The landscape of vehicle theft in America continues to shift as thieves become more organized and technologically adept. Recent statistics show an evolving pattern, with certain makes and models attracting more unwanted attention than others. In particular, high-performance vehicles and powerful trucks remain favorites among car thieves.
In 2025, car theft has experienced a noticeable resurgence in some regions, especially urban centers such as Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, New York City, and Phoenix. Experts attribute this increase to a combination of factors, including rising demand for car parts, the sophistication of theft rings, and vulnerabilities in automotive technology. Vehicle theft is not confined solely to whole cars—parts like wheels, catalytic converters, and electronics are increasingly targeted, compounding the losses for automobile owners.
Despite intermittent periods of decline, with 2024 seeing a 17% drop in thefts compared to the year before, theft rates in 2025 have surged in certain areas. The National Insurance Crime Bureau recorded roughly 850,000 stolen vehicles across the United States in 2024, a figure expected to exceed 1 million by the end of 2025 if trends continue. Most thefts occur at night, with streets and sidewalks being prime locations.
Among the thousands of cars stolen annually, a select few models stand out for their exceptionally high theft rates. This year, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has taken the infamous position of America’s most-stolen vehicle. The Camaro ZL1, a high-performance muscle car retailing at over $75,000, is 39 times more likely to be stolen than the average vehicle on the American road. Its lower-cost sibling, the regular Chevrolet Camaro, isn’t far behind—it is stolen at a rate 13 times above the average for 2022–2024 model years. This surge can be partially traced to a technical vulnerability that skilled thieves have learned to exploit, with tech-savvy criminals able to clone key fob codes or access diagnostic ports to defeat security systems.
Analysts from the Highway Loss Data Institute highlight that high-horsepower vehicles continue to top the list due to their desirability and value on the resale or black market. Many vehicles commonly targeted share traits such as being more expensive, more powerful, or being high-volume pickups and SUVs. While software security updates and advancements have reduced theft rates for brands like Hyundai and Kia, the Camaro’s unique mix of power, price, and now exploitability have placed it at the top of the thieves’ wish list.
Owners of affected models, particularly recent Camaros, are urged to update their vehicle’s security software wherever possible and consider additional anti-theft measures such as steering wheel locks, encrypted key fob covers, and remote tracking devices. Insurance premiums for these models may also reflect the increased risk.
Below is a list of the top 10 most-stolen vehicles in the United States for 2025:
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Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
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Acura TLX (All-Wheel Drive)
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Chevrolet Camaro (Standard version)
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GMC Sierra 2500 Crew Cab (4WD)
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Land Rover Range Rover
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Dodge Charger
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Toyota Camry
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Ford F-150
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Kia Soul
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Honda Civic
This ranking underscores that both luxury performance vehicles and high-volume trucks and sedans are prime targets for theft in America’s current automotive climate. Vehicle owners are advised to remain vigilant, stay updated with the latest security patches, and invest in additional protective measures if their car features on this list.
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