Is your car on a thief’s shopping list? Because thieves went on a massive shopping spree last year.
Seriously, it was a banner year for car theft. In 2023, for the first time since 2008, more than one million vehicles were reported stolen across the United States, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). That breaks down to one car vanishing every 32 seconds.
For years, the story was always the same: big, brawny pickup trucks topped the charts. But 2023 flipped the script entirely. A massive surge in Hyundai and Kia thefts, fueled by a viral social media trend, completely reshuffled the deck, putting everyday sedans back on top.
Suddenly, six of the ten most-stolen cars in America were Hyundai or Kia models, according to the NICB’s 2023 Vehicle Theft Trends Report. This wasn’t random—it was a direct result of a specific security flaw that turned millions of cars into easy targets.
So, what exactly are thieves after? Here’s the breakdown of the most stolen vehicles, all based on the NICB’s 2023 report.
Hyundai Elantra
A staggering 48,445 Elantras were stolen in 2023, making it the undisputed champion of car thieves, according to MoneyGeek’s analysis of NICB data. That’s a 147% jump from its sixth-place spot the year before.
The “why” is painfully simple. The Elantra became the poster child for the viral “Kia Challenge.” Many models built between 2011 and 2021 were sold without a standard engine immobilizer—a basic anti-theft device that’s been common for decades.
Viral videos on TikTok showed thieves how to pop off the steering column and start the car with nothing more than a USB cable. This turned a property crime that once required some skill into something almost anyone could do in seconds.
Here’s a crazy fact: according to FinanceBuzz research, the Hyundai Elantra is the most stolen vehicle in 20 different states.
Owner Tip: Even if you’ve gotten the free software update from Hyundai, your car is still a visual target. Thieves don’t know it’s protected until after they’ve smashed your window. A visible deterrent like a steering wheel lock tells them to just keep walking.
Hyundai Sonata
Coming in a close second, 42,813 Sonatas were swiped in 2023, according to Car and Driver’s report. Just like the Elantra, its theft numbers nearly doubled from the previous year.
It’s the same story here. The Sonata shares the same critical vulnerability as its smaller sibling. Many models from 2015-2021 lack an engine immobilizer, making them prime targets for the same social media-fueled theft method.
The problem got so bad that some major insurance companies, like State Farm and Progressive, temporarily stopped writing new policies for Sonatas and other affected models in certain states. They just couldn’t afford the risk.
Owner Tip: Call your dealer today and get the free anti-theft software upgrade. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it makes the alarm louder and longer, and it requires the actual key to be present to start the car, disabling the USB trick.
Kia Optima
Thieves made off with 30,204 Kia Optimas last year. The Kia Optima is the corporate cousin to the Hyundai Sonata, and unfortunately, they share the same bad genes. Many Optima models from 2011 to 2021 have the exact same flaw: no engine immobilizer in base models.
This made it another piece of low-hanging fruit for thieves who learned the USB cable trick online. The “Kia Boyz” trend, which started in Milwaukee, led to astronomical increases in thefts of these cars.
Owner Tip: Get the software update. Then, call your insurance agent and tell them you got it. It might not lower your premium overnight, but it shows you’re taking proactive steps.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The former king of the stolen vehicle list, the Silverado saw 23,721 thefts in 2023.
Unlike the cars above it, the Silverado is stolen for profit, not just for joyrides. This is a professional’s target. There’s a massive and lucrative black market for its parts, especially its powerful Vortec engine, which is a favorite for hot-rodders and custom car builders.
Because the Silverado has been one of America’s best-selling trucks for decades, there’s a constant demand for its parts, from tailgates to fenders.
Owner Tip: Thieves often disable the factory alarm by simply cutting the horn wire before they break in. A layered approach is your best bet: get an aftermarket alarm with its own siren, install a hidden starter-kill switch, and use a GPS tracker.
Kia Soul
A total of 21,001 Kia Souls were stolen in 2023, making it a new and unwelcome entry to the top five.
The Soul’s unique, boxy design makes it a popular and recognizable car. But its spot on this list has nothing to do with style and everything to do with that same immobilizer vulnerability affecting other Kias from model years 2011-2021.
The tragic side of this trend is that it’s not just about losing your car. According to Malwarebytes reporting, the “Kia Challenge” has been directly linked to at least 14 crashes and eight deaths nationwide, often involving teenagers.
Owner Tip: Even if you own a newer Soul (2022+) that has an immobilizer, thieves don’t know that from the curb. They see the car and assume it’s an easy target, leading to smashed windows and busted steering columns even in failed attempts. A simple window decal stating “This Vehicle Equipped with Anti-Theft Technology” can be a surprisingly effective deterrent.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord, a long-time favorite of car thieves, accounted for 20,895 thefts in 2023.
The Accord is a legend on this list for two big reasons. First, older models, especially from the late ’90s like the 1997 model year, are incredibly easy to steal because they lack modern anti-theft tech.
Second, its parts are always in high demand and are often interchangeable with other Honda models, making it a goldmine for chop shops.
For over a decade, the Accord was consistently one of the top two most stolen cars in America. Its drop on the list isn’t because older models got more secure; it’s because the sheer volume of easy-to-steal Kias and Hyundais temporarily distracted thieves.
Owner Tip: If you drive an older Accord, a steering wheel lock is one of the best investments you can make. It’s a big, ugly, visual “NOPE” to any thief looking for a quick score.
Honda Civic
Right behind its big brother, the Honda Civic was stolen 19,858 times last year.
