Introduction

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has identified the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat as the most stolen vehicle in the US for the 2020-2022 model years. In their latest report, based on whole-vehicle theft insurance claims, the IIHS Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) revealed that theft claims for the Charger Hellcat were over 60 times more frequent than the average for all 2020-2022 models relative to their number on the road.

The High Frequency of Theft Claims

Theft claims for the Charger Hellcat sedan have seen a dramatic increase over the years. Non-Hellcat models with Hemi V-8 engines also ranked high on the list of most stolen vehicles, with theft claims 20 times higher than average. Additionally, the related Dodge Challenger coupe had the fourth highest frequency of theft claims.

Increasing Trend of Vehicle Thefts

The IIHS noted that high-performance versions of the Charger and Challenger have consistently ranked among the top five most stolen vehicles since the 2011 model year. However, the frequency of theft claims has grown at an astonishing rate. For example, theft claims for Charger Hellcats increased from around 18 per 1,000 insured vehicles for the 2019-2021 model years to 25 for the 2020-2022 model years.

Other Frequently Stolen Models

Aside from the Dodge Charger and Challenger, the list of most frequently stolen vehicles for the 2020-2022 model years includes Ford F-Series Super Duty and Ram 3500 trucks, as well as various models from BMW, Infiniti, and Land Rover. The IIHS also highlighted an increase in theft of Hyundai and Kia models due to an online trend that exposed their lack of engine immobilizers.

Low Theft Rates for Electric Vehicles

On the other hand, electric vehicles (EVs) tend to have lower theft rates. This may be attributed to the fact that they are often parked in well-lit and relatively safe areas while charging. Among the 2020-2022 models, dual-engine variants of the Tesla Model 3 had the lowest frequency of whole vehicle theft claims, followed by the Tesla Model Y. Other EVs, such as single-engine variants of the Model 3, Tesla Model S, Model X, and Nissan Leaf, were also among the 20 least stolen vehicles. Several General Motors vehicles were also on this list.

The Future of Dodge: Transition to Electric

If the trend of low EV theft rates continues, future Dodge owners may have less to worry about. Dodge is currently phasing out its gasoline-powered Charger and Challenger models, as reported by Motor Authority. The replacement for these iconic muscle cars from Dodge will be an electric muscle car, the Daytona SRT Charger Concept, signaling the brand’s commitment to the electric vehicle market.

Additional Piece: Understanding the Rising Demand for Stolen Dodge Chargers

Summary

The 2020-2022 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat has emerged as the most stolen vehicle in the US, with theft claims over 60 times higher than the average for all 2020-2022 models. The increasing frequency of theft claims for high-performance Dodge models, including the Charger Hellcat and Challenger, points to a growing trend of car thefts targeting these vehicles. In contrast, electric vehicles, such as the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, have shown lower theft rates.

The rise in Dodge Charger theft can be attributed to factors such as the appeal of the Charger Hellcat’s performance features, the demand for stolen car parts in the chop shop market, perceived inadequacies in vehicle security measures, and the allure of owning a stolen muscle car. However, Dodge is taking steps toward transitioning to an electric future with the upcoming Daytona SRT Charger Concept.

It is crucial for car owners to be aware of the risk of vehicle theft and take necessary precautions to protect their valuable assets. Improved vehicle security measures, such as advanced immobilizers and tracking systems, can help deter thieves and recover stolen vehicles. As the automotive industry evolves, it is important to stay updated on the latest developments in vehicle security and adapt to the changing landscape.