In 2025, the United States witnessed a notable reduction in vehicle thefts, marking a 23% decrease from the previous year. Despite this positive trend, a substantial 659,880 vehicles were reported stolen across the nation. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) highlighted that while overall numbers fell, certain car models remained prime targets for thieves, with a vehicle being stolen approximately every 48 seconds.

The Hyundai Elantra led the list of most frequently stolen cars, with 21,732 units reported missing. Following closely were the Honda Accord, with 17,797 thefts, and the Hyundai Sonata, accounting for 17,687 stolen vehicles. These figures underscore a continuing preference among car thieves for specific models, often those with perceived vulnerabilities or high demand for parts.

A significant contributing factor to the overall decline in thefts was the reduced targeting of Hyundai and Kia vehicles. After a period where these brands were disproportionately stolen due to certain security flaws, improved measures and public awareness campaigns led to a third consecutive year of decline. These vehicles, which once comprised 23% of all auto thefts in 2023, dropped to 14% in 2025, demonstrating the impact of enhanced security protocols.

Beyond sedans, popular trucks like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado also featured prominently on the list of stolen vehicles, reflecting their widespread ownership and desirability. The top ten most stolen vehicles in 2025 included a mix of sedans and trucks, illustrating the diverse range of targets for auto crime. The list is as follows: Hyundai Elantra (21,732), Honda Accord (17,797), Hyundai Sonata (17,687), Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (16,764), Honda Civic (12,725), Kia Optima (11,521), Ford F-150 (10,102), Toyota Camry (9,833), Honda CR-V (9,809), and Nissan Altima (8,445).

Geographically, California reported the highest number of stolen vehicles, with 136,988 incidents, nearly 54,000 of which occurred in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Texas ranked second with 75,269 thefts, followed by Illinois with 28,327, Florida with 27,142, and New York with 24,206. While Florida experienced a 29% decrease from the prior year, Washington saw the most significant reduction in thefts, with a 39% decline. Colorado and South Dakota also reported substantial drops of 35% and 32%, respectively. Despite these improvements, metropolitan areas continue to be hotspots for vehicle theft.

While vehicle theft statistics for 2025 show a promising decline in overall numbers, car owners are still encouraged to take proactive measures to protect their assets. Simple actions like parking in well-lit areas, ensuring car doors are locked, and considering aftermarket security devices can act as powerful deterrents against opportunistic criminals. For those driving vehicles with manual transmissions, there's a small, unconventional perk: they are statistically less likely to be stolen, perhaps due to fewer individuals possessing the skill to drive them.