What truck model is stolen the most?
The Ford F-Series, led by the F-150, is the most stolen truck model in the United States according to NICB’s annual Top 10 Stolen Vehicles lists. While thefts vary by year and region, this model line has dominated theft rankings for many years.
To understand this pattern, we review the official data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and discuss why the F-Series is repeatedly targeted, along with practical steps owners can take to reduce risk. The article focuses on U.S. trends and notes that international markets may show different results.
The data behind the claim
Below is a snapshot of the general findings from NICB's Top 10 Stolen Vehicles lists, which track reported thefts across the United States. The Ford F-Series consistently appears near the top of the list, with the F-150 identifying as the most stolen model within that line.
- Ford F-Series (notably the F-150) — the leading truck model in theft rankings in multiple NICB reports.
- RAM Pickup — another highly stolen full-size pickup in several years.
- Chevrolet Silverado — among the most stolen truck variants in NICB data.
These items reflect NICB’s annual published rankings and illustrate that large, popular pickups are disproportionately represented among stolen vehicles. It’s important to note that NICB’s lists cover reported thefts and may not capture every incident, especially in jurisdictions with limited reporting mechanisms.
Why the Ford F-Series is frequently targeted
Several factors contribute to why the F-Series, and the F-150 in particular, appear most often in theft statistics:
- High demand and resale value: F-Series trucks are widely owned and desirable in both consumer and commercial markets, increasing theft incentives.
- Popularity and ubiquity: Their prevalence means more opportunities for theft and fewer questions if a stolen vehicle is resold or parts are used.
- Particular vulnerabilities: Earlier generations and certain keyless-entry systems have been exploited by thieves using relay attacks and other devices to bypass immobilizers.
- Availability of easy-to-replace parts: Used parts are readily available, reducing the risk for thieves seeking aftermarket components.
Understanding these factors helps explain why the F-Series appears so often in theft data and why theft risk is not evenly distributed across vehicle models.
Preventing truck theft: practical steps for owners
Owners and fleets can take several practical steps to reduce the risk of a stolen truck, including leveraging technology, behavior adjustments, and tactical parking choices. The following list outlines common preventive measures recommended by law enforcement and insurance groups.
- Install and enable anti-theft devices: immobilizers, GPS trackers, and alarm systems can deter theft and aid recovery.
- Vehicle health and security: ensure VIN etching on glass and components and avoid leaving keys in or near the vehicle.
- Safeguard the fob: use a Faraday pouch or signal-blocking case to prevent relay attacks that capture fob signals.
- Park strategically: choose well-lit, monitored areas; use garage parking when possible and consider extra security in high-theft zones.
- Secure the vehicle at home: install physical anti-theft devices, wheel locks, and ensure doors and tailgates are locked; consider a security camera for your driveway or parking area.
While no measure guarantees theft prevention, layering security reduces risk and increases the likelihood of deterrence and recovery if a theft does occur.
Summary
The Ford F-Series, especially the F-150, is consistently identified as the most stolen truck model in U.S. data from NICB, reflecting high demand, ubiquity, and certain vulnerabilities. By combining awareness of trends with proactive security measures, owners can lower their risk and improve chances of recovery if a theft occurs.
Key takeaways: The F-Series leads theft rankings in the United States; thieves target popular, transferable trucks; implementing layered security measures can significantly reduce the risk of theft.
Are GMC trucks easily stolen?
Studying the 2022-2024 model years, the study found that the GMC Sierra line of full-size pickup trucks has a remarkably high rate of theft compared to the average.
Is the Honda CR-V easy to steal?
The 2023-2024 CR-V Hybrid is not more susceptible to theft than other modern vehicles. It features advanced anti-theft measures, along with an immobilizer system that makes it quite difficult for the vehicle to be stolen without one of the smart keys programmed to it.
What car brands do thieves avoid?
These robust security measures make Volvo vehicles less appealing to car thieves. While Tesla vehicles are known for their security, some BMW models also stand the test of time in terms of durability and reliability.
What is the most commonly stolen pickup truck?
The most stolen pickup truck is the full-size Chevrolet pickup, with the 2004 model year being the most frequently stolen. The full-size Ford pickup is the second most stolen, with the 2006 model year being the most often targeted. Full-size pickup trucks have consistently ranked among the most stolen vehicles in the United States for several years.
You can watch this video to learn about the most stolen vehicles of 2023: 57sBrian MelloYouTube · May 13, 2024
- Most stolen: Full-size Chevrolet pickup trucks, particularly the 2004 model.
- Second most stolen: Full-size Ford pickup trucks, with the 2006 model being the most common theft target.
- Overall trend: Full-size pickups from the early 2000s frequently top the list of stolen vehicles.
