These are the top 10 most stolen vehicles in Kentucky. Is yours on the list?
National vehicle theft rates have recently seen a “historic decline,” according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, but Kentucky still reported thousands of motor vehicle thefts last year, and certain models may be more at risk.
Kentucky reported 6,926 stolen vehicles in 2025, NICB data shows.
“Nearly all U.S. states, counties and metro areas experienced significant declines in vehicle thefts from 2024 to 2025,” NICB spokesperson Nicholas Zeitlinger told the Herald-Leader in a recent email.
Across the U.S., vehicle theft rates declined by 23% from 2024 to 2025, and Kentucky’s rate declined by 20% over the same period.
Vehicle theft rates had a greater decline in Lexington-Fayette. NICB data shows the metro area had 575 motor vehicles reported stolen in 2025, down 28% from the previous year. All nine Kentucky metropolitan areas with local-specific NICB data saw declines in the theft rate, with Bowling Green seeing the steepest drop-off at 38%, and Elizabethtown with the smallest decline, at 15%.
“Coordinated prevention efforts by law enforcement, auto manufacturers, insurance companies, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau are having a major impact on vehicle thefts nationwide,” NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe said in a March 18 press release. “But with several hundreds of thousands of vehicles stolen in a single year, vigilance and prevention efforts remain key to protecting families, businesses and communities nationwide.”
Here’s what to know about the vehicle models most often stolen in Kentucky, plus tips on how to protect your car.
10 most commonly stolen vehicles in Kentucky last year
Here’s how the most commonly stolen vehicles compared in 2025 for Kentucky, according to NICB:
1. Hyundai Sonata: 281 reported thefts
2. Dodge Charger: 271
3. Hyundai Elantra: 242
4. Kia Optima: 155
5. Ford F150 Series: 128
6. Chrysler 300 Series: 112
7. Kia Sportage: 107
8. Dodge Challenger: 105
9. Chevrolet Malibu and Toyota Camry: tied with 103 reported thefts each
10. Jeep Grand Cherokee: 98
Some of these models were also among the most commonly stolen last year. The top 10 vehicles most subject to theft in the commonwealth last year included the Hyundai Sonata (419 reported thefts), Hyundai Elantra (354), Kia Optima (221), Kia Soul (218), Dodge Charger (169), Ford F150 Series (167), Toyota Camry (135), Kia Sportage (133), Kia Forte (130) and Kia Rio (127).
How to protect your vehicle from theft
More than 850,000 vehicles across the U.S. were stolen in 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports, and summer is the “worst season” for vehicle theft.
The simplest way to help decrease the risk of your car being stolen is to make sure to lock it and take your key with you, according to the NHTSA. You should also close and lock all windows and doors when you park and park in well-lit areas when possible.
Along with cars themselves and vehicle parts, items such as purses, laptops, cell phones and other valuables are also common targets, according to the NHTSA, so it’s a good idea to avoid leaving important items in your vehicle, especially if they’re visible.
You may also consider installing an anti-theft device, such as alarms, steering wheel locks, immobilizing devices or vehicle recovery systems.
If your vehicle is stolen, the NHTSA advises taking the following steps:
- File a stolen-vehicle report to your local police department and be sure to keep a copy of the report and/or case number. You may be asked for your vehicle’s license plate number, make, model, color, vehicle identification number and any other identifying characteristics.
- Within 24 hours, file a claim with your insurance company.
- If you find your vehicle, immediately contact the police department and your insurance company.
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