The Car Theft Numbers You Should Know

Hyundai Elantras are the most stolen cars in America this year, with 21, 732 thefts reported nationwide. That number tops the list by a wide margin, showing how often this model ends up on police dashboards. The second most common victim is the Honda Accord, which saw 17, 797 thefts. The Hyundai Sonata and the Chevy Silverado 1500 followed closely with 17, 687 and 16, 764 thefts respectively. The Honda Civic is also in the mix, with 12, 725 incidents. Other models that appear on the list include the Kia Optima (11, 521), Ford F‑150 (10, 102), Toyota Camry (9, 833), Honda CR‑V (9, 809) and Nissan Altima (8, 445).Despite the headline numbers, overall vehicle thefts fell by 23 percent in 2025 compared to last year. This is the lowest rate seen in decades, but a stolen car still pops up every 48 seconds across the country. Each theft has real consequences for owners, who face financial loss and emotional stress. California leads the pack with 136, 988 stolen vehicles this year. Texas, Illinois, Florida and New York round out the top five states. In large metro areas, theft risk spikes: Los Angeles‑Long Beach‑Anaheim logged 53, 911 incidents, while the New York‑Newark‑Jersey City region had 27, 138. To lower the chance of becoming a victim, experts recommend parking in well‑lit spots and keeping windows up. Being mindful when leaving the vehicle can also help keep it safe.