Keyless cars provide convenience for drivers, allowing them to unlock and start their vehicle without having to take their key fob out of their pocket. However, this technology has also made these cars an easier target for thieves. In this article, we will look at data on keyless car thefts and determine which models are most frequently stolen.
What is a keyless car?
A keyless car uses keyless entry and push-button start technology. With keyless entry, drivers can lock and unlock their doors by simply having the key fob in their pocket or purse. Once inside, a push button or switch is used to start the ignition instead of inserting a traditional metal key.
This technology relies on radio transmitters in the key fob to communicate with receivers in the car. It eliminates the need to handle keys and makes getting in and starting the car much more convenient.
How are keyless cars stolen?
While the convenience of keyless cars appeals to drivers, it has also made these vehicles more vulnerable to theft. Thieves are using wireless transmitters to boost the signal from the key fob, even if it is inside the owner’s home, and trick the car into thinking the key is present.
This enables them to unlock the doors and start the engine without having the physical key. It has become known as a “relay attack” because devices are used to relay the key fob signal to the car’s receivers.
Which models are most targeted?
According to national auto theft data, these models are the most frequent targets of keyless car theft:
Ford F-150
The perennially popular Ford F-150 pickup truck tops the list for keyless car theft. As the best-selling vehicle in America, it presents plenty of opportunities for thieves. Its high ground clearance also makes it easy to access the onboard diagnostics port and program a new key fob.
Ford Edge
Ford’s midsize SUV, the Edge, is another appealing target for keyless car thieves. SUVs in general are popular targets because their height provides easy access to ports that can be exploited to start the car without keys.
Chevrolet Silverado
Like the F-150, Chevrolet’s full-size Silverado pickup is a strong seller and sits high off the ground. These traits make it primed for keyless theft. General Motors trucks and SUVs have been involved in several high-profile relay attack thefts.
Chevrolet Equinox
Chevy’s second-best selling model after the Silverado, the Equinox is a compact SUV with the height that thieves look for. Being both affordable and popular make it an attractive target.
GMC Sierra
A corporate twin to the Silverado, the Sierra pickup sees lots of sales volume and has the same vulnerability. Combined Silverado and Sierra thefts make GM trucks the brand most targeted for keyless theft.
Toyota Camry
The ubiquitous Camry sedan holds the title of most stolen car in America. As Toyota’s top seller, it is the most prominent target for keyless attacks as well. The Camry’s low ground clearance does make getting access to its OBD port more difficult.
Honda Accord
Like the Camry, the Honda Accord is a hugely popular midsize sedan with plenty on the road to entice thieves. Even though sedans are harder to break into for relay attacks, their sales volume keeps them high on the most stolen list.
Toyota Corolla
Toyota’s best-selling sedan after the Camry, the Corolla is an economy car staple. With traditionally high owner loyalty, there are lots of older Corollas on the road that likely lack upgraded keyless security, making them softer targets.
Nissan Altima
Nissan’s top selling sedan falls into the same category as the Camry and Accord: highly visible targets due to their popularity. The Altima hasn’t had as many keyless attack vulnerabilities revealed as other models though.
Honda Civic
No surprise that the Civic, Honda’s highest volume model, finds itself a favorite of keyless thieves. As with the Accord, its low ground clearance requires more effort from thieves than SUVs.
Key findings
Analyzing the most stolen models reveals some clear patterns:
- Pickup trucks top the list due to high sales, value, and easy access from ground clearance.
- SUVs are targeted for their ride height and flexibility to haul stolen goods.
- High volume family sedans remain vulnerable despite lower clearance.
- Ford vehicles are most targeted, followed by GM, Toyota, and Honda.
Security improvements
In response to the spike in keyless car thefts, manufacturers have introduced security upgrades to better protect their models. These include:
- Near-field communication that disables keyless entry if the fob is too far from the car.
- Faraday cages around electronics to block relay attacks.
- Encrypted communication between key fob and vehicle.
- Multi-frequency key fobs that use rotating frequencies to foil thieves.
Car owners can also take measures like storing their fob in a metal box or RFID blocking bag at night to prevent signal boosting. Aftermarket security kits are available as well, which alert owners if relay attack devices are detected.
Most secure automakers
Based on third-party evaluation of their keyless security methods, these brands emerge as the most theft-resistant:
- Mercedes-Benz: layers of encryption and communication on multiple frequencies.
- BMW: continuously alternating security codes and frequencies.
- Tesla: encrypted authentication, GPS tracking, always-on 3G/LTE connectivity.
- Volvo: encrypted heartbeat signal between key and car.
- Land Rover: ultrasonic sensors detect nearby key presence.
Regional trends
Keyless car theft is not evenly distributed geographically. Some states see much higher rates than others. Here are the top 10 states for keyless car theft claims, based on insurance industry data:
| State | Rate of Theft Claims Per 1000 Cars |
|---|---|
| California | 4.58 |
| Washington | 3.51 |
| Oregon | 2.22 |
| Colorado | 2.19 |
| Texas | 2.04 |
| Nevada | 1.98 |
| Michigan | 1.60 |
| Minnesota | 1.52 |
| New Mexico | 1.49 |
| Georgia | 1.32 |
The West Coast and Southwest see the highest rates of keyless thefts, while New England experiences relatively few. Rural Midwestern states tend to have lower rates than urban coastal areas.
Prevention tips
Owners of keyless cars can take several measures to reduce their risk of relay attack:
Store fob safely
Keep your key fob in a metal box or RFID blocking bag when at home to block signal amplification attempts. Don’t leave it near doors or windows where signal can escape.
Enable extra features
If available, use settings like proximity detection or two-step unlocking. This forces thieves to be closer to the car to access it.
Install a shield
Aftermarket shields for the OBD and key ports block access and prevent programming new keys. Some even alert you via app.
Add CCTV
Security cameras covering driveway and vehicle can deter thieves and provide evidence if an attack occurs.
Use warning stickers
Stickers warning of alarm system, GPS tracking etc. may discourage some thieves.
Outlook
Built-in keyless convenience is not going away for modern cars. But automakers and aftermarket suppliers continue to advance security technology to close vulnerabilities. Pressure from insurance companies concerned about thefts may also incentivize further security improvements.
Driver awareness and caution are still important as well. Following prevention best practices can help reduce the keyless car theft risk. But the most secure choice for those concerned remains opting for a traditional metal key.