A company that has a reputation for having reliable and long-lasting cars would have a negative aspect to it, the fact that most Toyota models have been a regular feature of stolen cars in the United States. The Toyota car is considered to be targeted by the thieves more than the rest of the brands due to its high resale value, the rich parts market and the weak security systems. In this paper, we dissect the most frequently stolen Toyota models and why the company continues to be an easy target of the thieves in 2026.
Toyota Tacoma: America’s Favorite Truck and Thieves’ Favorite Too
The Toyota Tacoma has been ranking at the top of the list of stolen cars in the U.S. for a number of years. It is very popular, particularly in the Western and Southern states, so the demand for Tacomas and their components is very high. Tacomas are the models that thieves target to sell in the black market or break them down and sell separately as engines, transmissions, and suspension parts.
Organized theft rings also like Tacomas due to their durability. These trucks are highly valued even after years of use and thus selling them through the private sale, online shop or export market is very easy. Regrettably, the security systems installed in the factory could not be used to protect against the current methods of theft (such as relay attacks or electronic bypassing), and those systems are not considered as protective as many owners think they are of the Tacoma (of many older models).
Toyota Corolla: Small Car, Big Theft Numbers
Despite the fact that sedans usually do not fetch the same resale price as the trucks or SUVs, the Toyota Corolla is an exception since it has a huge number of features. Corolla is one of the highest-selling cars ever and therefore, when stolen, it can be sold to a naive user in a short period or even dismantled.
Older Corollas are also the most preferred choice of thieves since they do not have the sophisticated anti-theft systems, such as encrypted key fobs or immobilizers, present in newer models. Corollas are also good subjects of parts harvesting because the supply of compatible parts is high in the case of most of the model years. Combined with their low recovery rates once stolen, Corollas are disproportionately represented in national theft statistics.
Learn which Toyota models thieves target the most and how to keep your vehicle safe with our 2026 security guide.
Toyota Camry: Reliable, Resalable, and Frequently Targeted
The Toyota Camry, which has always been regarded as the favorite among midsize sedans in America, also appears on lists of the most stolen vehicles. Similar to the Corolla, its popularity is translated into constant demand in the secondary markets. Camrys are resold easily because of high interest in buyers and low depreciation as compared to most competitors.
Camry older models tend to be stolen in parts such as catalytic converters, wheels, and electronics. Moreover, most Camrys were made prior to the Toyota upgrading security options throughout its product line and thus became more of an easy target for thieves who employed basic methods of stealing. Even more recent Camrys (with keyless access onboard) are prone to relay attacks unless additional security devices are fitted.
Toyota RAV4: Compact SUV in the Crosshairs
Toyota RAV4 has emerged as one of the bestselling SUVs in the U.S., and it is taking a big portion of the compact SUV market. The same popularity is carried to the theft world, whereby the parts of the RAV4 are highly sought after in the demand. The SUVs have been associated with increased market demand in the used car industry, and their parts, such as the drivetrain, alloy wheels, and electronics, are highly valued by the thieves.
Also, most RAV4s have keyless entry and push-button start, which means they can be susceptible to modern theft methods such as signal relay or code grabbing in the absence of supplemental security. Although the factory systems are made in such a way that the basic theft is prevented, they are often not able to withstand the advanced attacks involving the specific target of keyless systems.
Toyota 4Runner: Rugged and High-Demand on the Black Market
The Toyota 4Runner is another SUV highly targeted by thieves, particularly in regions with active theft rings. Like the Tacoma, the off-road functionality and durability of the 4Runner make it attractive in the second-hand markets. Suspension systems, transfer cases, engines, and other parts are all very popular among the repair shops and aftermarket vendors.
Since 4Runners are highly valued, even the old models can be resold easily, and they can be a sure income for organized theft cases. Many of the older 4Runners have security systems that are not as advanced as the newer anti-theft systems in digital format and are therefore easier to crack.
Toyota Highlander: Family SUV, Frequent Target
The Toyota Highlander is a popular midsize SUV among families due to its practicality and reputation for longevity. However, its high resale value also places it on the radar of thieves who can quickly sell stolen Highlanders or dismantle them for lucrative parts sales.
Highlanders equipped with keyless entry systems are particularly vulnerable if owners do not invest in supplemental security measures. Like other Toyota SUVs, Highlanders are often stolen through signal relay attacks or electronic bypass methods that circumvent basic factory protections.
Why Toyota Models Are Targeted More Than Others
Across these models, several key factors explain why Toyota vehicles are disproportionately stolen:
- Wide Availability: Toyota has one of the largest market shares in America, with millions of vehicles on the road. More vehicles mean more targets.
- Strong Resale and Parts Value: Toyotas hold value well, and their parts engines, transmissions, catalytic converters, and electronics are in constant demand.
- Security System Gaps: Older models often lack modern anti-theft technologies, and even newer keyless entry systems can be vulnerable without supplemental security upgrades.
- High Demand in Secondary Markets: Whether for export, private resale, or part harvesting, Toyota vehicles maintain desirability long after their first sale.
Protecting Your Toyota in 2026
Given these risks, Toyota owners should consider proactive security solutions beyond factory systems. Aftermarket immobilizers, GPS tracking systems, and advanced alarm systems make vehicles significantly harder to steal. Thieves tend to avoid vehicles that add even basic additional layers of security, focusing instead on easier targets.
At AV Sales, we believe the best defense is preparation. Investing in advanced vehicle security today can prevent theft tomorrow and save you the stress, cost, and inconvenience that comes with a stolen vehicle.
Keep your Toyota safe in 2026! Discover effective Toyota car theft protection strategies including GPS tracking, immobilizers, and aftermarket alarms to stay ahead of thieves.