Historic Drop: U.S. Car Thefts Fall Sharply
After years of alarming headlines about rising car thefts, 2024 marked a dramatic shift: the United States saw the largest single-year drop in vehicle thefts in four decades. Reported thefts plummeted from a record 1,020,729 in 2023 to an estimated 830,000 in 2024 — a 17% decline that brought the numbers back to pre-pandemic levels. This reversal, after a four-year surge driven by viral theft trends and security flaws in popular models, is reshaping the conversation around auto crime in the US.
From Surge to Sharp Decline: What Changed?
Between 2020 and 2023, car thefts soared, fueled by vulnerabilities in certain Hyundai and Kia models, social media “challenges” that spread theft techniques, and the broader disruptions of the pandemic era. The 2023 peak was the highest in decades, sparking concern among drivers, insurers, and policymakers.
But the story took a new turn in 2024. Multiple factors contributed to the sudden drop:
- Automaker Response: Hyundai and Kia rolled out software updates and distributed steering wheel locks to address immobilizer flaws that made their cars easy targets.
- Law Enforcement Crackdown: Police agencies nationwide coordinated sting operations and public awareness campaigns, targeting organized theft rings and chop shops.
- Technology Adoption: More drivers installed aftermarket security devices and tracking systems, making theft riskier and recovery more likely.
- Insurance Pressure: Insurers raised premiums and, in some cases, refused coverage for high-risk models, incentivizing both owners and manufacturers to address vulnerabilities.
Some states saw theft rates fall by more than 30% in a single year, underscoring the broad impact of these efforts. Washington saw the largest year-over-year decrease in vehicle thefts in 2024 at 32%, followed by Nevada (31%), Oregon (30%), Nebraska (29%) and Colorado (26%).
The Data: A Historic Reversal
The chart below tells the story at a glance: a steady climb in thefts from 2020, peaking in 2023, followed by the steepest decline in modern history.
Figure 1: Reported vehicle thefts in the United States surged to a historic high in 2023 before plunging sharply in 2024 and 2025, marking the largest decline in four decades.
After a steady rise in car thefts peaking at over one million cases in 2023, the U.S. experienced an unprecedented drop in 2024 and 2025, returning theft rates to lower pre-pandemic levels. This dramatic reversal highlights the impact of coordinated efforts by automakers, law enforcement, and new security technologies in combating auto crime. It is worth remembering that this decline in thefts sits in the context of the number of vehicles on U.S. roads steadily increasing from about 250 million in 2010 to nearly 299 million in 2025. The drop is all the more remarkable.
What’s Next for Car Owners?
While the steep decline is encouraging, experts caution that car theft remains a significant risk — especially as thieves adapt to new technologies and shift tactics. The recent drop demonstrates that coordinated action can make a difference, but it’s not a reason for complacency.
For car owners, the lessons are clear:
- Stay updated on manufacturer recalls and software fixes
- Use visible security devices and park in well-lit areas
- Remain vigilant, as theft trends can change quickly
The Bottom Line
The story of U.S. car theft in the 2020s is, for once, a good news story. It is no longer just about rising crime—it’s now about how collective action and rapid response can reverse even the most troubling trends. As the numbers continue to fall in 2025, the focus shifts to maintaining these gains and staying ahead of the next wave of auto crime
