Auto Theft Is Down, but These Cars Are Still Being Stolen Most

Crime Trends Shift Gears

A report from Mercury Insurance, citing data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), states that U.S. auto theft declined by 23 percent in 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. That follows a 16.7 percent drop in the previous year, after thefts peaked in 2023.

The improvement reflects a more proactive approach by automakers in addressing vehicle theft, particularly Hyundai and Kia, which had faced criticism after some of their models were found to be especially vulnerable to theft. More recently, the two Korean marques agreed to retrofit about seven million U.S. vehicles with zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors, while also committing to fit engine immobilizers on all future U.S.-market vehicles.

Going High-Tech

However, the risk has not disappeared. California is reportedly still grappling with elevated auto theft rates, with Los Angeles County remaining one of the hardest-hit areas. Moreover, the report states that thieves are increasingly bypassing traditional “smash-and-grab” break-ins in favor of exploiting keyless entry systems, relay attacks, and on-board diagnostic (OBD) port vulnerabilities, which are often quicker and quieter to pull off.

As such, Mercury Insurance has outlined several measures to help reduce the risk of vehicle theft, including the use of steering wheel locks. These devices not only physically prevent the wheel from turning but also serve as a visible deterrent to would-be thieves. Other recommendations include securing key fobs, never leaving a vehicle running unattended, and installing anti-theft devices such as kill switches and tracking devices like Apple AirTags.

The Most Targeted Models

Justin Yoshizawa, Product Management for Mercury Insurance, said, “While the number of auto thefts has been declining, incidents of crime still remain high, especially in California.” He added, “It remains important that vehicle owners stay vigilant in protecting their investments.”

In the first half of 2025, four of the 10 most stolen vehicles in the U.S. were either a Hyundai or a Kia. These included the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, and Kia Soul. Their repeated presence on theft rankings even sparked a viral TikTok trend known as the “Kia Challenge,” in which users demonstrated how easily certain models could be stolen using simple methods.

As expected, some of the country’s best-selling vehicles also appeared on the list, including the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Honda CR-V. Other models ranked among the most stolen were the Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and Toyota Camry.

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