Hyundai, Kia Among Most-Stolen Vehicles in Illinois

Illinois saw a significant decline in vehicle thefts last year, but certain makes and models continue to be heavily targeted, prompting law enforcement officials to remind residents that theft prevention remains as important as ever. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Illinois reported 34,047 vehicle thefts in 2024, a 19 percent decrease from the year prior. This mirrored a national trend, with vehicle thefts across the United States falling by 17 percent, totaling approximately 850,000 incidents in 2024 after a spike in 2023 that had pushed totals to more than one million.

The improvement in Illinois is credited in large part to the continued efforts of the Illinois Statewide Auto Theft Task Force. Backed by more than $5 million in state grants aimed at prevention and enforcement, the task force conducted nearly 1,900 investigations last year, leading to the recovery of over 1,300 stolen vehicles with an estimated value of nearly $30 million. Additionally, the task force assisted in more than 400 other recoveries valued at another $9 million and secured 545 criminal charges, including 385 felonies.

Despite these gains, data shows that certain vehicles remain frequent targets for thieves, especially older models lacking modern anti-theft systems. Leading the list of most-stolen vehicles in Illinois are the Hyundai Elantra and Hyundai Sonata, which together accounted for nearly 60,000 thefts nationwide. Other high-theft models include the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Accord, Kia Optima, Honda Civic, Kia Soul, Ford F-150, Toyota Camry, and Dodge Charger. Many of these vehicles are popular, widely available, and in high demand on the used parts market, making them especially attractive to car thieves.

A particular point of concern in recent years has been Hyundai and Kia models manufactured between 2011 and 2021, which lacked engine immobilizers, a standard anti-theft device that prevents a car from being hotwired. Videos showing how to exploit this vulnerability spread rapidly on social media platforms, triggering a nationwide surge in thefts. In response, Hyundai and Kia began distributing free software patches and security upgrades in 2023, but many older vehicles remain on the road without these updates, continuing to pose a risk.

As theft tactics evolve, it is more important than ever for Illinois residents to ensure they are following basic safety protocols to protect their vehicles. While no method is foolproof, there are several proven steps drivers can take to limit their risk. Authorities recommend locking your doors at all times, avoiding leaving your vehicle idling unattended, and parking in well-lit areas or secure garages whenever possible. Installing an engine immobilizer or a visible steering wheel lock can deter would-be thieves. VIN etching—engraving the vehicle identification number onto windows or other components—can make a stolen vehicle harder to resell and more likely to be recovered. GPS tracking systems like LoJack are also encouraged, as they allow authorities to locate and recover vehicles more quickly.

Locally, Sangamon County Sheriff Paula Crouch is reminding residents that small, consistent habits are the most effective deterrent against auto theft. “We want people to understand that prevention starts with the basics—lock your vehicle, take your keys, and never leave valuables in plain sight,” Crouch said. “Auto theft is often a crime of opportunity, and our goal is to make sure those opportunities don’t exist.” She added that even brief lapses, such as leaving a car running to warm up, can give thieves the opening they need.

Though progress has been made, officials warn that vigilance remains key, particularly as criminals continue to adapt to evolving security technologies. As the state continues to invest in prevention and enforcement, the message to residents is clear: while fewer vehicles are being stolen overall, the threat persists, especially for those driving high-risk models. Taking simple, proactive steps to secure your vehicle can make all the difference in avoiding becoming the next victim of auto theft.