Lock your doors and hide your keys, because the neighborhood joyriders are working harder than a one-legged man in a kick-butt contest. We’ve crunched the NICB data to find out which steel steeds are vanishing into the night faster than a 10mm socket in a crowded shop.
19. Dodge Charger (2020-2022)
The Dodge Charger is a magnet for trouble in Georgia, where the Hemi roar is basically a dinner bell for car boosters. These Mopars are targeted because they’re flashy, fast, and often lack the sophisticated immobilizers found in more boring commuters.
Getting your steering column rebuilt after a smash-and-grab will drain about $950 from your wallet. It’s a hefty fee for a car that’s more popular with street racers than a set of fresh slicks.
18. Ford Explorer (2020-2023)
Missouri thieves have a particular soft spot for the Ford Explorer, treating these family haulers like their own personal rental fleet. With keyless entry hacks becoming common, these SUVs are disappearing from driveways before the morning coffee is even brewed.
A replacement key fob and security re-flash can cost you upwards of $500, and that’s if they didn’t curb the rims. It’s a rough day at the office when your grocery getter becomes a getaway car.
17. Jeep Grand Cherokee (2015-2021)
In Maryland, the Grand Cherokee is the crown jewel for thieves looking for a rugged ride with a quick resale value. These Jeeps are often snatched via relay attacks that trick the car into thinking the owner is standing right there with the fob.
Repairing a compromised security system and replacing the modules usually runs about $1,100 at the dealership. It’s enough to make any Jeep fan want to crawl into a hole and stay there.
16. Ram 1500 (2020-2023)
Texas is truck country, and the Ram 1500 is the prime target for Lone Star lifters who want plenty of torque for their illicit activities. These rigs are frequently swiped for parts or sent across the border before the owner even notices the empty parking spot.
If you find your truck sans wheels and interior, expect a restoration bill north of $3,500 for the basics. That’s a lot of brisket money going down the drain just to fix a thief’s handiwork.
15. Toyota Corolla (2018-2022)
Florida men aren’t the only ones making headlines; the Toyota Corolla is a top-tier target for Sunshine State thieves who value reliability in their stolen goods. These cars are so ubiquitous they blend into traffic like a grey cat in a dark alley.
Replacing a smashed window and a mangled ignition lock cylinder will typically set you back $800. It’s a boring car to lose, but the repair bill is definitely exciting in all the wrong ways.
14. Honda CR-V (2017-2022)
The Honda CR-V is the darling of New Jersey car thieves who appreciate a sensible crossover for their late-night shenanigans. These vehicles are often targeted for their high-value catalytic converters and easy-to-flip body panels.
A new cat and a security patch will cost you about $2,500 if the thieves were particularly greedy with the Sawzall. It’s a painful reminder that even the most practical cars aren’t safe from the chop shop.
13. Hyundai Tucson (2016-2021)
Colorado’s mountain air doesn’t stop the ‘Kia Boyz’ style thefts from hitting the Hyundai Tucson hard. Thieves exploit the lack of an engine immobilizer on base models, turning a screwdriver and a USB cable into a master key.
Expect to pay around $1,200 for a new steering column and glass replacement after a joyride. It’s a steep price to pay for a design flaw that’s been trending on TikTok longer than most dance fads.
12. GMC Sierra (2014-2018)
In Arkansas, the GMC Sierra is a hot commodity for those who want a Professional Grade getaway vehicle. These trucks are often boosted for their heavy-duty components and expensive tailgate assemblies.
Replacing a stolen tailgate and the associated camera wiring can cost a cool $1,500 before paint. It’s a dirty trick that leaves owners feeling like they’ve been dragged through a mud hole backwards.
11. Toyota Camry (2018-2022)
Massachusetts thieves love the Toyota Camry because it’s the ultimate undercover vehicle for moving around unnoticed. It’s the beige wallpaper of the automotive world, making it the perfect choice for a low-profile heist.
A full lock set and key re-coding will run you about $900 if the thief didn’t leave a mess behind. For a car that’s supposed to be stress-free, this is one headache that won’t go away with an oil change.
