Car Theft Statistics [2025]: Trends by Year, State, and Make

In 2024, a motor vehicle was stolen every 37 seconds in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. With more than 90% of American households owning a car, auto theft is a very real (and costly) problem for American drivers. Even so, motor vehicle theft declined 17% from 2023, after reported thefts reached a record high of over 1 million cars stolen.

Given how common car theft is, FinanceBuzz has put together key statistics in this report to better understand the likelihood of car theft and what you can do to prevent it.

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Key insights on car theft

Motor vehicle theft declined by 17% in 2024, with 850,708 vehicles stolen compared to more than 1 million the year before.
California has the highest car theft rate per capita (463 per 100,000 people) and total volume (181,571 thefts), despite a 14% year-over-year decrease.
Only three metros outside the West — Memphis, Kansas City, and New Haven — ranked among the top 15 for car theft in 2024.
The most stolen car in the U.S. was the Hyundai Elantra (31,712 thefts), followed by the Hyundai Sonata (26,720 thefts).
While Hyundai models led in most states, four states stood out with different top targets: the Toyota Camry in Alabama, Nissan Maxima in Tennessee, GMC Savana in New Hampshire, and Subaru Forester in Vermont.
Most vehicle thefts happened during nighttime, with the highest activity occurring between midnight and 1 a.m.
Roads, streets, and sidewalks were the most common locations for car theft, accounting for over half of all reported cases.
Catalytic converters, electronics, and personal valuables were the most commonly stolen items in vehicles.

Car theft is on the decline in the U.S., but it is still a major problem

In 2024, there were 850,708 motor vehicle thefts — a decrease of 17% from one year prior. This sharp decline brings the number of stolen cars to pre-pandemic figures. For context, just over 880,000 vehicles were stolen in 2020, and between 2020 and 2023, thefts rose steadily each year, peaking at 1,020,729 in 2023.

California has the highest rates of car theft

In 2024, California had the highest vehicle theft rate per 100,000 people (463.2) and by overall volume, with more than 181,000 reported thefts. Close behind were New Mexico (458.2) and Colorado (430.0). At the other end of the list, New Hampshire, Idaho, and Maine had the lowest theft rates per capita at 48.4, 68.2, and 78.6, respectively.

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Vehicle theft rate per 100,000 People (2024)

Though California has the highest car theft rate in both volume and per capita, the state saw a 14% decrease in car thefts between 2023 and 2024. This downward trend was consistent across nearly all states, contributing to a 17% national decline overall. Only one state experienced an increase: Maine, where thefts rose 2%. However, this equates to just 25 additional vehicle thefts year-over-year due to the overall low volume in the state.

2024 vehicle thefts by state

State	2024 Vehicle thefts (Per 100,000 people)	2024 Vehicle thefts (Volume)	Percent change (2023 - 2024)
California	463.2	181,571	-14%
New Mexico	458.2	9,720	-7%
Colorado	430.0	25,378	-26%
Nevada	394.4	12,678	-31%
Missouri	379.6	23,566	-14%
Washington	375.1	29,471	-32%
Maryland	346.3	21,530	-19%
Texas	316.5	97,246	-16%
Oregon	277.7	11,812	-30%
Tennessee	275.5	19,692	-26%
Illinois	269.3	34,047	-19%
Kansas	259.2	7,649	-9%
Louisiana	251.5	11,538	-25%
South Carolina	231.8	12,490	-14%
Arizona	229.8	17,170	-14%
North Carolina	227.1	24,713	-7%
South Dakota	219.3	2,014	-20%
Michigan	217.4	21,922	-14%
Connecticut	216.4	7,885	-17%
Georgia	212.4	23,495	-18%
Alaska	211.1	1,555	-19%
Minnesota	209.6	12,058	-16%
Ohio	208.0	24,597	-23%
Indiana	205.3	14,128	-11%
Nebraska	203.8	4,052	-29%
Oklahoma	202.6	8,235	-19%
Mississippi	191.5	5,635	-14%
Arkansas	187.8	5,763	-21%
Kentucky	185.9	8,458	-19%
Alabama	180.0	9,209	-15%
Delaware	176.8	1,832	-17%
North Dakota	166.5	1,314	-11%
Montana	162.9	1,843	-11%
Florida	162.8	37,295	-21%
New Jersey	162.5	15,243	-11%
Pennsylvania	162.4	21,144	-19%
Wisconsin	146.0	8,661	-8%
Vermont	144.9	940	-8%
New York	143.2	28,272	-14%
Virginia	140.8	12,295	-15%
Rhode Island	124.7	1,376	-10%
Iowa	122.9	3,954	-17%
Hawaii	122.0	1,758	-21%
Utah	113.0	3,889	-25%
Massachusetts	104.9	7,415	-12%
West Virginia	101.9	1,804	-6%
Wyoming	95.5	559	-23%
Maine	78.6	1,100	2%
Idaho	68.2	1,344	-14%
New Hampshire	48.4	678	-11%

