Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles
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These Are the Most Common Targets of Car Thieves
Every 42.2 seconds, a vehicle is stolen somewhere in the United States, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
Stolen cars are usually driven off or towed away to a “chop shop” where they are dismantled into various components. These parts are then sold to unscrupulous vendors who would sell them to auto shops and unsuspecting consumers, typically through the internet. Highly professional thieves can strip an automobile of its most valuable parts right where it is parked.
While we may believe that car thieves often go for flashy sports cars and expensive luxury rides, it’s actually quite the opposite. You might be surprised to learn from the list below that majority of stolen vehicles are among the most sedate wheels you’ll find on the road.
Older popular cars are often targeted by crooks because to them, they are worth more than the sum of their parts. Parts for popular models (especially airbags, wheels, catalytic converters, doors, and hoods) are in high demand because there’s a multitude of vehicle owners with the same models who need parts replacements. These parts generate an amount of money bigger than the value of the intact stolen vehicles themselves. The high demand for their parts makes these vehicles susceptible targets for robbers.
So, what are the top 10 most stolen vehicles in America as per NICB’s latest Hot Wheels report? Do you think your beloved car is one of them? Find out below!
- Ford F-Series Pickup (full-size)
Total thefts in 2019: 38,938
As the best-selling vehicle in the country for 43 years running, it’s no surprise that the Ford F-Series is an all-time favorite of car thieves. Ford’s full-size pickup is the most commonly stolen vehicle in 19 states. These are Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
- Honda Civic
Total thefts in 2019: 33,220
Since you can see Honda Civic almost everywhere you go, it makes sense that it ranks second on the list of top stolen cars. These compact cars share parts with other Honda vehicles, which is why they’re lucrative grabs for parts harvesters. The most stolen vehicle is the 2000 model-year Civic as it lacks the anti-theft features that more modern cars have.
- Chevrolet Pickup (full-size)
Total thefts in 2019: 32,583
Chevrolet pickups are another leading choice for thieves, with the 2004 model year as the most popular.
- Honda Accord
Total thefts in 2019: 30,745
The Accord is the number one most stolen automobile in some East Coast states, particularly in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. The 1997 model is the top choice among car burglars apparently because it’s easier to break into.
- Toyota Camry
Total thefts in 2019: 15,656
The fact that the Toyota Camry is the best-selling midsize sedan in the country makes it a tempting target for thieves. The demand for its parts is massive, and it’s nothing but a lucky day for sneaky crooks to see a Camry parked in an isolated area.
- Nissan Altima
Total thefts in 2019: 13,355
The 2015 Nissan Altima, which is the fourth-generation version, is the most treasured model of car snatchers.
- Toyota Corolla
Total thefts in 2019: 12,137
If you own a Corolla, particularly the 2018 model, and you happen to live in Washington D.C., you may need to be extra cautious on where you park it. This newer model is a hit among burglars even though it’s not the most exciting compact car to drive.
- Dodge Pickup (full-size)
Total thefts in 2019: 11,292
The full-size Dodge pickup isn’t only known for generating some of the most speeding tickets, but it is also popular for being a theft magnet. The Dodge brand is no longer selling new trucks, which makes it harder for Dodge owners to look for available parts. With a limited supply of engine parts, it’s no wonder why these pickups are frequent targets of theft.
- GMC Pickup (full-size)
Total thefts in 2019: 11,164
What do car thieves in Maine, Alaska, and Arkansas have in common besides their expertise? They value GMC pickups! The most stolen version is surprisingly a later model, the 2018 GMC Sierra.
- Honda CR-V
Total thefts in 2019: 10,094
Apart from its spacious interior, reliability, and affordable price, the Honda CR-V is a known target for thieves. Parts for the older generation and discontinued CR-V models are in high demand.
Donate an Unwanted Vehicle for a Worthwhile Cause
Speaking of cars, do you have one that you don’t find useful anymore? What if we told you that you can convert it into a life-changing instrument for the needy folks in your community? These are the men and women who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other personal hindrances that make it difficult for them to find decent jobs and livelihoods.
When you donate your unwanted vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations, we’ll use it to improve their lives by harnessing their full potential through work and learning.
Once we get a hold of your vehicle, we’ll sell it through an auction to raise funds for the community-based life-enhancement programs and services of the Goodwill organizations serving your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the money sourced from vehicle donations to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.
As a Goodwill donor, you’ll enjoy awesome perks. Aside from the joy of knowing that you’ll be helping less fortunate folks around you achieve financial stability and a much better quality of life, you’ll also find satisfaction when we haul off your vehicle for free and entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.
We accept nearly all vehicle types, even those that are no longer working properly.
If you need more information about our quick and easy donation process, head over to our FAQs page. For your questions or concerns, call us at 866-233-8586 or contact us online.
Reach Out to Disadvantaged Folks Today!
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What’s the point of leaving your clunker to rust in your garage when you can dispose of it in the most meaningful way possible? Donating it to Goodwill Car Donations will inject new vigor into the lives of the disadvantaged individuals in your community. Call us at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!
Last Updated: March 6th, 2023