Summer brings peak season for road trips and beach days — and, unfortunately, vehicle theft as well.
For three decades, OnStar has helped GM customers recover stolen vehicles, and one trend has remained consistent throughout that time: more than half of vehicle thefts stem from human error, like leaving a key fob in the car or stepping away while it’s still running.
National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month serves as a timely reminder that a handful of simple precautions, paired with connected vehicle technology, can make a real difference.
Theft Numbers Improve, But Remain Significant
More than 650,000 vehicles were stolen in the United States in 2025 — roughly one every 48 seconds. That figure represents a 23% decline from 2024 and the lowest theft levels in decades, driven in part by modern vehicle technology and security. Still, GM says the issue remains serious.
Regina Carto, GM’s vice president of Global Product Safety, Systems and Certification, said vehicle theft is constantly evolving, and so is GM’s approach to protecting customers. She said the company works closely with law enforcement and monitors theft trends to better understand emerging tactics and strengthen its technology accordingly.
Built-In Security Tools Through OnStar
For GM vehicles, OnStar connectivity powers a set of built-in security tools designed to deter and respond to theft. Model year 2025 and newer GM vehicles come standard with eight years of OnStar connectivity, letting opted-in owners remotely lock or unlock their vehicle through the mobile app, and in some cases sound the alarm or flash the headlights if they spot suspicious activity nearby. If an alarm goes off out of earshot, owners can receive notifications via text, email or phone call and respond accordingly.
The Human Side of Stolen Vehicle Response
OnStar’s human element remains central to its response. OnStar advisors handle an average of 1,500 stolen vehicle requests per month across North America, receiving specialized training to manage these incidents, including deploying technology and coordinating with law enforcement. In some cases, OnStar’s Stolen Vehicle Assistance technology has helped police recover a vehicle in as little as 18 minutes.
For OnStar members with an eligible plan, the process starts with reporting the theft to law enforcement and informing them the vehicle has active OnStar service. Once law enforcement confirms the theft, OnStar can work with authorities to locate the vehicle using GPS technology and aerial imagery.
From there, OnStar may support recovery with tools including Remote Ignition Block, which prevents the engine from restarting, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, which can bring the vehicle to idle speed — while maintaining braking and steering — once law enforcement determines it’s safe to do so. GM Fleet customers have similar capabilities through Drive Block, integrated into GM’s OnStar Vehicle Insights platform, letting fleet managers remotely disable a vehicle to block unauthorized use.
Simple Habits Still Matter
Carto emphasized that while technology plays a major role, basic habits still make a real difference. Taking keys, locking doors, securing garages and keeping OnStar connections active can all reduce opportunities for thieves and improve response if theft does occur.
GM’s recommended precautions include parking in well-lit areas, locking doors, closing windows and taking the key along; treating a key fob like cash and never leaving it in an unoccupied vehicle or near an often-unlocked door at home; keeping valuables and electronics out of sight; securing the home garage; storing wheel lock keys somewhere thieves are unlikely to check rather than in the glove box or center console; and regularly reviewing vehicle security settings to ensure OnStar services stay up to date.
GM says vehicle security depends on both smart technology and informed drivers, and the company plans to keep evolving its OnStar tools, advisor training and law enforcement collaboration to deter theft and support recovery going forward.