The 2025 Car Theft Surge: Why Toyotas and Kias Are Topping the "Most Wanted" List

 

If it feels like you’re hearing about more car thefts lately, you aren’t imagining it. As we move through 2025, vehicle theft rates have seen a sharp 12% increase globally compared to last year. While law enforcement and manufacturers are fighting back with new tech, thieves are becoming increasingly sophisticated, trading slim-jims for signal boosters.

According to the latest data from the Vehicle Crime Insurers' Agency (VbV) and the NICB, two names are dominating the "most wanted" lists: Toyota and Kia.

Here’s why these brands are in the crosshairs and what you can do to protect your ride.

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The Target List: Why These Models?

While any car can be a target, 2025 has seen a massive spike in thefts for specific models. The Toyota RAV4 (particularly the 2019 model) remains the #1 most stolen car in several regions, while the Kia Sportage has seen its theft rate double over the past twelve months.

Make/Model	Why They’re Targeted
Toyota RAV4	High resale value and a booming black market for parts.
Kia Sportage / Soul	Vulnerabilities in older keyless systems and lack of engine immobilizers in base models.
Toyota C-HR	Newer hybrid models are targeted for their valuable batteries and high-tech components.
Hyundai Elantra/Sonata	Residual "TikTok challenge" trends that exposed easy-to-bypass ignitions.

1. The Toyota "Parts" Economy

Toyota's reliability is a double-edged sword. Because there are millions of Toyotas on the road, there is a constant, high demand for replacement parts. Thieves aren't just stealing these cars to drive them; they are "chopping" them for components like catalytic converters, infotainment systems, and hybrid batteries which can be sold for thousands of dollars.

2. The Kia Vulnerability

The surge in Kia and Hyundai thefts originally started with social media "challenges," but in 2025, the problem has evolved. Many older models (pre-2021) were built without engine immobilizers. Even with software patches released by the manufacturer, professional thieves are now using "relay attacks" to intercept key fob signals and drive away in seconds.

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How Thieves Have Upgraded in 2025

We are no longer just dealing with broken windows and hot-wiring. The 2025 car thief is tech-savvy.

• Relay Attacks: Using a device to amplify the signal from your key fob while it sits inside your house, tricking the car into thinking the key is in the driver's seat.

• CAN Bus Injection: Thieves are now accessing the car's internal computer system (the "brain") through external ports—like the headlight wiring—to unlock the doors and start the engine without a key.

• VIN Washing: Stolen cars are being given fake Vehicle Identification Numbers and sold to unsuspecting buyers, often across international borders.

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5 Ways to Protect Your Vehicle Today

The harder you make it for a thief, the more likely they are to move on to an easier target.

1. Use a Faraday Pouch: These inexpensive pouches block the radio frequency from your key fob, preventing "relay attacks" while your keys are at home.

2. Install a Steering Wheel Lock: It might feel "old school," but a physical bar like The Club is a massive visual deterrent. Thieves looking for a quick getaway will usually skip a car that requires extra manual labor to steal.

3. Update Your Software: If you own a Kia or Hyundai, ensure you’ve visited a dealership for the latest anti-theft software patches.

4. Add a Hidden Kill Switch: A secondary switch that cuts power to the fuel pump or battery makes it impossible to start the car, even if the thief has bypassed the ignition.

5. OBD Port Locks: Install a lock on your car’s diagnostic port to prevent thieves from plugging in a laptop and "re-coding" a new key for your vehicle.

Pro Tip: Park with your wheels turned toward the curb. This makes it significantly harder for thieves to tow your vehicle away quickly.

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Looking Ahead

Manufacturers like Toyota and Ford are already rolling out 2026 models with "Stolen Vehicle Services" that can remotely disable the engine and provide real-time GPS tracking to police. Until those features become standard on every car, the best defense is a multi-layered approach of old-fashioned physical locks and modern digital protection.

Is your car on the high-risk list? I can help you find the specific security recalls or recommended aftermarket kits for your specific make and model. Would you like me to look up the latest security updates for your vehicle?