Today NHTSA published preliminary vehicle theft data for 2003 at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2005_register&docid=fr02mr05-16. This data represents thefts of MY2003 cars during calander year 2003 (i.e. Jan thru Dec 2003). So this data would not include thefts of any MY2004 cars (such as the STi) that occured during 2003.

I've summarized the Subaru data below, and also included the Subaru data from the 2002 finalized theft data report for comparison.
2003
Rank Model Line Thefts Production Theft Rate
34 IMPREZA 67 23,333 2.8715
73.5 Average Overall 2003 Theft Rate 1.8400
178 BAJA 7 14,966 0.4677
184 LEGACY/OUTBACK 30 84,858 0.3535
186 FORESTER 21 65,691 0.3197
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2002
Rank Model Line Thefts Production Theft Rate
71.5 Average Overall 2002 Theft Rate 2.4900
115 IMPREZA 108 59,391 1.8185
185 FORESTER 39 55,114 0.7076
190 LEGACY/OUTBACK 47 88,790 0.5293Clearly, the Impreza is moving in the wrong direction. Curiously, the Legacy/Outback model line is classified as a "high theft line" under NHTSA rules whereas the Impreza isn't. I wonder how long that distinction will last. A high theft model line car must either have its major parts (body panels, etc.) permanently marked with the car's VIN, or it must receive an exemption to the parts marking requirement from NHTSA based on its theft deterrent systems. I expect/hope the recently introduced immobilizer feature to appear on all Subarus soon.

ugh, re-confirming what we already know in the tri-state area. Once 2004 data is released I think you'll see a giant jump in the same direction for Imprezas.

:( subaru needs to put the immobilizer on ALL cars.

I wonder if some of the increase can be attributed to desireability; maybe the Impreza line started getting more attention after the introduction of the WRX (?)

:( subaru needs to put the immobilizer on ALL cars.
framed windows wouldn't hurt either

I wonder if some of the increase can be attributed to desireability; maybe the Impreza line started getting more attention after the introduction of the WRX (?)
in NJ, WRXs and STIs were often stolen just to joy ride and play "tag" in :mad:. Since they're faster than police cruisers, they had a tough time keeping up and often wouldn't travel across town borders.

yea the impreza 2 out of every 1000 stolen, i bet > 80% were stolen in NJ :lol: I hate this state.

um... the major factor is the production rate dropping like a stone in 03. I mean look at the Baja... a mere ***7*** were stolen in 03 out of all of them made. Yet because a mere 15K were sold, it looks like its more theft prone than the legacy/outback by a large %. When in reality its close enough to none stolen to call it good. for all we know 7 people driving baja's just happened to be the only car around when a bank robber or something needed a car to get away... Or in other words stolen for being transportation, and avalible not because someone actualy wanted to steal one.

framed windows wouldn't hurt either

Agreed, I had my car jimmied and the guy did it fairly easy w/o frames on the window he just bent one back.

Actually the theft rate on the Legacy/Outback and Forester went up a lot more than on the Impreza (although overall the Impreza is still the worst).

I agree about the frameless windows; they are very easy to break into.

PS Perhaps the higher rate on the Impreza is due to the fact that they are owned more by students and other lower-income people who tend to live in poorer and less-safe areas.

Hey one of those numbers represent me. They should've broken it down by state.

I'm pretty sure that the NJ thefts had an impact on SoA putting the immobilizer in a few cars, but they should really make it optional for all WRX's.

PS Perhaps the higher rate on the Impreza is due to the fact that they are owned more by students and other lower-income people who tend to live in poorer and less-safe areas.
A lot of the NJ thefts were in very nice areas within 20 miles or so of "less-safe" areas.

-Dennis

Actually the theft rate on the Legacy/Outback and Forester went up a lot more than on the Impreza (although overall the Impreza is still the worst). Actually, the theft rate for the Legacy/Outback and Forester lines went down in 2003 compared to 2002. Only Impreza's went up.

are frameless windows popular with other car makers?

No, frameless windows are pretty rare.

']Actually, the theft rate for the Legacy/Outback and Forester lines went down in 2003 compared to 2002. Only Impreza's went up.

oops ... you're right; I was looking at it backwards

No, frameless windows are pretty rare.


that's what I thought. Maybe Subaru can use it to their advantage for their next advertising campaign - "The Beauty of Frameless Windows." :(

I'm guessing it would be a considerable redesign to incorporate that into the body. Maybe the new Impreza will have it, but since the Legacy was just redesigned we know it won't.

that's what I thought. Maybe Subaru can use it to their advantage for their next advertising campaign - "The Beauty of Frameless Windows." :(


Frameless windows are not that big a deal people. cars like the forester, legacy and outback are at the bottom of the stolen cars list. They all have frameless windows.

