Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: The Most Stolen Car in the US, 39 Times More Likely to Be Stolen Than Others.

The Chevrolet Camaro, specifically the top-tier ZL1, is the most-stolen car in the US per capita, with a whole-vehicle theft rate 39 times the average for all vehicles. Non-ZL1 Camaros are third on the list. The sixth and final generation Camaro was killed at the end of the 2024 model year, but it's still a common car. The HLDI attributes the high theft rate to thieves cloning the key code by accessing on-board ports used by technicians.

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has emerged as the most stolen vehicle in the United States, according to the latest research from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). The ZL1, which retails for around $75,400, had a theft rate 39 times higher than the average for all vehicles with the model years 2022 to 2024 [1]. This high theft rate is attributed to thieves cloning the key code by accessing on-board ports used by technicians, which contain vehicle data such as fuel emissions and performance stats [1].

The non-ZL1 Camaro, which retails between $32,495 and $50,000, is the third most stolen vehicle, with a theft rate 13 times higher than the average for the same model years [1]. The Camaro's popularity among thieves can be attributed to its high horsepower, making it an attractive target for those seeking powerful vehicles [2].

The HLDI's analysis also revealed that pickup trucks and other expensive or high-horsepower models dominate the list of the top 20 most stolen vehicles. The model year 2022-24 vehicles with the highest claim frequencies for whole-vehicle theft include the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Acura TLX 4WD, and GMC Sierra 2500 crew cab 4WD [1].

On the other end of the spectrum, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are among the least stolen vehicles. Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, and Toyota RAV4 Prime are among the vehicles with the lowest claim frequencies for whole-vehicle theft [1].

The HLDI has attributed the high theft rates of Camaro models to the introduction of keyless, push-button start systems in model year 2016. The theft claim frequencies for Camaro variants have been relatively stable from 2020 through 2022 but rose sharply in 2023 and continued to climb through much of 2024 [1].

In response to the high theft rates, General Motors launched a service campaign in March 2025 aimed at reducing theft risk for 2020-24 Camaro models. Owners can bring their vehicles to dealerships for a free software update [1].

References:
[1] https://www.automotiveworld.com/news-releases/camaro-zl1-tops-chart-of-most-stolen-vehicles/
[2] https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/most-stolen-cars-chevrolet-camaro-zl1-theft-rates/