Full-Size Pickups Prized by Auto Thieves
Three full-size pickups — Chevrolet, Ford, and GMC — were among the top 10 most stolen vehicles on the NICB’s 2021 Hot Wheels report.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau just released its annual Hot Wheels report.
Source: NICB
Full-size pickups accounted for 14% of the nearly 1 million stolen vehicles in the U.S. in 2021, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) annual Hot Wheels report.
Three full-size pickups made the top 10 list for most stolen vehicles nationally. As in 2020, Chevrolet and Ford pickups took the two top spots, with 48,206 and 47,999 thefts, respectively, in 2021. The GMC full-size pickup ranks sixth on the list with a total of 15,599 thefts.
Overall, passenger vehicle thefts increased 8% in 2021 compared to 2020. Moreover, there has been a nearly 35% increase in used car values over the last two years due to supply chain issues and inflation, notes NICB. Stolen cars can be shipped overseas and resold or broken down for valuable used car parts here in the U.S.
In the case of the three pickups, thieves tend to favor relatively old models. 2004 was the Chevrolet model year most often stolen. For the Ford pickup it was 2006, and for the GMC it was 2005.
Noteworthy, full-size pickups and mid-sized sedans on the Hot Wheels list are also best sellers. Popularity and availability are likely contributors to their high theft numbers. For example, the Ford F-Series pickup has been a top-selling vehicle in the U.S. for decades.
Other vehicles that ranked among the top 10 most stolen in 2021 include the Honda Civic and Honda Accord, with 31,673 and 30,274 thefts, respectively. Both cars have long been targets of thieves.
Two Toyota models also made the list. The Toyota Camry ranks fifth for most stolen vehicles, with a total of 17,270 thefts in 2021. And the Toyota Corolla takes the 10th spot with 12,927. Nissan Altima ranked seventh with 14,108 thefts, followed by Honda CR-V (13,308), and Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee (13,210).
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
More Safety

5 Safe Driving Tips for 4th of July
To ensure that this year’s fireworks remain in the sky and not on the roadway, follow these five easy steps to remain safe on the road this year – shared directly from a truck driver.
Read More →
NSC Marks 30 Years of National Safety Month, Includes Road Safety Focus
The Staying Safe on the Roads topic is one of four weekly focuses in June as the National Safety Council observes the 30th anniversary of National Safety Month. NSC also provides insights on the need for fleets to create a safety policy.
Read More →
Fleetworthy Integrates Lytx Video Snapshots to Improve Driver Coaching
Fleetworthy’s integration of Lytx video snapshots enables fleet managers to combine visual event evidence with Safety+ risk data, helping them make faster, more informed coaching decisions without leaving the Fleetworthy platform.
Read More →
Recalls You Need to Know About in June 2026
In June 2026, what recalls might impact your fleet? Work Truck has the answers in this comprehensive overview of recent NHTSA recalls.
Read More →
J. J. Keller Safety Professional of the Year Awards Nominations Now Open
J. J. Keller & Associates is accepting nominations for the 2026 J. J. Keller Safety Professional of the Year (SPOTY) Awards. Winners will receive prize packages valued at up to $47,200.
Read More →
ASE Aligns Automotive Service Professionals Month With Spring and Fall Vehicle Maintenance Campaigns
ASE will move Automotive Service Professionals Month to April and October beginning in 2026-2027, aligning recognition with Car Care Month events.
Read More →
Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter
Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.
Read More →
Driver Retention: Motive Automates Driver Coaching & Driver Rewards
New automated rewards and recognition capabilities from Motive can help organizations engage drivers, reinforce positive behavior, and reduce turnover. AI Coach has also been updated to deliver personalized feedback across safety, fuel, and compliance.
Read More →
Experts Forecast Broader Impact of Wildfires in 2026
This year’s wildfire season will likely be more intense than in 2025. The 2026 wildfire forecast from AccuWeather is for fewer fires, but even more acreage will be impacted this year.
Read More →
A Walkthrough of the DataQs Process
Bad data on your carrier record can cost you. Here’s how DataQs helps fleets challenge errors before they hit CSA scores, insurance, and your bottom line.
Read More →

