U.S. Vehicle Thefts Fall to Pre-Pandemic Levels in Largest Drop in 40 Years

Hyundai and Kia thefts decline sharply after anti-theft updates, but their models remain top targets.

Vehicle thefts in the U.S. dropped 16.6% in 2024 to 850,708, the lowest level since 2021, reversing a four-year upward trend.
The decline marks the largest annual drop in vehicle thefts in four decades, attributed to automaker measures, law enforcement efforts, and easing supply chain conditions.
Hyundai and Kia thefts fell by 37.5% in 2024 after the companies implemented free software updates and security upgrades, with 68% of affected vehicles fixed.
Despite the improvements, Hyundai Elantra and Sonata models were the most stolen vehicles in 2024, followed by the Chevrolet Silverado, Honda Accord, and Kia Optima.
Washington, D.C., California, and New Mexico reported the highest vehicle theft rates, even as national theft rates returned to pre-pandemic levels.