The Civic shares the exact same risk profile as the Accord. Older models, with the 2000 model year being a classic target, are incredibly vulnerable due to a lack of modern security features.
Its wild popularity means there’s a huge, built-in market for its stolen parts. Cars are often stolen not for the whole vehicle, but because there’s a massive demand for parts to repair the millions of other identical cars on the road.
Owner Tip: Catalytic converter theft is a massive problem for Civics. Have your VIN etched onto your catalytic converter and consider installing a protective shield or cage around it. It makes it much harder for a thief to quickly saw it off.
Kia Forte
Another Kia makes the list, with 16,209 Fortes stolen in 2023.
You guessed it—it’s another victim of the immobilizer issue in models from 2011-2021. The Forte is an affordable and popular compact sedan, meaning there are tons of them on the road, providing a target-rich environment for thieves.
A frustrating side effect of this trend is that even owners of newer, secure models are paying the price. Owners of 2022 and newer Fortes report that thieves still break in and destroy the steering column trying to steal the car, not realizing it’s a protected model until it’s too late.
Owner Tip: Park in a well-lit area or, even better, a garage whenever possible. Since thieves can’t tell a vulnerable Forte from a secure one at a glance, reducing the opportunity for a break-in is your best defense.
Ford F-150 Series Pickup
America’s best-selling vehicle was stolen 15,852 times last year.
For decades, the Ford F-150 has been the undisputed sales champion in the U.S. That incredible popularity also makes it a top target for professional theft rings who strip it for parts.
Everything from the engine and transmission to the taillights and tailgate is valuable on the black market.
Owner Tip: Modern F-150s with keyless entry are vulnerable to a high-tech theft method called a “Relay Attack.” The simple fix is to store your key fob in a signal-blocking Faraday pouch or even a simple metal box when you’re at home.
Kia Sportage
Rounding out the top 10, the Kia Sportage was stolen 15,749 times.
This popular compact SUV suffers from the same immobilizer defect as its Kia siblings in models from 2011-2021.
The tragic human cost of this trend was horribly illustrated when four teenagers were killed in a crashed, stolen Kia Sportage in Buffalo, New York, according to CBS News. Police directly linked the incident to the TikTok challenge.
The viral challenge and resulting thefts have led to massive class-action lawsuits against the automakers, resulting in a proposed settlement valued at $200 million to help cover theft-related losses and damages for owners, according to CNN Business reporting.
Owner Tip: If you own an affected model, you may be eligible for compensation from the class-action settlement. Look into it, and don’t forget to get that free software update from your dealer.
GMC Sierra
While it just missed the top 10 in 2023, the GMC Sierra is always on a thief’s radar. According to NICB data, in 2022, 16,622 were stolen, and in 2020, it was the #7 most stolen vehicle in the country.
The Sierra is the slightly more upscale cousin of the Chevy Silverado, and it’s targeted for the exact same reasons: high-value parts and powerful engines that are always in demand.
Owner Tip: Invest in a professionally installed aftermarket vehicle immobilizer. This can be a crucial third layer of defense if thieves manage to bypass your factory door locks and alarm system.
Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
This popular SUV has consistently ranked among the most stolen vehicles in recent years, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Jeeps are popular, they hold their value well, and they have a dedicated following—all things that make them attractive to thieves. They are frequently targeted in major cities like Chicago and Detroit.
Owner Tip: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in parking lots and at gas stations. Carjackings are a real risk, and thieves often look for drivers who are distracted by their phones. Lock your doors the moment you get in your vehicle.
Key takeaway
The Game Has Changed: Vehicle theft soared past 1 million in 2023. A viral social media trend targeting vulnerable Hyundai and Kia models without engine immobilizers caused a massive shift, putting sedans at the top of the most-stolen list.
Two Kinds of Thieves: Your car is a target for either low-tech joyriders looking for an easy score (the “Kia Challenge”) or high-tech professionals who want its valuable parts and use sophisticated methods like Relay Attacks.
Old Cars, New Tricks: Older cars, especially popular models like the Honda Accord and Civic, are still prime targets because they lack modern security and their parts are in high demand. Meanwhile, new cars with keyless entry are vulnerable to electronic hacks that can capture your key fob’s signal from inside your house.
You Can Fight Back: The best defense is a “layered approach.” Combine common sense (locking doors) with visible deterrents (a steering wheel lock), an immobilizer (like a kill switch), and a GPS tracking system. For modern cars, storing your key fob in a signal-blocking Faraday pouch is a simple, effective way to prevent high-tech theft.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025—No Experience Needed
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025
I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.
But a lot has changed. And fast. In 2025, building wealth doesn’t require a finance degree—or even a lot of money. The tools are simpler. The entry points are lower. And believe it or not, total beginners are stacking wins just by starting small and staying consistent.
Click here and let’s break down how.
Don’t Swipe Until You Read This: The 7 Best Credit Cards for 2025 Ranked by Rewards
The 7 Best Credit Cards for 2025 Ranked by Rewards
There’s this moment that sticks with me—standing at a checkout line, swiping my old card like I always did, and thinking, “Wait… why am I not getting anything back for this?” I wasn’t traveling on points. I wasn’t getting cash back. I was just spending. Sound familiar?
Look, the truth is, credit cards can work for you—if you choose the right one. And in 2025, you’ve got some seriously rewarding options that can actually boost your bank account. From travel lovers to grocery haulers, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s break down the best credit cards out there this year—the ones that actually give back.
