The 10 most stolen vehicles in the United States report was released today by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) It examine car theft data from law enforcement. It also reports the most stolen models of 2016 vehicles.
Car technology has helped prevent thefts of never models. Standard keyed systems contributed to thefts of older popular models that are chopped up to sell for parts.
While Honda Accords and Civics dominate this annual list, they are older, pre-“smart key” production models. Since the introduction of smart keys and other anti-theft technology, Honda thefts have fallen precipitously. As the list of top 25 most stolen 2016 model year vehicles shows, there were only 493 thefts of Accords last year.
There are one 2016 model and two 2015 models that are in the top ten list. The 2016 Toyota Camry, 2015 Nissan Altima and Toyota Corolla.
For 2016, the most stolen vehicles* in the nation were:
|
Rank |
Make/Model |
Model year most stolen / (# thefts) |
Total model thefts |
|
1 |
Honda Accord |
1997 (7,527) |
50,427 |
|
2 |
Honda Civic |
1998 (7,578) |
49,547 |
|
3 |
Ford Pick-Up (Full Size) |
2006 (2,986) |
32,721 |
|
4 |
Chevrolet Pick-Up (Full Size) |
2004 (2,107) |
31,238 |
|
5 |
Toyota Camry |
2016 (1,113) |
16,732 |
|
6 |
Nissan Altima |
2015 (1,673) |
12,221 |
|
7 |
Dodge Pick-Up (Full Size) |
2001 (1,288) |
12,128 |
|
8 |
Toyota Corolla |
2015 (1,070) |
11,989 |
|
9 |
Chevrolet Impala |
2008 (1,013) |
9,749 |
|
10 |
Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee |
2000 (898) |
9,245 |
For 2015, the most stolen vehicles in the nation were (total thefts in parentheses):
1. 1996 Honda Accord (52,244)
2. 1998 Honda Civic (49,430)
3. 2006 Ford Pickup (Full Size) (29,396)
4. 2004 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) (27,771)
5. 2014 Toyota Camry (15,466)
6. 2001 Dodge Pickup (Full Size) (11,212)
7. 2014 Toyota Corolla (10,547)
8. 2015 Nissan Altima (10,374)
9. 2002 Dodge Caravan (9,798)
10. 2008 Chevrolet Impala (9,225)
For 2014, the most stolen vehicles* in the nation were (total thefts in parentheses):
| 1. | Honda Accord | (51,290) |
| 2. | Honda Civic | (43,936) |
| 3. | Ford Pickup (Full Size) | (28,680) |
| 4. | Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) | (23,196) |
| 5. | Toyota Camry | (14,605) |
| 6. | Dodge Pickup (Full Size) | (11,075) |
| 7. | Dodge Caravan | (10,483) |
| 8. | Nissan Altima | (9,109) |
| 9. | Acura Integra | (6,902) |
| 10. | Nissan Maxima | (6,586) |
The following are the top 10 2016 model year vehicles stolen during calendar year 2016:
|
Rank |
Make/Model |
Total thefts |
|
1 |
Toyota Camry |
1,113 |
|
2 |
Nissan Altima |
1,063 |
|
3 |
Toyota Corolla |
982 |
|
4 |
Dodge Charger |
945 |
|
5 |
Ford Fusion |
914 |
|
6 |
Hyundai Sonata |
887 |
|
7 |
GMC Sierra |
884 |
|
8 |
Hyundai Elantra |
832 |
|
9 |
Ford Pick-Up (Full Size) |
738 |
|
10 |
Ford Transit |
669 |
Download the complete list of 2016’s top 25 most stolen from this spreadsheet.
“The increase in vehicle thefts over the past two years should be a reminder that drivers must do their part to protect their vehicles,” said NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle. “Anti-theft systems in newer model cars and trucks are excellent, but they don’t work if you don’t use them. Far too many thefts occur because the vehicle is left unlocked and the key or fob is inside. Taking the time to lock it up every time you leave it can save a whole lot of headache and expense in the long run.”
Vehicle theft is a severe economic hardship for its victims—especially if a vehicle is uninsured. That is why NICB continues to advise all drivers to review our four “Layers of Protection”:
- Common Sense: Lock your car and take your keys. It’s simple enough, but many thefts occur because owners make it easy for thieves to steal their cars.
- Warning Device: Having and using a visible or audible warning device is another item that can ensure that your car remains where you left it.
- Immobilizing Device: Generally speaking, if your vehicle can’t be started, it can’t be stolen. “Kill” switches, fuel cut-offs and smart keys are among the devices that are extremely effective.
- Tracking Device: A tracking device emits a signal to the police or to a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. Some systems employ “telematics,” which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved, the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer.
Considering a used vehicle purchase? Check out VINCheckSM, a free vehicle history service for consumers. Since 2005, NICB has offered this limited service made possible by its participating member companies. Check it out at: www.nicb.org/vincheck.
*This report reflects stolen vehicle data contained in NCIC and present in the “NCIC mirror image” when accessed by NICB on March 23, 2017. NCIC records may contain errors based on inaccurate entries submitted by reporting agencies. Full size pickups include half ton and larger capacity models for all makes.
Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422), texting keyword “fraud” to TIP411 (847411).