Ford F-150 Warning, 3 Reasons Why It’s Easier For Thieves To Steal Your Pickup

Move Over F-150

I recently wrote that the Ford F-150 recently gave up its title as the most stolen vehicle in America. You can read my report here. It's not because it's getting harder to steal. It's because it's easier to steal older Hyundai and Kia cars. 

I'll refer to the National Insurance Crime Bureau's (NICB) 2023 Most Stolen Vehicles report that determined the ten most stolen vehicles in the nation. This report includes data on the Ford F-150's number of thefts.

The NICB says, "Kia and Hyundai vehicles experienced the highest theft rates in 2023, breaking the years-long trend of full-size pickups (like the Ford F-150) topping the list." 

The Ford F-150 Finally Ditched Its Most Annoying Title @torquenewsautohttps://t.co/yUn1Y3LLbF#Ford #FordF150 #F150 pic.twitter.com/tUBQ7GufH7
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) May 26, 2024

First, let's look at the NICB data, and then I'll explain why thieves target and can more easily steal the F-150 pickup. 

The Ford F-150 Drops To Ninth?

• Ford F-150 Vehicles stolen in 2023: 15,852
• Theft rate per 100K vehicles: 1,815
• Average annual full-coverage insurance rate: $2,273

Insurify says, "Ford pickups regularly land on the NICB's list of the most stolen vehicles." 

There Are 3 Reasons Why

1. The Ford F-150's Relay Attack

Insurify says Ford F-150 trucks manufactured between 2018 and 2020 with a push-button start are susceptible to high-tech attacks. Thieves can use an antenna or receiver to boost the factory key fob signal outside someone's home and trick the truck into thinking the owner is starting it. This is known as a relay attack.

Here is a comment from Bill, an F-150 owner, about his experience.

"As an F150 owner, from my experience, the anti-theft system in these trucks is good. The downfall is the fact that the chip keys from different dead vehicles might actually work. I know this from running late and grabbing the wrong key on my way out the door one morning." 

"It unlocked the door and started the truck. When I arrived at work and got to my locker, I found my lock key not in the keyring because it wasn't my key ring but my wife's. So I'm on the phone asking my wife to bring me my keys when she comes to town." 

"I was unaware that the Pats system that reads the chip was repeated as much as the keys were, I guess. It's definitely understandable. I'm sharing my experience here so people with multiple Ford vehicles can pay more attention than I did."

Older F-150s Are Even Easier To Steal

Insurify says that older F-Series trucks are easier to steal because of two more things: 

2. The Ford F-150 has ignition switches under the steering column 

3. The Ford F-150's door handles are also easy to unscrew, so thieves can quickly access these vehicles

Here is the list of the ten most stolen vehicles in 2023 and the number stolen.

1. Hyundai Elantra 48,445
2. Hyundai Sonata 42,813
3. Kia Optima 30,204
4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 23,721
5. Kia Soul 21,001
6. Honda Accord 20,895
7. Honda Civic 19,858
8. Kia Forte 16,209
9. Ford F-150 15,852
10. Kia Sportage 15,749

"These rankings highlight the persistent threat of vehicle theft across the country," said NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe. "NICB works with law enforcement agencies and industry partners to deploy advanced technologies and strategies to combat vehicle theft from organized criminal networks and individuals. Even as we work to deter crime, owners must remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their vehicles."

The F-150 Is The Mark At Denver's Airport

I live within 30 minutes of Denver International Airport. A  Road & Track report says that the F-150 has become the leading target of an increasing wave of auto thefts at the world's sixth busiest airport. 

There's More To The Story

Cale Gould from the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA) told R&T he believes the high rate of F-150 ownership combined with factors like owner behavior and security system exploits are driving the issue.

"When we talk about vehicles with high theft volume, traditionally there isn't a 'type' or a single factor that creates this theft volume via targeting," Gould said.

According to a report from Westword, Kevin Griffitts' Shelby F-150 Super Snake was stolen shortly after he parked it at the Denver airport last year. The modified pickup was a lifelong dream purchase for Griffitts.

Stay Away From Parking Lots

"If I had been aware that that was the case, I would have parked somewhere else or taken the shuttle," Griffitts told Westword. "Anything but leave my truck where it was. In hindsight, I feel like I just left the keys in the driver's seat and said, 'Here you go."

The other most stolen pickup truck is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500

• Vehicles stolen in 2023: 23,721
• Theft rate per 100K vehicles: 1,207
• Average annual full-coverage insurance cost: $2,448

Insurify says, "The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is another popular target for car thieves. Full-size Chevy pickups have ranked in the top 10 most stolen vehicles yearly since 2016. Car thieves with the right know-how can drive off with a Silverado 1500 in minutes, and the trucks have valuable components that they can strip and resell."

"Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trucks with keyless entry are susceptible to relay attacks. Car thieves can also hack the vehicle's built-in OnStar security system."

The NICB recommends the following tips to help prevent vehicle thefts:

• Park in well-lit areas.
• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
• Hide valuables out of sight, such as in the glove box or trunk.
• Do not leave your keys in your vehicle.
• Do not leave the area while your vehicle is running.

If your vehicle is stolen, call law enforcement and your insurer immediately because reporting a vehicle as soon as possible after it is stolen increases the chance of recovery.

If you own a Ford F-150 or F-Series pickup, you are more likely to be targeted by car thieves than other vehicles. 

The Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA) states that Ford F-150 owners can take more steps to limit the risks of vehicle theft. "We are a huge advocate of physical hardening systems, everything from the old school steering wheel lock like 'the club' to re-imagined security devices like parking boots, shift locks, pedal cages, and more," Gould said. 

Have car thieves targeted your F-150? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Freepiks