Dec 18, 2023
Auto theft has skyrocketed - is your car on the most stolen car list?
Did you know vehicle theft costs Canadians about $1 billion annually? More than 200 cars are stolen daily across Canada. Around 86,132 vehicles were reported in 2018 alone, according to Statistics Canada.
In 2022, auto insurers in Canada paid out $1.2 billion in theft claims, a record high. This has increased the financial burden on Canadians due to rising inflation and affordability issues. Auto theft costs include law enforcement, court resources, physical and emotional consequences, and general economic costs.
Criminals target vehicles for many reasons, including:
- To sell to unsuspecting customers. They may be given a new VIN or dismantled and sold for parts.
- To commit another crime, such as catalytic converter theft.
- For joyriding or to travel somewhere.
- To sell aboard (and sold for double their original market value).
Here is the list of the top most stolen vehicles in Canada and Ontario for 2021/2022 provided by Équité Association, a Canadian non-profit organization working to combat insurance fraud.
What’s on this page?
Top 10 most stolen vehicles in CanadaTop 10 most stolen cars in Ontario
What are the most stolen vehicles in Toronto?
Top 10 most stolen cars in Alberta
Top 10 most stolen cars in Quebec
Top 10 most stolen cars in Atlantic provinces
Why are these models at the highest risk for theft?
How to reduce the chance of your vehicle being stolen
Most stolen cars in Canada FAQs
Top 10 most stolen vehicles in Canada
New vehicles with keyless fobs are a common target because thieves use radio frequency amplifiers to capture the fob signal and extend it to the vehicle. Avoid leaving keyless fobs near front doors and park in a garage when possible. Check this list before buying a car so you can ensure you are adequately insured against a stolen car.
With that in mind, here are the top 10 most stolen vehicles in Canada from most stolen to least:
| Make/Model | Model Year | Number of Thefts | Theft Frequency Percent | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | 2020 | 5,620 | 1.2% | SUV |
| Dodge RAM 1500 Series | 2022 | 2,600 | 0.5% | Truck |
| Ford F150 | 2020 | 1,833 | 0.3% | Truck |
| Lexus RX Series | 2020 | 1,815 | 1.9% | SUV |
| Toyota Highlander | 2021 | 1,759 | 1.5% | SUV |
| Honda Civic | 2019 | 1,493 | 1.5% | Sedan |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2021 | 1,349 | 1.1% | SUV |
| Land Rover Range Rover | 2020 | 1,343 | 3.9% | SUV |
| Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series | 2006 | 1,260 | 0.2% | Truck |
| Jeep Wrangler | 2021 | 1,189 | 0.9% | SUV |
Top 10 most stolen cars in Ontario
Ontario drivers should be cautious if they have any of these SUVs, pickups, or cars. These models are the most stolen in the province and can come with a higher price tag for car insurance in Ontario:
| Make/Model | Model Year | Number of Thefts | Theft Frequency Percent | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | 2020 | 2,684 | 1.2% | SUV |
| Lexus RX Series | 2020 | 1,707 | 3.0% | SUV |
| Dodge RAM 1500 Series | 2022 | 1,405 | 0.7% | Truck |
| Toyota Highlander | 2021 | 1,344 | 2.2% | SUV |
| Land Rover Range Rover | 2020 | 1,225 | 5.9% | SUV |
| Ford F150 Series | 2020 | 901 | 0.4% | Truck |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2021 | 766 | 1.6% | SUV |
| Jeep Wrangler | 2021 | 689 | 1.1% | SUV |
| Honda Civic | 2019 | 630 | 0.2% | Sedan |
| Acura RDX | 2021 | 459 | 1.2% | SUV |
What are the most stolen vehicles in Toronto?
In 2022, the Toronto Police Service Public Safety Data Portal reported a total of 9,771 auto thefts in the city, a drastic increase from the 6,572 reported in 2021. West Humber-Clairville is the neighbourhood with the highest number of events.
According to a report by CityNews, the York Regional Police launched an auto theft prevention campaign in September 2023. Data from "Operation Auto Guard" has revealed that vehicle thefts have increased by almost 50% compared to last year.
In contrast, compared to 2019, York Region is on track to experience an increase of about 200%. According to recent reports, the top five most frequently stolen vehicles in the York Region are the Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX350, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Ram 1500, and GMC Yukon. Police Chief McSween revealed that this year alone, nearly 3,300 automobiles have been stolen in York Region. These higher numbers can impact Toronto car insurance costs for drivers.
Here are the top 10 most stolen vehicles in Toronto:
| Vehicle | 2021 Number of Thefts |
|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | 654 |
| Lexus Rx350 | 418 |
| Honda Civic | 260 |
| Land Rover Range Rover | 225 |
| Toyota Highlander | 200 | Ford F150 | 176 |
| Honda Accord | 145 |
| Toyota Corolla | 123 |
| Toyota Rav4 | 70 |
| Hyundai Elantra | 62 |
Secure your wheels - insurance safeguards against theft
Compare insurance quotes with our team of brokers for peace of mind on the road.
