We take the issue of Toyota and Lexus vehicle theft very seriously. We are continuously developing technical solutions to make our vehicles more secure, to help reduce the risk of theft.
An enhanced security hardware system was introduced in October 2021 (Lexus) and October 2022 (Toyota) on the latest models targeted by criminals. Since which, we have seen a significant drop in thefts of those models.
For older models, we endeavour to create solutions that can offer enhanced protection to our customers. Following significant investments by Toyota GB, in line with that of other vehicle manufacturers, newly developed official Toyota and Lexus security hardware components will very soon be available to fit to those targeted models registered before October 2021.
Following communication from Toyota and Lexus in the coming weeks, owners should contact their local dealer to arrange fitment. Customers can already speak to their local dealer about the fitment of a protective plate to block access to the vehicle’s electronics. This is a nationwide customer care offering available on Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus RX and Lexus NX.
As a vehicle manufacturer, we can never completely eliminate the risk of vehicle theft. This is an industry-wide issue, concerning all vehicle manufacturers and affecting the most popular models first.
In order to further reduce the theft risk, we regularly collaborate and share information with insurance associations, police and law enforcement authorities, theft prevention experts and other key stakeholders around the world. This enables us to understand new threats and techniques used by thieves and develop more secured systems.
Alongside our efforts, we urge those authorities to focus on reducing the number of thefts. We would also like to see action taken that leads to the end to the online sale of devices used by criminals to steal cars without using the car keys, as these devices serve no purpose other than a criminal one.
How do thieves manage to steal cars in this manner?
The thieves disconnect part of the headlamp and use a malicious device to send signals to the control CAN bus (the communication ‘backbone’ within a car) that allow the doors to open and the car to start without the key or remote control.
Thieves need to:
- Purchase a relatively expensive rogue device (third-party ‘emergency start‘ device which costs around £2500 – £4000 each)
- Gain physical access to the vehicle’s CAN bus communication wires for an uninterrupted period.
The third-party ‘emergency start‘ device has the capability to initiate an exploit in the following manner:
- Once connected to the vehicle’s CAN bus communication wires, the third-party ‘emergency start‘ device can send a prioritised series of CAN signals to bypass the vehicle’s security and immobiliser systems, which could allow a thief to unlock the doors and turn the vehicle’s ignition ON.
- The third-party ‘emergency start’ device is then disconnected.
- At this point a thief can enter the vehicle and start the car without the key.
What is Toyota doing to prevent these types of attacks?
Toyota and Lexus take the issue of car theft very seriously. We are continuously developing technical solutions to make our vehicles more secure to help reduce the risk of theft.
In fact, in the UK market, an enhanced security hardware was introduced in October 2021 on the latest versions of the models that had previously been targeted by criminals. Since then, we have seen a significant drop-off in terms of successful thefts of those models.
For older models we endeavour to create solutions that can offer enhanced protection to our customers.
We cannot divulge the precise nature of the imminent security enhancement; should we do so we risk offering information into the public domain that could be of interest to criminal parties.
The intention is to make the security enhancement available to vehicles affected by CAN bus theft.
What models are known to be targeted by this issue and are newer models affected?
The models primarily targeted are fourth-generation Lexus RX and the Toyota RAV4.
For older models we endeavour to create solutions that can offer enhanced protection to our customers.
Since October 2022, Toyota models are subject to a platform change that negates CAN Bus theft. This excludes Hilux, which is not subject to CAN bus attacks.
When did Toyota first become aware of the vulnerability in the security systems?
It is not so much vulnerability of the security systems but more so the growing rise in criminal gangs targeting vehicles for ‘cannibalisation’ and/or complete theft.
Instances appear to have been rising significantly from 2019-2020.
There are many factors involved and at a global level. This includes parts of the world experiencing parts shortage which results in targeted thefts to supply vehicles and/or parts sent to countries experiencing trade restrictions.
Which models can be fitted with the enhanced security feature?
It can be fitted to Land Cruiser 150, RAV4 and first-generation Toyota C-HR.
When is the enhanced security upgrade going to be available and will it be free of charge?
Exact timings are still to be confirmed. We anticipate being able to advise the Toyota Centre network with full details soon. The security enhancement needs to be carried out at a Toyota Centre. Costs are under review; customers may incur a nominal charge.
Are any new models targeted by thieves?
