Dodge Charger Continues To Be America’s Most Stolen Vehicle

The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), a Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), has released its latest report on the most-stolen vehicles for the 2020 to 2022 model years. Topping the list are two iconic muscle cars from Dodge: the Dodge Charger SRT HELLCAT (including the Redeye) and the HEMI-powered Dodge Charger models (R/T and Scat Pack). However, it’s not just Dodges making headlines – a viral trend targeting Hyundai-Kia vehicles has also pushed four Kia models into the top-20.

The statistics are striking: theft claims for the Charger SRT HELLCAT were a staggering 60 times more frequent than the average for all 2020-22 models, considering their numbers on the road. Meanwhile, theft claims for the other HEMI-powered Charger models were more than 20 times higher than the average. These findings underscore the growing concern over the security of these high-performance vehicles.

It’s worth noting that Charger and Challenger models with powerful engines have consistently ranked among the top-5 most-stolen vehicles since 2011. What’s truly alarming, however, is the alarming rate at which theft claims have surged. For instance, the 2020-22 Charger SRT HELLCAT saw a significant increase, with 25 whole-vehicle theft claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years, up from around 18 claims for the 2019-21 models. To put this in perspective, the most-stolen model from 2017 to 2019, the Infiniti Q60, had a mere 2 thefts per 1,000 insured vehicle years.

“If you own a HELLCAT, you better check your driveway,” said HLDI Senior Vice President Matt Moore. “These numbers are unbelievable.”

The report also sheds light on the influence of luxury vehicles on the list of most-stolen cars. Notable brands such as BMW, Infiniti, Land Rover, and powerful engine-equipped large pickups make frequent appearances. Interestingly, thieves have also turned their attention to relatively affordable models from Honda, Kia, and Nissan. Hyundai and Kia models have seen a surge in thefts due to their lack of electronic immobilizers, making them easier targets.

On the flip side, electric vehicles (EVs) seem to defy this trend, with six out of the 20 models with the fewest theft claims being EVs. General Motors (GM) also contributes six models to this category. Often parked in well-lit and secured charging areas overnight, EVs appear less appealing to thieves.

The study also offers a glimpse into the world of least-stolen cars. Tesla’s all-wheel-drive variants of the Model 3 and Model Y take the lead, with a remarkably low relative claim frequency of three. The Volvo XC90 and GMC Acadia follow suit in the second and third positions. Several other EVs find themselves on the least-stolen list, with the report suggesting that their secure parking during charging contributes to their lower theft rates.

Looking ahead, the upcoming introduction of the electric Dodge Charger Daytona presents an intriguing question: how will its theft rates compare to the current gasoline-powered counterpart?