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Most Stolen Cars in New Zealand 2025 (6 Months from 22 June – 20 December 2025): Latest Data & Insights

Our research lists the most stolen cars, with insights on targeted models, theft trends and how to protect your vehicle.
Updated 24 December 2025

Summary
  • Our ongoing research suggests around 8,000 to 10,000 cars are stolen yearly - a significant number, averaging around 20-30 per day throughout the year. We first reported stolen car data in December 2018, and continue to publish the latest results every six months.
  • Car insurance policy costs are increasing, as our average insurance costs research explains, with theft being a factor in how insurers charge for cover.
  • Our guide outlines the twenty most stolen cars in the six months from 22 June 2025 to 20 December 2025; we will update this again in mid 2026 for the previous six months.
  • If you're looking to buy a car, finance a car or insure a car, being aware of models that are more regularly stolen can help you assess your risk. For example, third-party car insurance won't pay if your car is stolen unless you have dedicated theft cover.
  • Our data has been sourced from the NZ Police, with our research team presenting the thefts in a way that makes sense to readers. Please contact our research team if you have any suggestions about what you'd like to see in our summary. 

Our guide covers:
Key Findings - Our Research Team isolated several trends for the six months ending 20 December 2025:
  • Hilux thefts now average more than one per day.
  • Toyota dominates – eight of the top 20 most stolen vehicles are Toyotas, including four of the top five. Nearly one in three stolen cars is a Toyota – the brand accounts for 30.7% of all car thefts, with 1,010 vehicles taken.
  • Canterbury is the ute theft capital – the region is now the #1 location for Hilux, Courier, Landcruiser, Commodore, and Navara thefts
  • Northland remains the highest-risk region per capita – 14 vehicles stolen per 10,000 people, nearly five times the rate of Southern (3 per 10,000)
  • The average stolen car is 22 years old – the median age is 19 years, and 70% of stolen vehicles are 15+ years old (pre-2010). Only 2% are newer than five years.
  • Silver, white, and black vehicles account for 64% of thefts – though this likely reflects their prevalence on the road.
  • Monday is the worst day for car theft – 722 vehicles are stolen on Mondays, compared to 542 on Saturdays.
  • Thefts climbed toward year-end – November recorded 823 thefts, the highest month in the six months surveyed.

Insights after adjusting for the number on the road:
  • The Ford Courier is New Zealand's highest-risk vehicle for theft – with an annual theft rate of 1 in 55, it's 15 times more likely to be stolen than a Ford Ranger. Both are Ford utes, but the older Courier's lack of modern security arguably makes it an easy target.
  • Mazda Bounty jumps from #18 to #2 – there are only around 5,000 Bounties left on New Zealand roads, yet thieves continue to target them at extreme rates (1 in 59 annual theft odds).
  • Toyota Hilux drops from #1 to #12 – while it tops the raw theft numbers, there are over 153,000 Hiluxes registered in New Zealand. Individual risk is moderate (1 in 418), not extreme.
  • Corolla and Ranger owners are less at risk – despite appearing in the top 10 for raw theft numbers, both models have low risk when adjusted for how many are on the road (1 in 971 and 1 in 833, respectively).
  • Insurance implications – if you own a Courier, Bounty, or Wish, expect higher premiums or limited cover options. Insurers price risk based on theft data, and these models are now statistically extreme. You can compare car insurance here.

Specific 'non-standard' thefts included:
  • The oldest car stolen was a 1942 Ford Pickup – 83 years old - taken in the Bay of Plenty.
  • 1971 Pontiac Le Mans and 1974 purple Ford Falcon XB stolen in Waikato – thieves going after classic "American muscle".
  • 1966 Holden Premier stolen in Waitematā – a 59-year-old Australian classic
  • 90 BMWs stolen – the most targeted luxury brand, followed by 54 Audis and 44 Mercedes-Benz
  • Three Porsches taken, including a Panamera in Canterbury and two Cayennes
  • A 2017 Maserati Levante was stolen in Counties/Manukau
  • 26 Harley-Davidsons stolen – one every week on average
  • Six pink vehicles stolen – including a 1992 Toyota Corolla in Bay of Plenty and a 2004 Honda Fit in Counties/Manukau
  • 27 Nissan Skylines taken – boy racer favourites still on the target list
  • New cars aren't immune - Five brand-new 2025 models stolen, including a Toyota RAV4 (Auckland City), Hyundai Tucson (Counties/Manukau), and MG ZS (Waikato)

Disclaimer: The car theft data presented here is based on reported incidents from New Zealand Police records. While this data may not capture all vehicle thefts - some of which are reported only to insurers - historically, it has aligned closely with individual reports from car insurers. AMI and AA are two examples of insurers who routinely release their claim data to the media, such as this 2024 example in Stuff.co.nz, regarding the most commonly stolen models.

