If your car’s ever gone missing in California, you’re not alone — far from it. The Golden State continues to wear an unfortunate crown: America’s car theft capital. According to the latest report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), California led the nation once again in total vehicle thefts in 2024, even as overall thefts began to ease from their pandemic-era peak.
California’s Car Theft Crisis — and Its Slow Recovery
Vehicle thefts hit an all-time high of 210,237 in 2023, NICB data shows — the worst in state history. The rise wasn’t unique to California; car thefts spiked nationwide during the pandemic, fueled by economic strain, shortage of new vehicles, and in some cases, viral “how-to” social media trends targeting specific car models.
But 2025 is showing tentative progress.
NICB spokesperson Nicholas Zeitlinger told The Sacramento Bee that thefts in California have declined 14% year-over-year, and 26% when comparing the first half of 2025 to the same period in 2024.
Still, the state remains No. 1 in total theft volume — and No. 2 in theft rate per 100,000 residents (behind only Washington, D.C.).
“California has experienced the highest total vehicle thefts of any U.S. state, largely fueled by its high population and high density of urban areas,” Zeitlinger explained.
Three metro regions dominate the top of the charts: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Riverside — all of which regularly appear in the NICB’s list of top 10 metro areas for total theft volume and theft rate.
The 10 Most Stolen Cars in California (2024 vs. 2025 Midyear)
2024: Statewide Totals
| Rank | Vehicle Model | Reported Thefts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 6,248 |
| 2 | Hyundai Sonata | 5,865 |
| 3 | Honda Civic | 5,804 |
| 4 | Hyundai Elantra | 5,618 |
| 5 | Honda Accord | 5,414 |
| 6 | Kia Optima | 4,685 |
| 7 | Toyota Camry | 2,906 |
| 8 | Kia Soul | 2,810 |
| 9 | Chevrolet Camaro | 2,648 |
| 10 | Toyota Tacoma | 2,578 |
First Half of 2025: Updated Rankings
| Rank | Vehicle Model | Reported Thefts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honda Accord | 2,582 |
| 2 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 2,322 |
| 3 | Honda Civic | 2,242 |
| 4 | Hyundai Elantra | 1,929 |
| 5 | Hyundai Sonata | 1,835 |
| 6 | Kia Optima | 1,505 |
| 7 | Toyota Tacoma | 1,220 |
| 8 | Toyota Camry | 1,165 |
| 9 | Honda CR-V | 984 |
| 10 | Kia Soul | 920 |
While older Hondas and Toyotas have long been theft favorites due to parts demand, the Hyundai–Kia wave remains strong — an aftershock of the viral TikTok “Kia Challenge” that exposed vulnerabilities in models lacking immobilizers.
The Chevy Silverado 1500, meanwhile, tops the truck category — a prime target for resale or parts stripping due to its popularity and high resale value.
The 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in the U.S. (First Half of 2025)
| Rank | Vehicle Model | Reported Thefts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyundai Elantra | 11,329 |
| 2 | Hyundai Sonata | 9,154 |
| 3 | Honda Accord | 8,531 |
| 4 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 8,006 |
| 5 | Honda Civic | 6,396 |
| 6 | Kia Optima | 5,788 |
| 7 | Toyota Camry | 5,432 |
| 8 | Nissan Altima | 4,901 |
| 9 | Kia Soul | 4,613 |
| 10 | Honda CR-V | 4,280 |
Why California Tops the Charts
A few structural factors make California particularly vulnerable:
- Population Density: Simply put, more cars mean more opportunities. Los Angeles County alone has nearly 8 million registered vehicles, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Port Access: Major ports in Los Angeles and Oakland make it easier for organized theft rings to export stolen vehicles overseas.
- Urban Layouts: Dense metro grids and freeway systems create quick exit routes — a thief’s dream scenario.
- High Value Markets: California’s mix of luxury cars, work trucks, and older models still lacking anti-theft tech gives criminals a full buffet of targets.
Protecting Your Car: Expert Tips
The NICB and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offer some straightforward advice that really works:
Basic Prevention
- Always lock doors and close windows — even when parked at home.
- Never leave keys or fobs inside the vehicle.
- Avoid idling or warming up your car unattended.
Environmental Steps
- Park in well-lit, busy areas.
- Use secured parking structures or garages when possible.
Deterrence & Technology
- Install audible alarms or steering wheel locks.
- Consider a GPS tracker or kill switch that prevents the engine from starting.
- For Kia and Hyundai owners, check with dealerships about free anti-theft software updates or steering wheel lock programs (available via Hyundai Anti-Theft Program and Kia Customer Care).
If your vehicle does get stolen:
- Contact law enforcement immediately and file a report — you’ll need that for your insurer.
- Notify your insurance company right away.
- If you recover the vehicle before police do, inform both law enforcement and your insurer to avoid complications.
For more safety guidance, visit nhtsa.gov/vehicle-theft-prevention.
FAQs:
What city has the highest car theft rate in California?
Los Angeles leads in total thefts, but San Francisco consistently posts the highest rate per capita.
Are newer cars safer from theft?
Generally yes, but tech-savvy thieves can still bypass keyless entry or clone key fobs. Always pair tech with visible deterrents.
Does insurance cover car theft?
Only if you carry comprehensive coverage. Liability-only policies do not.
