Here are the top 10 most stolen cars in Chula Vista

Chula Vista saw a 33% drop in car thefts from 2024 to 2025, with the Honda Civic, once the most stolen car, now ranking fourth, paralleling a statewide decrease.

CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Car theft is declining in Chula Vista, but South Bay drivers with newer cars are still at risk. 

Vehicle thefts dropped significantly in 2025 compared to the previous year. A News 8 analysis of Chula Vista police records found 757 vehicles were stolen in 2024. That number dropped to 509 in 2025. The 33% decrease runs parallel to California’s 25% drop in car thefts statewide. 

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Chula Vista’s most stolen car in 2024 — the Honda Civic — dropped to fourth place in 2025. While Honda Civics were only stolen 27 times instead of 56 like the year prior, it’s still one of the most common make and models stolen nationwide, according to Kelley Blue Book. 

Most of the stolen cars in Chula Vista align with neighboring cities like San Diego. Earlier this year, News 8 reported that Jeep Wranglers, Honda Civics and the Toyota Tacoma were the top three most stolen vehicles throughout 2025 in San Diego. 

Chula Vista’s stolen cars contribute to a small portion of San Diego County’s larger theft landscape. In 2025, roughly 8,400 cars were stolen across the county — a nearly 27% reduction from 2024’s near 11,500. 

Ray Duncan with the National Insurance Crime Bureau said organized theft groups are becoming more selective about the vehicles they target.

“The organized groups that target vehicles for theft are using more sophisticated techniques,” he said. “They’re targeting some specific makes and models based on their ability to be resold and retitled fictitiously, so that they can quickly turn around those vehicles.”

Duncan said some vehicles are also targeted because their parts can be resold.

And newer cars aren’t necessarily safer. Duncan said thieves are increasingly using technology to access the electronics inside newer vehicles and exploit vulnerabilities.

California’s proximity to the international border is another factor, Duncan said. Stolen vehicles can be used in other crimes, involved in insurance fraud schemes or shipped across the border.

While vehicle theft is declining, Duncan said manufacturers are continually upgrading security systems to counter new theft techniques.

For drivers, he recommends making a vehicle as difficult and time-consuming to steal as possible.

Steering wheel locks and devices that secure a vehicle’s electronic ports can create additional barriers for thieves. Alarms can also help by drawing attention to a vehicle.

“Anything that’s going to slow down a car thief or block his access to the electronics can also be effective in deterring or preventing your car from being stolen.”