These Are the 20 Most Stolen Cars
Fast Dodges and big-hauling pickups are the vehicles of choice for thieves these days. As USA Today reports, a new study by the Highway Loss Data Institute lists the top 20 vehicles most likely to be stolen.
Topping the list is the Dodge Charger with a Hemi engine. Joining the list at number two is sibling Challenger SRT Hellcat, followed closely behind by every other Challenger made.
Several versions of GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado pickups are sprinkled throughout the top 20 list, with crew-cabs at number five and eight respectively.
Why These Vehicles Are Stolen More
That these are expensive vehicles makes sense according to Matt Moore, senior vice president of HLDI. “If you’re going to commit a crime, you’re likely going to want to profit from that crime,” he says.
Hellcat Chargers and Challengers are over $60,000, as are Silverados and Sierras. Combined with their popularity and volume they become prime targets. Hemi Chargers are 5.4 times more likely to be stolen than an average vehicle according to the report.
Metrics For the List
Metrics for making the list are based on how likely a vehicle is to being stolen, regardless of how many exist. While advancements by auto manufacturers in theft prevention means newer cars are harder to steal, their newness means they’re worth more. They are also more expensive to repair if involved in an accident.
If newer vehicles are harder to steal then why are so many getting stolen? In many cases, owners are at fault by leaving the keyless ignition fobs in their cars. Don’t do that. Ever.
What Happens After They’re Stolen
Selling them for illegal export to foreign countries is one reason cars are boosted. Stripping them down to sell their parts to repair shops is another. Sometimes insurance fraud is at play when owners report their cars stolen after damaging them.
Least Likely Stolen
The least likely car to be stolen may surprise you. That distinction belongs to the BMW 3-Series sedan. It’s 25 times less likely to be boosted. Teslas are not far behind at 10 times less likely to be lifted.
HLDI’s Moore has a theory why Teslas are less likely to be ripped off: charging stations. “If you think about where charging stations are they’re close to buildings in well-lighted places,” he says. In some instances, they’re protected or at least covered by security cameras. That reduces the likelihood that they’re going to be stolen.” Another reason is that many are closed off in garages for overnight charging.
Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles 2016-2018
- Dodge Charger Hemi
- Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
- Infiniti QX50 4-door
- Infiniti QX80
- GMC Sierra 1500 crew-cab
- Dodge Challenger
- Nissan Maxima
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew-cab
- Chrysler 300 four-wheel-drive
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4-door, long-wheelbase, four-wheel-drive
- Dodge Charger four-wheel-drive
- Dodge Durango four-wheel-drive
- Land Rover Range Rover
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew-cab four-wheel-drive
- Dodge Charger
- Nissan Titan crew-cab short bed
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- GMC Sierra 1500 crew-cab four-wheel-drive
- Audi A7 four-wheel-drive
- Infiniti QX80 four-wheel-drive
Least Frequently Stolen Vehicles 2016-2018
- BMW 3-series four-door
- Tesla Model S four-wheel-drive
- Tesla Model X four-wheel-drive
- Chevrolet Equinox four-wheel-drive
- Buick Encore four-wheel-drive
- Subaru Legacy with EyeSight
- GMC Acadia
- Subaru Forester with EyeSight
- GMC Acadia four-wheel-drive
- Volkswagen New Beetle
- BMW 3-series four-door four-wheel-drive
- Subaru Outback with EyeSight
- BMW X5
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Subaru Crosstrek with EyeSight
- Lexus RX 450h four-wheel-drive
- Honda Odyssey
- Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Cadillac XT5