According to data recently released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the most frequently stolen cars, based on the number of thefts per 1,000 vehicles were sold during 2009 was $ 92,000 sports/luxury sedan Audi S8, with theft of 8.81 per 1,000 vehicles produced. That comes out to just two from 227 S8s sold in the United States, so it is hardly widespread epidemic.
However, NHTSA statistics prove the point that the flashiest cars on the road can also be the most popular – for the wrong reasons.
Ford Shelby Mustang GT has the highest theft rates for 2009, with subsequent 8.61 per 1,000 stolen vehicles. Also in the top five was BMW’S midsize sedan variant of the sportiest, M5 (7.58/1,000), a retro Dodge Charger full-size sedan (6.47/1000) and no longer produced Honda Muchdi roadster (5.60/1000).
The rest of the top 10 list of cars with the highest theft rates for 2009 including Mitsubishi Galant sedan (5.11/1,000), full-size Chrysler 300 sedan (4.57/1,000), luxury sedan Infiniti M (4.32/1,000) luxury sedan Cadillac STS (4.28/1,000) and Mercedes-Benz CL-Class luxury sport coupe (3.91/1000).
By brand, most frequently stolen cars per 1000 sold, Chrysler products, with the Chrysler Sebring Sebring Convertible and PT Cruiser, and Dodge Caliber Dodge Avenger and make the top 20 with the addition of 300 and Charger.