Source: NICB 2024 Year-End National Vehicle Thefts by State

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Car theft rates by city

When it comes to car theft rates, the San Francisco metro area ranks highest in the U.S., with 764 vehicles stolen per 100,000 people. Four other California metros also appear among the 15 vehicle theft hotspots: Bakersfield, Los Angeles, San Jose, and Vallejo.

Outside of the West, just a handful of metros made the list, including Memphis, Tennessee; Kansas City, Missouri; and New Haven, Connecticut. Overall, drivers are most likely to be victims of vehicle theft in Western metro areas.

Most stolen cars in the U.S.

The Hyundai Elantra and Sonata were the most stolen vehicles in 2024, with 31,712 and 26,720 thefts, respectively. Three other Korean models, the Kia Optima, Forte, and Sportage also ranked among the ten most stolen cars. The lack of immobilizers in pre-2022 Kia and pre-2023 Hyundai models was a key factor in their vulnerability.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the Ford F-150 were the only American-made vehicles, and the only pickup trucks among the 10 most stolen vehicles in 2024. Both models exceeded 15,000 vehicle thefts. The Kia Sportage is the only SUV among the ranks that also saw over 15,000 thefts.

Rank	Make and model	Type of vehicle	Number of thefts in 2024
1	Hyundai Elantra	Sedan	31,712
2	Hyundai Sonata	Sedan	26,720
3	Chevrolet Silverado 1500	Pickup truck	21,666
4	Honda Accord	Sedan	18,539
5	Kia Optima	Sedan	17,493
6	Honda Accord	Sedan	20,895
7	Honda Civic	Sedan	19,858
8	Kia Forte	Sedan	16,209
9	Ford F150 Series Pickup	Pickup truck	15,852
10	Kia Sportage	SUV	15,749

Source: NICB 2024 Year-End National Vehicle Thefts. Data compiled by FinanceBuzz.

Hyundai models topped the list of most stolen vehicles in 23 states, with Elantras accounting for nearly all of them. The one exception is Kentucky, where the Sonata ranked highest by just 65 thefts. In Massachusetts, the Elantra tied with the Honda Accord for the top spot.

What time are cars most likely to be stolen?

Timing can make or break the chances of being a victim of vehicle theft. 4 a.m. to 3:59 p.m. sees the fewest reported thefts, while darker hours see the highest amounts of car theft.

The highest number of motor vehicle thefts occurs between midnight and 12:59 a.m., with more than 70,000 incidents. Nighttime hours, particularly from 8 p.m. to 10:59 p.m., saw elevated theft rates, with over 48,000 occurring per hour. Overall, p.m. hours accounted for 55.6% of all vehicle thefts.

Items most commonly stolen from vehicles

While stealing a vehicle is a serious crime in itself, thieves often target valuables like electronics, purses, and shopping bags. Car parts are also frequent targets. Knowing which items are most commonly stolen from vehicles can help drivers take better precautions to lower their risk.

Catalytic converter
Electronic devices
Purses and wallets
GPS device
Registration
License plates
Credit cards
Truck tailgate
Garage door opener
Stereo equipment
Tires and rims
Important documents
Keys
Third-row seats
Cash and change

Where are cars stolen from most?

Public parking, such as roads, streets, and garages, accounts for the majority of motor vehicle thefts, with over 468,000 thefts reported across these locations. Altogether, these areas make up over half of all vehicle thefts. However, other common areas, such as office buildings, hotels, and even university campuses, carry risk for car owners.