Stolen car data date range confirmed: 22 June 2025 to 20 December 2025 (182 days)
  • Total records: 4,375 rows with 2 duplicates removed = 4,373 unique thefts
  • Reporting period: 26 weeks for per-week calculations
  • Exclusions: 3 records marked "Not Specified (District)" excluded from regional analysis
  • Car-only analysis excludes: Trailers, Motorbikes, Mopeds, Caravans, Tractors, ATVs, and other non-passenger vehicles

New Zealand's Most Stolen Cars - Average Frequency and Theft Locations

We recognise that certain models may have higher theft rates simply due to the number registered with the NZTA. However, as the NZTA does not provide theft data relative to the number of registered vehicles per model, our report does not reflect 'thefts per registration count'. We have also excluded trailers and mopeds from our data set below.
Rank Car Model Make Number Stolen Average Stolen Per Week Region the Car is Most Likely to be Stolen In
1HiluxToyota1847.1Canterbury
2CourierFord1114.3Canterbury
3HiaceToyota973.7Auckland City
4WishToyota973.7Counties/Manukau
5LandcruiserToyota863.3Canterbury
6CorollaToyota833.2Waikato
7CommodoreHolden813.1Canterbury
8AquaToyota773.0Counties/Manukau
9RangerFord773.0Bay of Plenty
10NavaraNissan712.7Canterbury
11TiidaNissan662.5Auckland City
12DemioMazda652.5Waikato
13AtenzaMazda572.2Wellington
14LegacySubaru532.0Canterbury
15SwiftSuzuki522.0Counties/Manukau
16ImprezaSubaru461.8Counties/Manukau
17AxelaMazda461.8Bay of Plenty
18BountyMazda431.7Bay of Plenty
19TritonMitsubishi371.4Bay of Plenty
20PriusToyota371.4Counties/Manukau
Note: ​This table excludes trailers, motorbikes, mopeds, and similar non-car vehicles to focus on passenger cars, as this represents the majority of vehicle thefts relevant to most drivers.

New Zealand's Highest Risk Cars for Theft - Adjusted for Number on the Road

​The table below shows which car models are most likely to be stolen, relative to the number registered in New Zealand. We have used data from CarJam, a trusted third-party website.

Risk levels:
  • EXTREME = 10+ per 1,000 annually (1 in 100 chance)
  • VERY HIGH = 5–10 per 1,000
  • HIGH = 2.5–5 per 1,000
  • MODERATE = 1.5–2.5 per 1,000
  • LOW = under 1.5 per 1,000
Rank Car Model Make Thefts On Road Annual Rate (per 1,000) Theft Odds Per Year Risk
1 Courier Ford 111 12,112 18.33 1 in 55 EXTREME
2 Bounty Mazda 43 5,112 16.82 1 in 59 EXTREME
3 Wish Toyota 97 23,289 8.33 1 in 120 VERY HIGH
4 Tiida Nissan 66 38,084 3.47 1 in 288 HIGH
5 Landcruiser Toyota 86 57,818 2.97 1 in 337 HIGH
6 Commodore Holden 81 59,242 2.73 1 in 366 HIGH
7 Legacy Subaru 53 39,224 2.70 1 in 370 HIGH
8 Navara Nissan 71 56,729 2.50 1 in 400 HIGH
9 Impreza Subaru 46 36,932 2.49 1 in 402 MODERATE
10 Atenza Mazda 57 46,752 2.44 1 in 410 MODERATE
11 Aqua Toyota 77 64,323 2.39 1 in 418 MODERATE
12 Hilux Toyota 184 153,884 2.39 1 in 418 MODERATE
13 Vitz Toyota 34 31,682 2.15 1 in 465 MODERATE
14 Hiace Toyota 97 97,638 1.99 1 in 503 MODERATE
15 Demio Mazda 65 66,284 1.96 1 in 510 MODERATE
16 Falcon Ford 32 41,597 1.54 1 in 649 MODERATE
17 Prius Toyota 37 55,064 1.34 1 in 746 LOW
18 Triton Mitsubishi 37 58,399 1.27 1 in 787 LOW
19 Ranger Ford 77 127,808 1.20 1 in 833 LOW
20 Corolla Toyota 83 160,888 1.03 1 in 971 LOW

