The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has surged to the top of America’s most-stolen vehicle list, according to new findings from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). Meanwhile, a software upgrade, has helped diminish theft rates for certain Hyundai and Kia models.
HLDI’s latest analysis shows that the Camaro ZL1 and the standard Camaro rank among the top five most-stolen model year 2022 to 2024 vehicles. The ZL1’s whole-vehicle theft rate is a whopping 39 times higher than the average for all vehicles. On the other hand, the standard Camaro’s rate is 13 times higher.
“Muscle cars have often topped this list, as thieves are attracted to vehicles with high horsepower,” said Matt Moore, chief insurance operations officer at HLDI and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “That also helps explain why the more expensive, more powerful ZL1 is stolen so much more often than the standard Camaro.”
Performance Cars and Pickups Dominate
The HLDI top 20 list is dominated by pickup trucks, high-horsepower sports cars, and other pricey models. On the other end of the scale, the least-stolen vehicles include eight electric models and two plug-in hybrids. All 10 have theft claim frequencies more than 85 percent below the industry average. As the institute has noted previously, electric vehicles are often garaged or parked near buildings to charge, making them less accessible to thieves.
A Technical Glitch Opens the Door
Beyond the Camaro’s horsepower appeal, reports suggest a technical vulnerability has made it easier to steal. Notably, thieves can sometimes clone a key fob by connecting to the onboard diagnostic port, typically used by technicians for performance and emissions data. This method may bypass the need for direct access to the fob, creating a fresh opening for vehicle theft.
HLDI identifies whole-vehicle thefts by comparing theft claim amounts with what insurers pay when similar vehicles are totaled. A deeper review of Camaro theft claims for model years 2010 to 2024 found that rates were steady between 2020 and 2022, but spiked sharply in 2023, continuing to rise through much of 2024.
Keyless Entry and Rising Theft Rates
The upward trend appears to begin with the introduction of keyless push-button start in 2016. “We expect powerful and high-value vehicles to be targeted, and these models check both those boxes,” Moore said. “But it stood out to us that Camaros that were nearly 10 years old had such high claim frequencies.”
The institute noted that claims for 2016 to 2024 models climbed in 2023, peaking in March 2024 at 18.3 claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years, compared with 1.3 claims for 2010 to 2015 models. Texas and California were early hotspots for Camaro thefts, with California leading in 2024, followed by Tennessee, Mississippi, Maryland, and Texas.
GM’s Software Fix
In March 2025, General Motors launched a service campaign offering a free software update for 2020 to 2024 Camaros to reduce theft risks according to GM Authority. HLDI plans to monitor how the update affects claims, but Moore urges owners to get the fix right away.
Hyundai and Kia See Results
Hyundai and Kia faced their own theft surge in 2021, when some models without standard electronic immobilizers began showing up on the top 20 most-stolen list. In response, the two brands rolled out a theft-deterrent software update that acts like an immobilizer.
Importantly, HLDI’s tracking shows theft claims fell sharply after the campaign began in February 2023. Eligible Hyundai and Kia vehicles with the upgrade had 46 percent fewer total theft claims and 52 percent fewer whole-vehicle thefts compared with those without it. However, vandalism claims increased, quite possibly due to thwarted theft attempts.
Progress, But Challenges Remain
Despite the drop, theft claim frequencies for 2011 to 2022 models remain high—nearly 10 per 1,000 insured vehicle years for Kia and 11 for Hyundai, compared with fewer than two for all manufacturers. By December 2024, only 41 percent of eligible Hyundais and 40 percent of eligible Kias had received the upgrade.
For newer 2022–2024 models, most equipped with immobilizers, theft rates are well below average. “This intervention showed dramatic results right off the bat, offering owners some peace of mind,” Moore said. “Owners who still haven’t gotten the software upgrade should do so immediately, as it’s the best way to protect their vehicle.”
Protect Your Vehicle
Vehicle remains a big concern, but a layered approach to security can significantly reduce your risk. Here’s how to make your vehicle a harder target. Here’s how to protect your ride:
Park smart: Choose well-lit, secure areas whenever possible. Good visibility deters thieves.
Visible deterrents: Using a steering wheel lock or other visible devices sends a clear message to potential thieves.
Protect your key fob: Signal-blocking pouches or a metal container can prevent thieves from using relay attacks to clone your keyless entry signal.
Stay updated: Regularly check for and install vehicle software updates, especially those that include theft-prevention upgrades released by manufacturers.
Using both basic physical and technological protections can greatly deter theft and give you greater peace of mind.
Image by Matthew Lamb – FoS20162016_0623_092213AA, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
