Top 10 Most Stolen Cars Of The Past Decade In The U.S. (PDF)
Buying a car is one of the most expensive purchases most people make throughout their lives after buying a home or obtaining a four-year college degree. However, out of all of these big purchases, it is also the easiest to steal. Recently, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported an unprecedented increase in carjackings across the nation — with major cities like New York and Philadelphia experiencing triple-digit increases from 2019 to 2021.
One frequent and preventable cause of the dramatic increase in auto thefts and carjackings is owner complacency, which is attributed to a variety of factors related to the pandemic, such as reduced in-school attendance and economic decline. Taking steps to protect your car is important for car owners because auto theft is on the rise.
We analyzed NICB data from 2010 to 2020 to determine the most stolen cars in the country.
10. GMC Pickups (Full-Size)
GMC full-size pickups are the tenth most frequently stolen truck series across the country, with a 17% increase in thefts since 2019.
- Most stolen model years: 2005, 2017, 2018
- Number of thefts (2010-2020): 46,753
9. Dodge Caravan
Since the Dodge Caravan is known as a family van, it is widely available across the country. However, the Caravan was popular among auto thieves during the early half of the last decade and had high theft numbers from 2010 to 2015. The Caravan ranked ninth most stolen during these years, but thefts have decreased recently.
- Most stolen model years: 2000, 2002
- Number of thefts (2010-2020): 55,257
8. Toyota Corolla
There are over 50 million Toyota Corollas sold around the world, so it’s no surprise that a range of models from 2014 to 2020 fall victim to theft every year.
- Most stolen model years: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020
- Number of thefts (2010-2020): 89,864
7. Nissan Altima
As the seventh most stolen vehicle in the past decade, the Nissan Altima has been stolen nearly 113,000 times. As the only car model on this list to have one of its most recent model years (2020) frequently targeted by auto thieves, the Altima is a prime example of how car thieves will steal what’s available and not just what has the oldest technology.
- Most stolen model years: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020
- Number of thefts (2010-2020): 112,776
6. Dodge Pickups (Full-Size)
Dodge full-size pickups, also known as Ram trucks, are not only popular with Americans, but also with car thieves. Whether you drive a Ram 1500, 2500, or 3500, keep an eye out for thieves.
- Most stolen model year: 2001, 2004
- Number of thefts (2010-2020): 128,313
5. Toyota Camry
A popular car model known for its reliability and longevity, the Toyota Camry is often targeted by thieves. However, even though anti-theft technology is present in the newer models, car thieves typically still steal them compared to their competitor, the Honda Accord.
- Most stolen model year: 1994, 2007, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019
- Number of thefts (2010-2020): 180,722
4. Chevrolet Pickups (Full-Size)
A total of 300,000 Chevrolet pickups have been stolen in the past decade, making them the fourth most stolen vehicle in the country.The number of stolen Chevy pickups has increased by 26% since 2019, the highest rate on this list. Based on trends over the last decade, this number is unlikely to decrease in the future.
- Most stolen model year: 1999, 2004
- Number of thefts (2010-2020): 308,105
3. Ford Pickups (Full-Size)
As one of the best-selling vehicles in America, Ford pickups like the F-Series are also the third most stolen vehicles and the most stolen pickups. It is likely that one of these models will be parked in virtually every city across the nation, with nearly 6 million units sold. When leaving your car, always take precautions, whether you’re on a quiet neighborhood street or a busy urban street.
- Most stolen model year: 1997, 2006
- Number of thefts (2010-2020): 337,287
2. Honda Civic
As the second most stolen car in the last 10 years, the Honda Civic trails behind the Accord closely. Since older models from the ’90s and early 2000s lack anti-theft technology, they are preferred by auto thieves, just like the Accord.
- Most stolen model year: 1995, 1998, 2000
- Number of thefts (2010-2020): 471,327
1. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is America’s most stolen car, with over 500,000 thefts from 2010 to 2020. A popular pick for car thieves across the country, owners should take steps to protect their vehicles when they’re not around.
- Most stolen model year: 1994, 1996, 1997
- Number of thefts (2010-2020): 513,025
