Tesla vehicles are among the least likely to be stolen in the United States, according to a new study by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). The analysis found that four Tesla models ranked in the top ten lowest-theft vehicles for the 2022–2024 model years.
The Tesla Model 3 AWD recorded the lowest theft claim frequency, scoring just 1 on a relative scale where 100 represents the industry average. The Model Y AWD and Model 3 RWD followed closely with a score of 2, while the Model S AWD tied with the Toyota Rav4 Prime at 5.
“This year’s findings reinforce Tesla’s consistent performance in theft prevention,” HLDI said, noting that similar trends were observed in its previous analysis covering 2020–2022 models, when the Model 3 AWD and Model Y AWD again topped the low-theft rankings.
Experts attribute the low theft risk for Tesla vehicles to several factors, including charging habits that keep cars in garages or near homes, advanced security features such as GPS tracking, remote immobilization, and Sentry Mode video surveillance, and the limited resale market for Tesla parts and batteries. HLDI also noted that electric vehicles in general are about 85% less likely to be stolen than the average car.
By contrast, high-performance vehicles and large pickup trucks dominate the most-stolen list. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 had a theft frequency nearly 40 times higher than average, followed by the Acura TLX AWD and standard Camaro models. Several full-size trucks, including the GMC Sierra and Dodge Ram, also ranked among the most frequently stolen.
The findings underscore that vehicles with high horsepower or strong resale value tend to attract thieves, while Tesla’s connected features and software-based security appear to provide additional protection. For consumers considering electric vehicles, the data suggests that EVs may offer added peace of mind in addition to fuel and maintenance savings.