10. Kia Sportage (2017-2022)
Wisconsin residents are finding their Kia Sportages missing at an alarming rate thanks to the infamous security vulnerabilities. These crossovers are being popped open faster than a cold one at a Packers tailgate.
The cost to fix the ignition and the broken window usually hovers around $1,100, assuming they didn’t smoke the clutch. It’s a rough way to find out your car has more fans than you realized.
9. Ford F-150 (2015-2020)
The Ford F-150 is the king of the road in Alabama, but it’s also the king of the ‘stolen’ list for truck enthusiasts with sticky fingers. Thieves target these for their aluminum body panels and high-demand EcoBoost engines.
If your truck is recovered stripped, you’re looking at a $4,000 bill just to get it back to a drivable state. That’s enough to make a grown man cry into his adjustable wrench.
8. Kia Forte (2019-2021)
Pennsylvania is seeing a surge in Kia Forte thefts, as urban explorers use the ‘USB trick’ to bypass the ignition. It’s become such a common sight that local mechanics can practically do the repairs with their eyes closed.
A new ignition assembly and labor will run you about $1,000, and that’s if the interior wasn’t trashed. It’s a budget car that ends up costing a premium when the local hoodlums get ahold of it.
7. Honda Accord (2018-2022)
Connecticut thieves have a refined palate, preferring the sleek lines and easy-to-part-out nature of the Honda Accord. These sedans are often found on blocks with their wheels and airbags missing within hours of the theft.
Replacing a full set of OEM wheels and tires can easily top $2,000, plus another $1,000 for the airbags. It’s a gut-punch that leaves your wallet feeling lighter than a carbon fiber hood.
6. Honda Civic (2016-2021)
California remains the epicenter for Honda Civic thefts, where the tuner scene and parts demand keep these cars on the ‘most wanted’ list. They’re like Lego sets for thieves, easily disassembled and sold off to the highest bidder.
A recovered Civic often needs $1,500 in bodywork and ignition repairs to get back on the road. It’s the price you pay for driving the most popular car in the history of the golden state.
5. Kia Soul (2014-2021)
In Ohio, the Kia Soul is being snatched up by joyriders who find its boxy shape and easy-to-crack security irresistible. It’s become a viral sensation for all the wrong reasons, leading to a massive spike in insurance premiums.
Repairing the damage from a forced entry and ignition bypass typically costs around $1,150. For a car that looks like a toaster, it sure has a lot of people wanting to get their hands on it.
4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2014-2018)
New Mexico thieves are obsessed with the Chevy Silverado, likely because these trucks are as tough as a two-dollar steak and just as easy to find. They’re frequently used for heavy-duty crimes or stripped for their valuable LS-based engines.
A total security system overhaul and window replacement will run you about $1,300. It’s a bitter pill for Chevy fans who just wanted a reliable workhorse for the weekend.
3. Kia Optima (2015-2020)
Tennessee has become a playground for Kia Optima thieves, who exploit the same security holes that have plagued the brand nationwide. These sedans are being boosted so often that some insurance companies are refusing to write new policies for them.
Expect to drop $1,200 on a new steering column and window glass after the police find it abandoned in a park. It’s a sad end for a car that was once the pride of the mid-sized segment.
2. Hyundai Sonata (2015-2021)
Minnesota thieves are giving the Hyundai Sonata the ‘cold shoulder’ by stealing them at record rates during the winter months. The lack of an immobilizer makes these cars sitting ducks for anyone with a social media account and a spare USB cable.
The repair bill for a botched theft attempt is usually around $1,100 for parts and labor. It’s enough to make you want to trade it in for a bicycle and a very heavy padlock.
1. Hyundai Elantra (2017-2020)
The Hyundai Elantra is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the stolen car world, especially in Washington state where they’re vanishing like smoke in a hurricane. It’s the poster child for the ‘Kia Boyz’ epidemic, turning every parking lot into a high-stakes gamble.
Replacing the shattered glass and the mangled ignition system will cost you a cool $1,250 on average. It’s a tragic victory for a car that’s become more famous for being stolen than for its fuel economy.