Quebec Auto Theft in 2024: A Growing Challenge
Quebec continues to face a major auto theft problem, with thousands of vehicles stolen each year—many ending up in international smuggling networks. In 2024, Quebec’s list of most stolen vehicles is dominated by SUVs, reflecting both strong provincial consumer demand and the high export value these models provide to organized crime groups. The Toyota RAV4 took the top spot with 921 thefts, followed by other high-demand SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Toyota Highlander.
These thefts are rarely opportunistic. Instead, they are often carried out by coordinated criminal networks that use sophisticated technology—including relay attacks on keyless-entry systems—to steal vehicles quickly and ship them out of the Port of Montréal. As a result, Quebec plays a significant role in Canada’s auto theft crisis, contributing to the more than $1 billion in annual insurance losses nationwide.
Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Quebec (2024)
- Toyota RAV4 — 921 thefts
- Honda CR-V — 398 thefts
- Honda Civic — 392 thefts
- Jeep Wrangler — 267 thefts
- Toyota Highlander — 215 thefts
- Mazda CX-5 — 214 thefts
- Hyundai Tuscon — 158 thefts
- Dodge Ram 1500 Series — 158 thefts
- Ford F150 Series — 157 thefts
- Toyota C-HR — 113 thefts
SUVs account for 9 out of 10 of Quebec’s top stolen vehicles, highlighting how strongly this category dominates the province’s theft patterns.
How Quebec’s Theft Trends Compare to Canada
Nationally, the most stolen vehicle in 2024 is the Toyota RAV4, which mirrors Quebec’s top position. Across Canada, newer-model SUVs remain prime targets due to their high resale value, availability of replacement parts, and international export demand.
However, Quebec stands out in several ways:
1. SUVs dominate far more heavily
While Ontario and Alberta lists include a mix of SUVs and pickup trucks, Quebec’s top 10 is overwhelmingly SUV-heavy. This reflects local purchasing trends and the high exportability of compact and mid-size SUVs.
2. Quebec’s theft rates for certain models are higher
Models like the Toyota Highlander and Toyota C-HR show elevated theft rates relative to their insured population, suggesting targeted criminal interest.
3. Quebec remains a major export hub for stolen vehicles
The Port of Montréal is a major exit point for stolen vehicles heading overseas, making Quebec a central battleground in Canada’s fight against organized auto theft.
Why Quebec Drivers Should Be Concerned
Auto theft in Quebec is increasingly tech-driven and organized. Thieves commonly use:
- Relay attacks on keyless-entry vehicles
- Re-VINing to disguise stolen SUVs
- Underground chop shops to dismantle vehicles
- Rapid export networks through shipping containers
These tactics make theft harder to detect and recover, driving up insurance costs and causing financial hardship for Quebec families and businesses.
How Quebec Drivers Can Protect Their Vehicles
Quebec drivers can strengthen their vehicle security by:
- Using a steering wheel lock or immobilizer
- Storing key fobs in RFID-blocking pouches
- Installing aftermarket alarms or kill-switch systems
- Parking in garages or monitored lots
- Adding a GPS tracking system for recovery
As national discussions continue around the ULC 338 anti-theft standard, these steps help reduce the risk of becoming a target.
| No. | Make/Model | Most Often Stolen Model Year | # of Vehicles Insured | # of Thefts | Theft Rate / Frequency (%) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota RAV4 | 2021 | 144,507 | 921 | 0.64% | SUV |
| 2 | Honda CR-V | 2020 | 118,527 | 398 | 0.34% | SUV |
| 3 | Honda Civic | 2016 | 205,109 | 392 | 0.19% | Car |
| 4 | Jeep Wrangler | 2024 | 32,111 | 267 | 0.83% | SUV |
| 5 | Toyota Highlander | 2021 | 18,416 | 215 | 1.17% | SUV |
| 6 | Mazda CX-5 | 2021 | 80,913 | 214 | 0.26% | SUV |
| 7 | Hyundai Tuscon | 2020 | 70,299 | 158 | 0.23% | SUV |
| 8 | Dodge Ram 1500 Series | 2022 | 80,032 | 158 | 0.20% | Truck |
| 9 | Ford F150 Series | 2023 | 88,908 | 157 | 0.18% | Truck |
| 10 | Toyota C-HR | 2021 | 8,542 | 113 | 1.32% | SUV |
FAQ
The Toyota RAV4 is the most stolen vehicle in Quebec, with 921 thefts reported in 2024.
SUVs have strong global resale demand, contain valuable parts, and are particularly vulnerable to keyless-entry relay attacks used by organized crime groups.
Quebec consistently ranks among Canada’s top provinces for auto theft, largely due to the high volume of vehicles exported through the Port of Montréal.
Yes. As in the rest of Canada, organized crime networks drive a large portion of Quebec’s auto theft activity, using advanced methods to steal and export vehicles.
SUVs—especially Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and Hyundai models—are at the highest risk, followed by certain pickup trucks like the Dodge Ram 1500 and Ford F150.
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