Car theft prevention tips

In 2023, over 85% of stolen vehicles were recovered. While that number is encouraging, it doesn't nullify the stress and frustration that comes with having a vehicle stolen in the first place. Fortunately, there are steps car owners can take to reduce risk.

Local law enforcement and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) recommend simple habits to help prevent car theft:

Park in well-lit areas whenever possible and be aware of your surroundings.
Lock all windows and doors every time you park.
Take your keys with you and never leave them in or on your vehicle.
Hide valuables out of sight, such as in the glove box or trunk.
Never leave your vehicle running unattended.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also recommends anti-theft devices, such as:

Audible and visible deterrents, like car alarms, steering wheel locks, theft-deterrent decals, and flashing lights.
Immobilizing devices that prevent hot-wiring, including smart keys and systems that block electricity or fuel flow.
Vehicle recovery systems that use tracking technology to help law enforcement locate stolen vehicles, such as GPS tracking tools.

Quick facts: How car theft affects victims financially

Insurance coverage: Depending on the types of auto insurance coverage you have, out-of-pocket costs will vary. Severity of damage to the recovered vehicle will also influence these costs.
Higher premiums: Vehicle theft claims could raise your insurance rates.
Loan trouble: You may get paid out the actual cash value of the vehicle if it is determined totaled or isn't recovered. This may be lower than the outstanding loan or lease balance on that vehicle.
Lost personal property: Stolen personal items such as laptops, phones, and accessories are often not fully covered.
Rental costs: It can take time to recover your vehicle, and the same can be said for related insurance claims, even if your insurance covers rental cars temporarily.
Impound lot costs: You may have to pay impound lot fees to get your vehicle back once it is recovered. This cost can vary, but it will increase the longer the vehicle sits in the lot.
Lost time: Dealing with reports, insurance, and transportation delays adds emotional and financial stress.

FAQs

What car is stolen most in the U.S.?

As of 2024, the Hyundai Elantra was the most stolen car in the U.S., with 31,712 thefts.

Where do most car thefts occur

Public parking options, including roads, streets, and sidewalks, had the most stolen vehicles in 2023. Over 255,000 thefts occurred across these spaces.

What state is number one in car theft?

California reported the highest number of vehicle thefts in 2024, with 181,571 vehicles stolen. Per capita, this is a rate of 463.2 per 100,000 people.

Do stolen cars ever get recovered?

Yes. In fact, more than a third of passenger vehicles reported stolen in the first 24 hours were recovered, according to the III. More than 85% of stolen vehicles were recovered in 2023.

Will insurance cover car theft?

To a degree, but it varies depending on the type of insurance coverage that the car owner has. Liability insurance often does not cover vehicle theft, while full and comprehensive options may include theft protection, with payout amounts varying by policy and vehicle condition.

How can you prevent car theft?

Stay alert, park in well-lit areas, and lock your doors and windows. Hide valuables out of sight, take your keys with you, and never leave your car running unattended. Adding anti-theft devices can add another layer of protection.

What are car anti-theft devices?

Car anti-theft devices are tools designed to prevent unauthorized access or theft of a vehicle. These devices can also make it easier to recover a stolen vehicle. These include steering wheel locks, car alarms, immobilizers, and GPS trackers.

How common is car theft?

In 2024, a vehicle was stolen every 37 seconds. Still, overall thefts declined by 17% compared to the year prior.

What is keyless car theft?

Keyless car theft occurs when thieves boost or intercept your car key fob's signal to unlock and start your vehicle without ever handling the physical key.

Sources

National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), 2024 Vehicle Theft Trends. Accessed April 28, 2025.
National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), 2024 Year-End National Vehicle Thefts. Accessed May 12, 2025.
National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), 2019 Hot Spots Vehicle Theft Report. Accessed April 28, 2025.
National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), 2023 Vehicle Theft Trends Report. Accessed April 28, 2025.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Crime Data Explorer. Accessed April 28, 2025.
III.org, "Facts + Statistics: Auto theft". Accessed April 28, 2025.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), "Vehicle Theft Prevention". Accessed April 28, 2025.
Capital One, "The Hidden Costs of Having Your Car Stolen". Accessed April 28, 2025
FinanceBuzz, "15 Most Popular Items Stolen From Cars". Accessed April 28, 2025