I mean subaru has one model that is a little worse than average, (The production numbers on the impreza dropping (like XT6 said) is the only reason the % went up.) It seems to me, looking at the full list, Subaru is in GREAT shape, compared to other manufacturers.

No, frameless windows are pretty rare.
What about Infiniti (G35) and Nissan (350z), Chevrolet (Corvette), Mini (Cooper), Mercedes (CLK), Dodge (Neon), and several others. They aren't that rare. Framed windows just look bulky and ugly in comparison to frameless windows in general, and I hope Subaru never does away with frameless glass. I like the "invisible B pillar" look, without all the seams caused by framed windows.

That's besides the point. If a thief steals your car, it's not because it has frameless windows. When an experienced their wants your car, he will steal it, regardless of whether the windows are framed, or if you have a security system installed.

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Theft experience for the Impreza WRX in Australia seems to be trending in the opposite direction than in the US. From http://www.autospectator.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=884: Subaru Impreza WRX Most Theft Resistant Car On Australian Market, According To IAATI

Mar 7, 2005 -- Subaru Australia's commitment to theft reduction has been recognised by the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI) at a ceremony in Sydney.

Subaru was awarded the Outstanding Achievement in the Reduction of Motor Vehicle Theft in Australia for initiatives used to enhance vehicle security in Impreza WRX and Impreza WRX STi models.

Ray Carroll, Executive Director of the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council, described the turbocharged Impreza versions as "the most theft-resistant cars on the Australian market."

Since 2002 all Subaru Impreza WRX and STis have been fitted with a comprehensive suite of security devices designed to reduce theft including electronic immobilisers, keypad alarm systems, self-voiding VIN labels, embossed rivets and DataDot identification technology.

A retrofit program was also put in place for existing MY99-MY01 Impreza WRX models, where keypad security systems were applied at no cost to owners.

Mr Carroll said: "In response to the significant theft issues that emerged with Impreza WRX vehicles, Subaru incorporated a comprehensive suite of theft protection measures.

"These have been designed to address both the unauthorized taking of the vehicle and the disposal of a whole vehicle or its parts.

"Subaru also instigated a retrofit program for existing 1999 to 2001 Model Year vehicles at no cost to the owner and extended its microdot identification strategy across its entire model range.

"These security improvements have, in the opinion of the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council, made the post-2002 Subaru Impreza WRX the most theft resistant vehicle on the Australian market."

Mr Carroll added: "This view is supported by actual theft outcomes which have seen the WRX theft rate fall from one of the highest of all model vehicles for the 1999 to 2001 model years to such a negligible level that it has the lowest rate of any significant volume manufacturer."

Mr Carroll said recent initiatives undertaken by some other manufacturers should not be undervalued. But in implementing such a comprehensive range of security improvements, Subaru has demonstrated a commitment to reducing the theft of its vehicles far in excess of any other manufacturer or importer in the Australian market and is therefore worthy of the IAATI achievement award.

Nick Senior, General Manager, Subaru Australia said: "Subaru has worked very closely with Fuji Heavy Industries to develop new ways to improve security across all models, particularly Impreza WRX and STi, so we're very grateful to receive recognition for our work in this area.

"As a result, we have seen theft rates for WRX and STi drop dramatically. In fact, last year, we can count the number of unrecovered thefts of these models on one hand, which gives us the lowest theft rate of any significant volume manufacturer.

"This has also started to be reflected in insurance premiums, which is good news for customers."

Subaru works very closely with Australian bodies, including the NMVTRC, which provide valuable feedback on security initiatives.It's hard to imagine that SOA will take similar radical steps to stem Impreza thefts.

IIRC theft of WRXs in Australia was so bad it was probably affecting sales.

What about Infiniti (G35) and Nissan (350z), Chevrolet (Corvette), Mini (Cooper), Mercedes (CLK), Dodge (Neon), and several others. They aren't that rare. Framed windows just look bulky and ugly in comparison to frameless windows in general, and I hope Subaru never does away with frameless glass. I like the "invisible B pillar" look, without all the seams caused by framed windows.

That's besides the point. If a thief steals your car, it's not because it has frameless windows. When an experienced their wants your car, he will steal it, regardless of whether the windows are framed, or if you have a security system installed.

Yes there are few other cars with frameless windows but they are still not common.

And yes an experienced thief can steal any car. But they will still prefer easier targets, and not all thieves are pros. Frameless windows are VERY easy to break into. I locked my keys in my Legacy once and a garage guy got into it in a few seconds using only a small plastic wedge and a piece of wire.