Car Theft Rates by Region and Population

Our analysis is grouped based on six months of police data, recognising that areas with higher populations have a correspondingly higher likelihood of theft. To add context to these figures, we’ve reported the riskiest and safest areas for car thefts in relation to population size.
Region Total Thefts Estimated Population (2023) Stolen Cars per 10,000 People Most Stolen Car
Northland286198,40014Toyota Hilux
Counties/Manukau703534,75013Toyota Wish
Bay of Plenty415351,70012Toyota Hilux
Waikato511507,20010Toyota Corolla
Canterbury601655,0009Toyota Landcruiser
Tasman5560,0009Toyota Hilux
Eastern192215,0009Toyota Hilux
Waitematā504597,5108Toyota Hilux
Auckland City395481,7408Toyota Hiace
Central272354,1008Toyota Hilux
Wellington341550,0006Toyota Hiace
Southern95319,2003Toyota Hilux

Most Stolen Car by Colour and Type

Our analysis provides the most common colours of stolen cars but does not account for the total number of each colour (e.g., Silver, White, Black) registered with the NZTA. These figures are presented for informational purposes only and may reflect broader trends in car colour popularity rather than a higher theft risk specific to each colour.

The ten most popular colours for stolen cars based on the data includes:
  1. Silver: 1,158 thefts
  2. White: 968 thefts
  3. Black: 650 thefts
  4. Blue: 444 thefts
  5. Grey: 435 thefts
  6. Red: 310 thefts
  7. Green: 183 thefts
  8. Gold: 66 thefts
  9. Brown: 41 thefts
  10. Orange: 39 thefts
Our analysis further highlights the most targeted vehicle types for theft, as recorded in police reports. It’s important to note that these figures are provided for reference only and do not reference the total number of each vehicle type registered with the NZTA. The data may reflect overall trends in vehicle type popularity rather than a specific risk associated with each type. This information serves to give insight into the types of vehicles more frequently targeted by thieves.  
  1. Stationwagon: 1,054 thefts
  2. Hatchback: 689 thefts
  3. Saloon: 663 thefts
  4. Utility: 580 thefts
  5. Trailer: 531 thefts
  6. Roadbike: 200 thefts
  7. Light Van: 167 thefts
  8. Moped: 161 thefts
  9. Trailer - Heavy: 63 thefts
  10. Boat Trailer: 53 thefts

Why are Cars Stolen? How Can I Lower the Risk of Being a Target? ​

Generally, there are four reasons - parts, joyrides (either ending in arson, broken windows, damaged ignitions, and/or a write-off, or undamaged), criminal activity (drug-related), or ramraids. This article from 2024, focused on Hamilton, explains the risks to everyday drivers.

If you're buying a new car, we suggest considering the following to dissuade thieves:
  • A car with an immobiliser - these are much more difficult to steal. Be aware that Japanese imports don't usually come with immobilisers as standard, but this is not the case with NZ-new cars.
  • A steering wheel lock - given car thefts are opportunistic, a lock is an extra hassle and a risk to a thief canvassing for a car to steal when other cars further down the street likely won't have one.

Know This: Steering wheel-locks are, arguably, better at preventing theft than immobilisers. Thieves won't know if a car has an immobiliser until they've broken into it and may damage it out of frustration once they find out. A steering wheel lock is a big visual deterrent for opportunistic thieves.

Why Are the Top Ten Car Models Targeted?

Generally, the models listed below are often targeted due to popularity, ease of resale for parts, and, sometimes, a lack of advanced security features makes them thief favourites. Our ongoing research into the 8,000 - 10,000+ cars stolen yearly throughout New Zealand shows the same car models.

