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Dodge Charger Continues To Be America’s Most Stolen Vehicle

HELLCAT Leads The Way, Other HEMI-Powered Chargers Are Close Behind...

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.

2023 Dodge Charger SRT HELLCAT Redeye Widebody. (Dodge).

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.

2023 Dodge Charger Scat Pack Widebody. (Dodge).

“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.

Vehicles With The Highest Claim Frequencies For Whole-Vehicle Theft

2020 to 2022 MY Vehicle Size/Type Relative Claim Frequency
(100 = Average)
Dodge Charger SRT HELLCAT Large Car 6,128
Dodge Charger HEMI Large Car 2,197
Infiniti Q50 Midsize Luxury Car 878
Dodge Challenger Large Car 766
Land Rover Range Rover 4WD Large Luxury SUV 611
Kia Sportage Small SUV 479
Land Rover Range Rover Sport 4WD Large Luxury SUV 460
Kia Sportage 4WD Small SUV 415
Honda CR-V 4WD Small SUV 409
BMW X6 4WD Midsize Luxury SUV 361
Kia Rio Minicar 359
Kia Forte Small Car 357
Ford F-350 SuperCrew 4WD Very Large Pickup 349
BMW X7 4WD Large Luxury SUV 338
Ford F-250 SuperCrew 4WD Very Large Pickup 337
Honda Accord Midsize Car 306
Ram 3500 Crew Cab Long Box 4WD Very Large Pickup 306
Infiniti Q50 4WD Midsize Luxury Car 287
Nissan Maxima Midsize Car 284
Honda CR-V Small SUV 270

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.

2023 Dodge Charger SRT HELLCAT Widebody. (Dodge).

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?

Robert S. Miller

Robert S. Miller is a diehard Mopar enthusiast who lives and breathes all that is Mopar. The Michigander is not only the Editor for MoparInsiders.com, 5thGenRams.com, and HDRams.com but an automotive photographer. He is an avid fan of offshore powerboat racing, which he travels the country to take part in.

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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 … (read full article...)

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