A recent report has highlighted that sports cars and SUVs from Chevrolet, Acura, and GMC rank among the most stolen vehicles in the U.S.
The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), which operates under the Highway Safety Insurance Institute (IIHS), has released findings based on theft claims for models from 2022 to 2024. The research points out which vehicles thieves seem to favor.
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 stands out as the most frequently stolen car, with its theft rate being 39 times higher than the average vehicle, according to HLDI.
Matt Moore, IIHS-HLDI’s chief insurance operations officer, noted that muscle cars often lead this list because they attract thieves due to their high horsepower. He explained that the ZL1’s higher cost and power contribute to its increased theft risk compared to the standard model.
Besides its desirability, HLDI mentioned a “glitch” that enables thieves to clone the Camaro’s key FOB signal. Authorities have previously warned that certain devices can capture FOB signals just by being nearby.
The LAPD remarked that these cloning devices are as small as a phone and can capture signals from FOBs. They had suggested to Camaro owners to secure their key FOBs in protective cases or wrap them in foil. HLDI also stated that some Camaro owners may receive software updates to mitigate this issue.
Other vehicles identified as highly susceptible to theft include the Acura TLX 4WD, which is reported to be 21 times more likely to be stolen than the average vehicle, and 12 times more likely than the standard Camaro model.
20 Most Stolen Cars in the U.S. (Models 2022-24)
- Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
- Acura TLX 4WD
- Chevrolet Camaro
- GMC Sierra 2500 Crew Cab 4WD
- Acura TLX 2WD
- GMC Sierra 3500 Crew Cab 4WD
- Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Crew Cab 4WD
- Dodge Durango 4WD
- Land Rover Range Rover 4WD
- RAM 1500 Crew Cab Short Wheelbase 4WD
- Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Crew Cab 4WD
- RAM 3500 Crew Cab Long Wheelbase 4WD
- Honda CR-V Hybrid 4WD
- GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab 2WD
- Dodge Durango 2WD
- GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab 4WD
- BMW X7 4WD
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class Long Wheelbase 4WD
- Jeep Gladiator Crew Cab Convertible 4WD
- Cadillac Escalade ESV 4WD
To compile these findings, HLDI analysts examined the rates of total vehicle theft for each model by comparing theft claims to the amount paid by insurance for similar vehicles after crashes.
It’s worth noting that theft claims don’t always clarify whether an entire car or just parts were stolen.
Earlier this year, the National Insurance Crimes Bureau (NICB) also released a different list of most stolen vehicles across all years. Their top five included the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Accord, and Kia Optima, determined through data submitted by law enforcement.
More information from HLDI’s report can be found on their website, detailing some of the most stolen car models.
