Honda Accord, Civic Top List of 10 Most Stolen Cars

Editor's Note: The following news release was issued by the National Insurance Crime Bureau on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) today released an expanded, data-rich version of its popular Hot Wheels report—its list of the 10 most stolen vehicles in the United States. The report examines vehicle theft data submitted by law enforcement to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and determines the vehicle make, model and model year most reported stolen in 2012.

A first-edition feature is also contained in today’s report: a look at the top 25 2012 vehicle makes and models that were reported stolen in calendar year 2012.

In previous Hot Wheels reports, rankings were determined based on the most stolen model year vehicle within each vehicle make and model. Only one make/model/year would appear on the top 10 list, even though other model years of the same vehicle would have earned a position on the list. This was done to offer a more varied list with significant theft numbers than to focus on just one or two makes year after year.

Beginning with today’s report, the top 10 most stolen will appear by make and model only with its corresponding theft total. Beneath the make and model will appear its various model years with their corresponding theft totals for 2012. This is more easily understood by viewing the accompanying spreadsheet or PDF. See the full report at www.nicb.org.

For 2012, the most stolen vehicles* in the nation were:

1.  Honda Accord  58,596 
2.  Honda Civic  47,037 
3.  Ford Pickup (Full Size)  26,770 
4.  Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)  23,745 
5.  Toyota Camry  16,251 
6.  Dodge Caravan  11,799 
7.  Dodge Pickup (Full Size)  11,755
8.  Acura Integra  9,555 
9. Nissan Altima  9,169 
10. Nissan Maxima  6,947 

Older Honda Accords and Civics were by far the most stolen models in 2012. The 1996 Accord led the list with 8,637 thefts. In fact, Accords and Civics account for the first 16 spots on the most stolen list and all are 1990–2000 models. By comparison, newer Hondas are rarely stolen, thanks to improved anti-theft technology. For a report, watch this video.

NICB’s four layers of protection are:

Common Sense: Lock your car and take your keys. It’s simple enough, but many thefts occur because owners make it easy for thieves to steal their cars.

Warning Device: Having and using a visible or audible warning device is another item that can ensure that your car remains where you left it.

Immobilizing Device: Generally speaking, if your vehicle can’t be started, it can’t be stolen. “Kill” switches, fuel cut-offs and smart keys are among the devices that are extremely effective.

Tracking Device: A tracking device emits a signal to the police or to a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. Some systems employ “telematics,” which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved, the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer.

Considering a used vehicle purchase? Check out VINCheckSM, a free vehicle history service for consumers. Since 2005, NICB has offered this limited service made possible by its participating member companies. Check it out at www.nicb.org/vincheck.

Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422), texting keyword “fraud” to TIP411 (847411) or submitting a form on our website. Or, download the NICB Fraud Tips app on your iPhone or Android device.