Each year the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) publishes its “Hot Wheels” report of the most stolen vehicles in the United States. The following models have consistently appeared among the ten most stolen in recent reporting. Rankings and theft counts shift year to year, so treat this as the pattern of high-risk models rather than a fixed order — the current NICB Hot Wheels report has the latest figures.
Frequently among the most stolen (per NICB)
- Hyundai Elantra
- Hyundai Sonata
- Honda Accord
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Honda Civic
- Kia Optima
- Ford F-150
- Toyota Camry
- Honda CR-V
- Nissan Altima
Why these vehicles?
Two patterns dominate the list. First, high-volume, long-running models like the Honda Accord and Civic are simply everywhere, and their parts are in constant demand. Second, certain Hyundai and Kia models were affected by a widely reported security vulnerability that made them easier to steal; the manufacturers have since issued software updates, and NICB has reported thefts of those models declining. Full-size pickups such as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ford F-150 remain perennial targets for their value and resale demand.
How to protect yourself when buying used
If you are buying a used car — especially one of these models — confirm it was never reported stolen and that its VIN has not been cloned. Run a stolen vehicle check, match the VIN across the windshield, door jamb, and title, and read our guide on how to check if a car is stolen. The free NICB VINCheck also screens for theft and salvage records.