What are the most stolen cars in the United States? Why does this matter to you? If you’re in the market to buy a new or used car, this information is important.
Some of the most stolen cars are easy targets and end up being problematic for honest owners because they have to pay higher insurance premiums for these vehicles. If you know the car you want to buy is on this list, you might think twice before completing the transaction, but you could take some precautions to prevent your vehicle from being stolen.
7. Kia Optima
The Kia Optima is a popular midsize sedan and landed in the seventh spot on the list. This car and other Kia models have become more popular with car thieves, with 18,221 models reported stolen in 2022. The most common model year car thieves target is the 2015 model. This midsize sedan could be one you want to avoid if you’re looking for a new sedan to drive. Even if you find a Kia Optima that has everything you want, you’ll be buying one of the most stolen cars in the country.
6. Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is sixth on the list, with 19,602 models reported stolen in 2022. This is one of the most popular cars with thieves because it’s pretty easy to steal. In fact, Kia and Hyundai have been in a lengthy lawsuit because many vehicles lacked a specific safety device that would ensure they couldn’t be stolen. The most popular model year for thieves is the 2017 version. The Elantra is a useful and impressive compact sedan, but it might not be the right car for you.
5. Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata lands fifth on the list and joins the Elantra and Optima as cars that are extremely easy to break into and steal. The Sonata was reportedly stolen 21,707 times in 2022, with the most popular model year being the 2013 version. For the most part, the Sonata has been an excellent midsize sedan with lots of great features and plenty of room inside the cabin. Even if you think the Sonata is for you, it might not be the best option.
4. Honda Accord
Although thefts of the Honda Accord dipped from 2021 to 2022, this is still one of the most stolen cars in the United States. There were 27,089 reported thefts of the Accor, which is a huge number. The most popular model year is the 1997 version, which was made with little-to-no anti-theft technology compared to current versions. Thieves can get a good amount for an Accord, which makes them an easy target. You might want to think twice before buying that older Honda Accord.
3. Honda Civic
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the Honda Civic is among the top vehicles on this list. The Civic is a car that many tuners love to alter and upgrade, which could mean taking a stripped-down model to add performance features for racing. The 2000 model year is the most popular version of the Civic stolen, with 27,113 models stolen in 2022. Although those numbers are pretty high, they are lower than the previous year by 2,471, which is progress in the right direction.
2. Ford F-Series Truck
The most popular vehicle in the country is also the second-most popular vehicle stolen. Thieves took the Ford F-Series truck 48,175 times in 2022, with the 2006 model year being the most stolen model of the F-150 pickup truck. Thefts of the Ford F-150 increased from 2021 to 2022. Although this is one of the most stolen vehicles in the country, many truck shoppers are still going to choose the F-150 while shopping. It might be good to avoid the 2006 model year, though.
1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevy Silverado 1500 is the most stolen vehicle in America, with 49,903 models reported stolen last year. This figure is an increase over the previous years by 3.5%, which could turn a few buyers away, but not most. Like the F-150, most shoppers searching for a full-size Chevy pickup will still buy this truck and let it be the truck that allows them to enjoy getting things done. That said, the 2004 model is the most popular and could be the model year that you want to avoid buying.
These seven vehicles are the most stolen cars in America from 2022. If you still insist on buying them, you should consider some theft prevention items and habits to avoid your car or truck being stolen.
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