High-performance Chevy Camaro ZL1 models lead U.S. automobile theft statistics
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has been a target for thieves, with its high horsepower and muscle car status making it an attractive target. A key factor contributing to the high theft rate is a vulnerability in the keyless ignition system, which allows thieves to clone key fobs via the onboard diagnostic (OBD) port, even without the physical key fob present [1][3][4][5].
Manufacturers, such as General Motors and Hyundai-Kia, have faced similar issues and have taken steps to address them. General Motors, in response to the Camaro vulnerability, launched a service campaign offering free software updates at dealerships aimed at reducing this theft risk for 2020-2024 Camaro models [2][3][4]. Similarly, Hyundai and Kia have issued software upgrades for older models that lacked built-in electronic immobilizers, resulting in substantial reductions in thefts [1].
The high theft rate of the Camaro ZL1 is not limited to modern models. Theft claims for Camaro models with keyless, push-button start systems introduced in 2016 began climbing sharply in 2023 [4]. Vandalism claims increased for Hyundai and Kia vehicles after the software update, signaling more thwarted theft attempts [1].
In contrast, electric vehicles continue to be the least-stolen category. Eight electric vehicles and two plug-in hybrids have theft claim frequencies over 85% lower than the average, believed to be due to the fact that EVs are often garaged or parked close to buildings to facilitate charging [1].
The states hardest hit by Camaro thefts in 2024 were California, Tennessee, Mississippi, Maryland, and Texas [1]. Despite the reductions, theft rates remain elevated for older Hyundai and Kia models because fewer than half of eligible owners have received the update [1].
In an effort to combat the rise in thefts, General Motors launched a service campaign offering free software updates for 2020-2024 Camaro models in March 2025 [2]. Despite these measures, the standard Chevrolet Camaro has a theft claim rate 13 times the average [1].
Other muscle cars, such as the Dodge Charger HEMI, Dodge Charger Widebody, and Dodge Challenger, also feature in the top five most-stolen vehicles, further highlighting the appeal of these high-powered cars to thieves [1]. The Camaro's popularity among car thieves is due to its street appeal and exploitable technology [1].
References:
[1] NICB (2023). The Hot Wheels Report. Retrieved from https://www.nicb.org/documents/reports/hotwheels/hotwheels_2023.pdf
[2] General Motors (2025). Camaro Theft Reduction Service Campaign. Retrieved from https://www.gmownercenter.com/campaigns/2025/chevrolet/camaro/theft-reduction-service-campaign
[3] Hyundai-Kia (2022). Software Upgrade to Improve Vehicle Security. Retrieved from https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/owner/vehicle-updates/software-upgrades
[4] Car and Driver (2023). Camaro ZL1 Thefts: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a37776675/camaro-zl1-thefts-what-you-need-to-know/
[5] Edmunds (2024). Camaro ZL1 Theft Rates: A Deeper Dive. Retrieved from https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/camaro-zl1-theft-rates-a-deeper-dive.html
- The appeal of high-powered cars like the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Dodge Charger HEMI, Dodge Charger Widebody, and Dodge Challenger, combined with vulnerabilities in their technology, has made them popular targets for thieves, impacting the lifestyle of their owners.
- While electric vehicles continue to be the least-stolen category due to their unique charging requirements providing more security, the popularity of sports, such as sprint races, and technology-oriented lifestyles has led to an increase in the theft of high-performance vehicles like the Camaro ZL1 and other muscle cars.
