1) — ~13× average theft rate
- Acura TLX AWD — second most likely stolen vehicle
- GMC Sierra 2500 crew-cab 4WD — very high on the list
- Acura TLX FWD — also in the top 5 for theft rate
HLDI data shows high-horsepower cars, particularly muscle cars, becoming more vulnerable. These two Camaros top the risk charts.
What to make of both lists
If you own one of the models that tops the raw-number list, like the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, or Chevrolet Silverado, your risk mainly comes down to exposure. These vehicles are everywhere, which naturally makes them common targets for thieves.
On the flip side, if you’re driving something more niche, like the Camaro ZL1, your odds of being singled out are much higher per vehicle. Thieves are disproportionately going after them, even though fewer exist on the road.
The good news? Newer anti-theft technologies are starting to reduce theft numbers for certain Hyundai and Kia models, giving some owners a little more peace of mind.
Why Peddle is relevant if this worries you
If your car is one of the models frequently stolen or sits higher on the risk lists, selling through Peddle can save you a lot of stress.
We make the process fast and straightforward—no repairs needed, no drawn-out waiting period, and no extra time spent worrying about whether your car will still be in the driveway tomorrow.
With an instant offer, free pickup, and payment at collection, we remove any uncertainty.
Looking at raw theft totals tells you which models get hit the most simply because there are so many on the road. Theft rate data, on the other hand, shows which cars are disproportionately targeted relative to their numbers. Together, they give a clearer picture of where the risks really lie.
