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Car theft in Hungary: these models are now most at risk!
Car theft in Hungary continues to fluctuate significantly year by year, with the latest police figures revealing which brands are currently most targeted, and where drivers should be extra cautious.
Car theft numbers still unpredictable
As Vezess.hu reported, according to data from the Hungarian National Police Headquarters, a total of 836 vehicles were stolen in Hungary in 2025, including 471 passenger cars. While this marks a decrease compared to 2024 (918 cases), the figure remains notably higher than in 2023, which means it’s a volatile trend rather than a steady decline.
Experts say the fluctuating numbers make it difficult to identify long-term patterns, but short-term shifts in criminal behaviour are clearly visible.
Most stolen car brands in 2025
The latest figures show that popular, widely used brands remain the primary targets. The most stolen car brands in Hungary last year were:
- Suzuki – 63 cases
- Ford – 55
- Opel – 51
- Volkswagen – 39
- BMW – 27
- Renault – 25
- Audi – 24
- Peugeot – 23
- Mercedes-Benz – 22
- Fiat – 19
Despite Opel and Volkswagen being among the most common cars on Hungarian roads, they are proportionally less targeted. In contrast, Suzuki and Ford appear overrepresented relative to their total numbers.
Brands increasingly targeted
Police data shows a rise in thefts affecting several brands in 2025, including:
- Suzuki
- Ford
- Volkswagen
- Audi
- Peugeot
- Hyundai
Meanwhile, thefts involving Mercedes-Benz, Skoda and Fiat have declined.
Budapest leads, but countryside cases matter
Budapest accounted for 121 car thefts in 2025, around 31% of the national total, making it the most affected area. However, this is far lower than historical levels, when the capital once accounted for over 90% of such crimes.
Outside the capital, Kecskemét and Eger consistently rank among the most affected towns, despite their smaller populations.
Simple mistake still the biggest risk
Authorities stress that many thefts still occur due to basic negligence: cars are often stolen with keys left inside. At the same time, organised criminal groups remain active, including gangs importing stolen vehicles from abroad for resale in Hungary.
Even rare cars are not safe
The data also shows that thieves do not exclusively target common models. In 2025, stolen vehicles included several less typical brands such as Lada, Land Rover, Porsche, and even single cases of Jaguar and Trabant.
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Conclusion
While Hungary is far from experiencing the car theft levels seen decades ago, the latest figures show an important message: no vehicle is entirely safe. With theft patterns shifting and even rare models targeted, vigilance and basic precautions are essential for car owners.