For model years spanning 2020 to 2022, the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat has earned the unfortunate distinction of being the most stolen vehicle in the United States, as reported by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
On a recent Thursday, the IIHS’s Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) unveiled its updated list of vehicles most prone to theft, which is primarily based on insurance claims filed for complete vehicle theft. When compared to the theft rates of all other models produced between 2020 and 2022, the Charger Hellcat sedan emerged as a glaring outlier, experiencing a claim frequency more than 60 times the average.
It’s worth noting that the Hellcat is not the sole variant of the Charger to experience high theft rates. The Charger models featuring Hemi V-8 engines, which are not Hellcat versions, were recorded as the second most frequently stolen, with theft claims 20 times greater than the average. Additionally, the Dodge Challenger coupe occupies the fourth rank in the list of vehicles with the highest number of theft claims.
Since the 2011 model year, performance editions of the Charger and Challenger have consistently ranked among the top five most stolen vehicles, according to IIHS data. The organization also indicated that the frequency of these theft claims has escalated significantly. For instance, the rate of theft claims for Charger Hellcats surged from approximately 18 per 1,000 insured vehicles for the 2019-2021 model years to 25 for the 2020-2022 model years.
Other vehicles that were highly susceptible to theft during the 2020-2022 period include the Ford F-Series Super Duty, Ram 3500 pickup trucks, as well as various models from BMW, Infiniti, and Land Rover. The IIHS report also highlighted a recent increase in the theft of Hyundai and Kia models, attributing it to an online trend that exposed the absence of engine immobilizers in these vehicles.
Electric vehicles (EVs) have demonstrated a lesser propensity for theft. The IIHS suggests that one reason for this may be the tendency for EVs to be parked in areas that are well-lit and comparatively secure for charging purposes. Dual-motor configurations of the Tesla Model 3 recorded the lowest rate of complete vehicle theft claims. This was followed by the Tesla Model Y. Single-motor variants of the Model 3, as well as the Tesla Model S, Model X, and the Nissan Leaf, also feature among the 20 least-stolen vehicles for the 2020-2022 model years. Six other vehicles on this list were produced by General Motors.
If the current trend of low theft rates for electric vehicles persists, future owners of Dodge models may have less reason for concern. The traditional gasoline-powered Charger and Challenger are gradually being phased out, slated to be replaced by an electric muscle car, as previewed by the Charger Daytona SRT concept.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles
What vehicle tops the list of most frequently stolen in the U.S. for the model years 2020-2022?
The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is the most frequently stolen vehicle in the United States for the model years 2020-2022, according to a report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Are other versions of the Dodge Charger also targeted for theft?
Yes, non-Hellcat models of the Dodge Charger equipped with Hemi V-8 engines are the second-most frequently stolen vehicles, according to the same IIHS report. They experience theft claims that are 20 times higher than the average.
What other vehicles are highly susceptible to theft?
Other vehicles that are frequently stolen include the Ford F-Series Super Duty, Ram 3500 pickup trucks, and various models from BMW, Infiniti, and Land Rover.
Have the rates of vehicle theft for performance versions of the Charger and Challenger increased over time?
Yes, according to the IIHS, the frequency of theft claims for performance versions of the Charger and Challenger has increased significantly. Specifically, theft claims for Charger Hellcats surged from approximately 18 per 1,000 insured vehicles for the 2019-2021 model years to 25 for the 2020-2022 model years.
Are electric vehicles generally less likely to be stolen?
Yes, electric vehicles tend to be stolen less frequently. The IIHS suggests that one reason might be that electric vehicles are often parked in well-lit and relatively secure areas for charging. Dual-motor versions of the Tesla Model 3 had the lowest frequency of whole vehicle theft claims.
Is Dodge planning to introduce any electric vehicles to replace the current Charger and Challenger?
Yes, the traditional gasoline-powered Charger and Challenger are being phased out and will be replaced by an electric muscle car, as previewed by the Charger Daytona SRT concept. If the trend of low theft rates for electric vehicles continues, future Dodge owners may have less reason for concern.
More about Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Report
- Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) Most-Stolen Vehicle List
- Tesla Model 3 Theft Rates
- Charger Daytona SRT Concept
- Electric Vehicle Theft Statistics
- Ford F-Series Super Duty
- Ram 3500 Pickup Trucks
- BMW Vehicle Theft Reports
- Infiniti Theft Data
- Land Rover Vehicle Security
10 comments
Interesting to see electric cars are less prone to theft. Maybe its cuz you need a specialized charger and can’t just gas and go.
Seriously? Who is even stealing these cars. Got to be pros with these high-end models.
Thefts claims going from 18 to 25 per 1000 for Hellcats? That’s a jump. Wonder whats causing that.
See, another reason to go electric, less chance your car gets stolen. Just saying.
Proud Model 3 owner here. Nice to know my cars among the least likely to be stolen, haha.
The uptick in Hyundai and Kia thefts due to lack of engine immobilizers is concerning. Time for these companies to step up their game.
So basically, if u own a Dodge Charger, better get a good insurance. No kidding!
Not surprised about the Super Duty and Ram 3500. Those trucks are everywhere, and theyre not cheap.
Wow, Charger Hellcat’s got a bad rap, huh? 60 times more likely to get stolen thats insane.
Good insights on the auto industry. This could affect insurance premiums for sure.