Top 10 most stolen cars in Alberta
You may see higher Alberta car insurance if you drive a pick-up truck, due to the high amount of theft rates. Here is an overview of the top vehicles stolen in Alberta for 2021/2022.
| Make/Model | Model Year | Number of Thefts | Theft Frequency Percent | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge RAM 1500 Series | 2014 | 373 | 0.4% | Truck |
| Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500 Series | 2007 | 349 | 0.9% | Truck |
| Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series | 2005 | 336 | 0.4% | Truck |
| Ford F150 Series | 2018 | 315 | 0.3% | Truck |
| Ford F350 Series | 2006 | 289 | 1.3% | Truck |
| Dodge Ram 2500 Series | 2001 | 119 | 0.6% | Truck |
| Honda Civic | 2000 | 117 | 0.2% | Sedan |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2021 | 106 | 0.3% | SUV |
| Ford F250 Series | 2004 | 106 | 1.5% | SUV |
| Honda CR-V | 1999 | 103 | 0.2% | SUV |
Top 10 most stolen cars in Quebec
Sedans and SUVs top the list of most stolen vehicles in Quebec. Check if your vehicle tops this list; it may impact your current rates or future costs if you plan to buy a vehicle.
| Make/Model | Model Year | Number of Thefts | Theft Frequency Percent | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | 2020 | 2,689 | 2.3% | SUV |
| Acura RDX | 2020 | 653 | 4.1% | SUV |
| Honda Civic | 2019 | 506 | 0.2% | Sedan |
| Dodge RAM 1500 Series | 2019 | 504 | 0.6% | Truck |
| Jeep Wrangler | 2021 | 433 | 1.5% | SUV |
| Toyota RAV 4 | 2019 | 425 | 0.3% | SUV |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2021 | 420 | 1.8% | SUV |
| Toyota Highlander | 2021 | 344 | 2.0% | SUV |
| Ford F150 Series | 2019 | 256 | 0.3% | Truck |
| Hyundai Tucson | 2021 | 242 | 0.4% | SUV |
Top 10 most stolen cars in Atlantic provinces
The East Coast has a mix of cars and pickup trucks that are top targets for thieves. All of the Atlantic provinces have been grouped to meet the minimum data collection threshold.
| Make/Model | Model Year | Number of Thefts | Theft Frequency Percent | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge RAM 1500 Series | 2017 | 81 | 0.2% | Truck |
| Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series | 2018 | 73 | 0.1% | Truck |
| Ford F150 Series | 2010 | 71 | 0.1% | Truck |
| Honda Civic | 2017 | 67 | 0.1% | Sedan |
| Honda CR-V | 2020 | 62 | 0.1% | SUV |
| Toyota Corolla | 2010 | 41 | 0.1% | Sedan |
| Hyundai Elantra | 2017 | 41 | 0.1% | Sedan |
| Toyota RAV4 | 2015 | 28 | 0.1% | SUV |
| Nissan Rogue | 2016 | 20 | 0.1% | SUV |
| Toyota Tacoma | 2017 | 20 | 0.1% | Truck |
Why are these models at the highest risk for theft?
Vehicles that are easier to steal are the most common targets. One of the main reasons these vehicles are highly vulnerable is that they don't have an ignition immobilizer. This advanced anti-theft device can prevent hot-wiring; without it, it's easier for them to gain access and control of your car.
How to reduce the chance of your vehicle being stolen
In Canada, a vehicle is involved in theft every three minutes, according to the IBC. Lower the risk of having your vehicle stolen with these six tips:
- Your vehicle will be more difficult to tow away if the emergency brake is engaged and your wheels are turned to the side.
- Roll up your windows, lock the doors and do not leave a spare key in the vehicle.
- Park in your garage or underground parking if possible.
- Always park in well-lit locations.
- Never leave valuables like personal belongings, packages, or shopping bags in plain view.
- Do not leave your car running without someone in it.
It only takes 30 seconds for a thief to steal your vehicle. By following these tips, you can lower the chances of being a victim of theft. It is also recommended to consider anti-theft devices, which can qualify you for insurance discounts.
Most stolen cars in Canada FAQs
The most stolen vehicle is the four-door 2018 Honda CRV. The Ford F Series pickup line is the second highest on the most stolen lists, notably in Ontario and Alberta, which can result in higher auto insurance. A number of the different pickup models regularly appear on the list.
It’s estimated about one-sixth of lost vehicles are never recovered. Many of these vehicles are shipped overseas or sent to chop shops to be dismantled for parts.
While most would assume Toronto is at the top of the list, it’s not even at the top for Ontario. Brantford has the distinction of having the highest theft rate in the province. Fort McMurray, Alberta, is rated as the city with the highest theft rate. Other cities in the top 10 include Surrey and Kelowna in BC, Winnipeg, and Saskatoon.
Don't let your vehicle be a victim of theft
You can reduce the risk by preventing your vehicle from being stolen. Install an alarm, park in the garage, and always lock your doors. If you own an automobile that is often a target for theft, it will affect your auto insurance quotes in Canada. Make sure you have car theft included in your policy. If you have any questions, give us a call.
