Dodge Muscle Cars Are The Most Stolen Vehicles

In the realm of auto theft, one name stands out like a notorious ringleader: the Dodge Charger. It has once again claimed the dubious honor of being the most stolen vehicle in the United States for the model years 2020 to 2022, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). This perennial offender has been at the top of the stolen vehicles list for over a decade, a streak that began in 2011. However, what’s particularly concerning is the speed at which theft claims for the Charger have risen.

In the case of the Charger SRT Hellcat models from 2020 to 2022, the incidents of whole-vehicle theft claims skyrocketed to 25 claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years. This is a significant increase from the approximately 18 claims for the 2019-21 models. Even more alarming is the fact that theft claims for the HEMI-powered Charger variant also surged by over 20 times the average during the same period. These powerful Dodges seem to be hot targets for thieves.

But the Charger isn’t alone in this unfortunate spotlight. Luxury vehicles from other renowned brands like BMW, Infiniti, and Land Rover, as well as three full-sized pickups, have also fallen victim to the rising tide of auto theft. Surprisingly, the list also includes more affordable models from Honda, Kia, and Nissan, covering a wide spectrum of vehicles that have become attractive to thieves.

One unexpected twist in the world of auto theft is the sudden surge in pilfering Hyundai and Kia vehicles. This unusual trend has pushed four Kia models into the upper ranks of HLDI’s list of most stolen vehicles. The reason behind this surge is the discovery that a significant number of these Korean cars lack advanced electronic immobilization systems, making them vulnerable to thieves. This unfortunate revelation has made them prime targets for criminals.

On a slightly more positive note, the list of the 20 models with the lowest claims for whole vehicle theft includes six electric vehicles and an equal number from the General Motors stable. It seems that as auto technology advances, some vehicles have become much harder for thieves to steal, while others, like the Dodge Charger, remain a constant challenge for law enforcement.

Source: IIHS