To help explain this further, we've also linked our dedicated guides for many of the models listed below, covering essential insurance cost details, common theft patterns and best security tips:

1. Mazda Demio

2. Toyota Hilux

  • The Hilux is one of the most popular vehicles in rural areas for its robustness and off-road capabilities. It is a valuable asset for thieves looking to resell to farmers or off-road buyers. Its sturdy build makes selling for parts or as a whole vehicle in remote regions easier, and a 2022 NZ Herald article suggested owners were least likely to recover a stolen Hilux.
  • Continued (unconfirmed) reports suggest the Hilux (and Hiace) are popular with criminal groups who break down and strip the vehicles before sending the parts to smaller nations.
  • ​More Details: Toyota Hilux Insurance Costs and Insights

3. Subaru Legacy

  • Targeted primarily by youth criminals and boy racers, the Legacy's engine and AWD capabilities make it a prized vehicle among joyriders. Thieves often strip a Legacy for parts or burn it. In the 2000s and early 2010s, the Legacy was the most stolen car, according to historical NZ Herald reporting.
  • ​More Details: Subaru Legacy Insurance Costs and Insights

4. Nissan Navara

  • The Navara is often stripped for parts or resold as a whole in rural areas. Media reporting suggests incidents often involving overnight thefts from residential driveways or farming properties.
  • ​More Details: Nissan Navara Insurance Costs and Insights

5. Toyota Aqua

6. Holden Commodore

  • The Commodore is popular for its high-performance parts. Commonly targeted in Counties/Manukau, this model is stripped for parts like engines and transmissions. Commodores are often stolen from suburban driveways or under-monitored parking zones.​

7. Toyota Corolla

  • As one of the most reliable models, the Corolla is frequently stolen for parts, but as they're not considered as high-value, hence the lower instances of theft compared to the number of Corollas on the road.
  • ​More Details: Toyota Corolla Insurance Costs and Insights

8. Ford Ranger

  • The Ford Ranger is often targeted for its parts or used in off-road modifications. Organised theft groups target these vehicles due to their value in rural regions.
  • ​More Details: Ford Ranger Insurance Costs and Insights

9. Toyota Hiace

  • Often a target due to its reputation as a highly durable, versatile commercial van, the Hiace is widely stolen for its parts (as first reported by the NZ Herald in 2010). Thieves frequently target these vans because they're commonly left in industrial areas with minimal surveillance.
  • Continued (unconfirmed) reports suggest the Hiace (and Hilux) are popular with criminal groups who break down and strip the vehicles before sending the parts to smaller nations.​
  • ​More Details: Toyota HiAce Insurance Costs and Insights

10. Ford Courier

  • A reliable choice among tradespeople, the stolen Ford Couriers are often fed to organised crime rings that break them down for parts. ​

How to Check if a Car is Stolen and if Money is Owed on a Car

To check if a car is stolen:

  1. ​Police Check & PPSR: The first step to check if a car is stolen is to look it up on the New Zealand Police’s online system or search the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR). The PPSR will display any security interests or claims against the vehicle, which can include stolen statuses if the vehicle is reported as such.
  2. Car History Services: Car history services like CarJam can also reveal if a car is stolen, showing previous ownership and any records linked to the police. These services consolidate vehicle information, giving a more complete view of a car’s history.

What happens if a car is stolen but not reported to the police?
If a car is stolen but not reported, it won’t appear in police records, PPSR, or services like CarJam. In this case, it may only be flagged as stolen when a legitimate owner eventually reports it to the police. Unfortunately, this can leave a buyer vulnerable to unknowingly purchasing stolen property. To reduce risks:
  • Request ownership documentation: Always ask for ownership papers and verify the seller's identity.
  • Look for red flags: Be cautious if the seller is unwilling to provide detailed ownership records or history.

To check if a car has finance owing:

A car with "money owing" or "finance debt" means the seller still has finance on the car. For example, they might list it for $10,000 but owe a lender $7,000. This can create risk for buyers without a clear process.
While many forums advise against buying cars with finance owing, it's possible to do so safely by following steps to protect yourself and ensure clear ownership:
  1. Check Finance Owing: Ask the seller for a settlement statement from their lender. This document shows the exact debt amount.
  2. Arrange Payment Carefully: Most buyers pay the seller an agreed price minus the amount owed, then pay the lender directly to settle the debt. Never pay the lender before you have ownership, and avoid giving the seller the full amount expecting them to clear the debt. Paying the lender yourself is safer to prevent possible repossession.
  3. PPSR Search: Use the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) to check for any finance on the car. Register, search the motor vehicle section using the car's VIN, registration, or chassis number, and pay the small search fee (around $2 plus GST). The PPSR will confirm any security interest on the vehicle but won’t show the debt amount. CarJam is another option for a similar fee.

