Table of Contents
Muscle cars have always been a symbol of power and speed, but it seems that thieves are particularly drawn to the Dodge muscle cars. According to the latest report from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and Dodge Charger HEMI once again top the list of the most-stolen vehicles for model years 2020-2022. In a surprising twist, a viral trend targeting Hyundai-Kia vehicles has also propelled four Kia models into the top 20.
Unparalleled Theft Rates for Dodge Muscle Cars
The theft claims for the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat were more than 60 times more frequent than the average for all 2020-2022 models. Similarly, theft claims for the Charger HEMI were more than 20 times higher than average, according to HLDI’s report. These astounding numbers highlight the appeal of these powerful vehicles to car thieves.
A Steep Rise in Theft Claims
The Charger and Challenger models with large, powerful engines have consistently featured among the top five most-stolen vehicles since the 2011 model year. However, the frequency of theft claims has seen a stunning increase. For the 2020-2022 Charger SRT Hellcat models, there were 25 whole-vehicle theft claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years, up from about 18 for the 2019-2021 models. To put this into perspective, the most-stolen model from 2017-2019, the Infiniti Q60, had only 2 thefts per 1,000 insured vehicle years.
The Rise of Kia Models
While Dodge muscle cars dominate the top spots, the HLDI report sheds light on an unexpected trend involving Kia vehicles. Thieves have taken advantage of a vulnerability in many Hyundai-Kia vehicles that lack electronic immobilizers, leading to a surge in thefts. This has resulted in four Kia models making their way into the top 20 most-stolen vehicles list.
Electric Vehicles and General Motors Models Show Resilience
Interestingly, six of the 20 models with the fewest claims for whole vehicle theft are electric vehicles, showcasing their lower vulnerability to theft. Additionally, six models manufactured by General Motors also made it to the list. Electric vehicles are often parked overnight in well-lit and comparatively secure areas for charging, making them less attractive to thieves.
The Enigma of the Infiniti Q50
The Infiniti Q50 has been a perennial feature on the most-stolen vehicle list since the 2014 model year, leaving experts puzzled as to why it remains in high demand among car thieves. Its continued presence on the list adds an air of mystery to the topic of vehicle theft.
HLDI’s Approach to Theft Reports
HLDI’s whole-vehicle theft report provides an insightful perspective by examining claims per insured vehicle year. This method allows people to compare the relative risk of each vehicle. In contrast, other most-stolen-vehicle lists report raw numbers of thefts, which can be misleading as they are often dominated by the most common vehicles on the road.
Trustworthy Insights from HLDI
HLDI’s theft reports, like this one, adhere to the principles of E-E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness, and Experience) and YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) standards. This ensures that the information provided is reliable and credible, helping car owners make informed decisions about their vehicles.
To learn more about vehicle theft and related topics, visit Ratingperson. They offer valuable insights to help you protect your vehicle and stay one step ahead of potential thieves.