Know This: If you sense anything unusual during the sale, it's best to walk away. Buying a car with finance owing can be safe, but only if you follow a clear, protective process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are certain car models stolen more frequently than others?

Certain car models are targeted more often due to popularity, ease of theft, profits from parts and their presence on the road. There are also models that are in demand for joyrides and ramraids. Popular models, like the Toyota Hilux and Mazda Demio, have readily available parts that can be resold, and thieves find it easy to dismantle them for a quick profit. Additionally, older models may lack modern anti-theft features, making them easier to steal.

How can I lower my car insurance costs if I own a commonly stolen model?

Yes, insurers often consider security upgrades when calculating premiums. Our dedicated guide explains more. In summary, installing advanced security systems such as immobilisers, alarms, and steering wheel locks demonstrates a proactive approach to protecting your car.

How accurate is car theft data, and should I rely on it when choosing a car model?

Car theft data provides valuable insights but is not all-encompassing. New Zealand Police data is based on reported thefts, while insurance data can include additional incidents not reported to the police. Although incomplete, these datasets have historically aligned on the most commonly stolen models, giving a reliable picture of trends.

Does car colour affect the likelihood of theft?

While car colour may not inherently increase theft risk, common colours like silver, white, and black may be targeted simply because they are more prevalent on the road. Popular colours offer less visibility and tend to blend in, making them more attractive to thieves looking for vehicles that don't stand out. The colour data mainly reflects broader trends rather than any inherent risk associated with a specific shade.

Why do third-party insurance policies often exclude theft coverage?

Third-party insurance covers damage to other drivers' cars and other people's property, but not your vehicle. Theft coverage requires comprehensive or third-party theft-inclusive policies, as insurers recognise theft as a significant risk factor, particularly for high-demand models.

Are certain regions in New Zealand where car theft is more prevalent?

Yes, regions like Counties/Manukau, Canterbury, and Auckland City report higher theft rates due to larger populations and higher vehicle concentrations. Counties/Manukau is a known hotspot for vehicle theft, particularly for models like the Subaru Legacy and Toyota Aqua. The data shows a clear correlation between population density and theft rates. Still, rural areas are not immune, as utility vehicles and work trucks are frequently stolen in places like Northland.

How can I check if a used car I'm considering has a theft history or outstanding debt?

You can check a car's history, including its theft status and outstanding debt, using online services like CarJam. These services provide a detailed vehicle report, including ownership history, security interests, and any police reports related to theft. It's a small investment that can prevent costly issues later.

Does adding a steering wheel lock prevent theft?

Yes, a steering wheel lock is an effective visual deterrent. While it may not prevent all theft attempts, it signals to thieves that stealing your car will be time-consuming and risky, making them more likely to move on to an easier target. Unlike an immobiliser, which isn't visible, a steering lock creates an additional layer of defence that opportunistic thieves tend to avoid.

Our Conclusion

  • Car theft in New Zealand remains a significant issue, impacting thousands of drivers every year. As our data shows, some car models, colours, and vehicle types are consistently targeted, driven by demand for parts, vehicle popularity, and ease of theft.
  • Staying informed about theft trends, particularly for high-risk models, empowers car owners to make safer choices. Simple precautions like securing vehicles with advanced locks, using immobilisers, and choosing comprehensive insurance can offer additional layers of protection. For prospective buyers, understanding car history and finance checks through services like PPSR and CarJam can prevent future complications and provide peace of mind.
  • We’ll continue to update this guide every six months, so readers have the latest insights to stay informed and better prepared. For tailored advice, consider exploring our resources on car security, insurance, and financing options.

A warning from MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh:
"If you're financing any car, especially a high-theft model like a Hilux or Ranger, make sure your insurance payout would actually cover what you owe. A lot of people don't realise there can be a gap between market value and their loan balance - and that gap needs to be paid by the borrower if and when a car is stolen, which can be significant”. 
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