While no car can be considered 100% immune to criminal intent, more recent models are equipped with enhanced security systems aimed at deterring CAN bus type thefts.
Given that the rise in this type or car theft has been known for several years in other countries and is growing in the UK why wasn’t I told about this?
Toyota takes the issue of car crime very seriously. To protect customers’ vehicles our approach is not to disclose our vehicle theft analysis data. The sharing of information could enable thieves to find ways to circumvent anti–theft technologies or make some models particularly attractive to some thieves and unnecessarily vulnerable to attack.
Is a Vehicle Protection Plate (VPP) available for any Toyota models?
Yes, for RAV4, excluding the Plug-In Hybrid model (which is not susceptible to CAN bus attack). The fitment is chargeable.
What is the countermeasure and what’s the plan moving forwards?
We are continuously developing technical solutions to make our vehicles more secure and reduce the risk of theft. An enhanced security hardware was introduced in October 2022 on the latest versions of the models that had previously been targeted by criminals. Since then, we have seen a significant drop-off in terms of successful thefts of those models.
Why is there no recall for vehicles susceptible to the CAN bus attack?
Recall announcements in the UK are guided by very specific guidelines as drawn up by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). To qualify as a recall, the issue must relate to a safety or thermal type issue where there is potential for injury as a result of vehicle manufacture or component failure. Only in these such circumstances can a recall be announced. In recall circumstances, the DVSA will provide manufacturers access to ownership records for purpose of communication. Instances of theft do not trigger a recall.
Will Toyota pay for damage caused by an attempted theft?
No. This will need to be addressed by the customer and the vehicle insurers. While we understand theft or attempted theft can be highly upsetting and, in some cases, a costly experience, in such instances customers are first and foremost victims of crime. Toyota does not cover costs associated with criminal activity either under the terms of the warranty or as goodwill.
What is the position with insuring affected models?
As a manufacturer, we stay close to Toyota Insurance colleagues and indeed all motor insurers. We are aware that in many cases, insurance premiums might have increased as a direct result of vehicle crime. We need to refer you to your insurer for further comment.
Hello toyota,
i have had my 2021 Toyota C-hr GR SPORT stolen from a canbus device as the front left part of the bumper was pulled off. i recovered the car after tracking it down from the MY T app. it cost me £500 to repair the car because the thevies had damaged the interior and major components.
is there any security devices that can prevent this from ever happening again.
my reg plate is *******
please remove my reg number after
thanks
Hi Hamza,thanks for getting in touch.
We are terribly sorry to hear that you have been affected by this awful crime and glad to know the vehicle was recovered.
We are continuously developing technical solutions to make our vehicles more secure and reduce the risk of theft and are currently working on further security enhancements, but have no update to offer at the moment.
Please keep an eye on this page for any updates, also the Centre Network will be updated as well.
You may wish to read this article: https://mag.toyota.co.uk/car-security-advice-and-tips/ which may provide some hints not currently thought about.
Once again, we are really sorry that you have been affected by this horrible crime.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
My Toyota rav 4 was stolen in 25/3/24 and it has not been recovered
Hamza, I wish mine was only costing £500 to repair!!!!!!
Points I would like to make to Toyota UK
The C-HR and Rav 4 security is laughable.
There still isn’t a fix available.
I recently looked into changing my insurance company so had a look at what Toyota Insurance would be…..£4500 for the year!!!! Is this because you know how easy these cars are to steal or because mine is now classed as stolen recovered???? Or both?
Will you recommend a 3rd party security system that won’t void the warranty?
Will you contribute to this 3rd party security system?
When will the VPP plates be available? Will you pay for them?
I honestly wish my car wasn’t recovered now. The insurance company would have paid out by now allowing me to move to another brand entirely.
Regards
Paul
We had our Toyota Rav 4 stolen overnight, on the 16-16-17th May 2024. I never had a car stolen before. This is a very sad read. I wish I knew this before purchasing the car. Tracker is useless isn’t it when they know how to disable it straight away!
One very unhappy and sad customer.
I would like to find out why the Toyota dealership didn’t advise us of this issue, and didn’t offer us this fitment at the time of purchase? We have purchased our Toyota RAV4 on the 20th March 2024 after this was announcement was made. The dealership didn’t inform us or let us know that this was an option. Our car was first registered in October 2020 yet there was no information forthcoming from Toyota.
I would like to know why we were not informed about this option if it is being offered for the model we purchased?
Our RAV4 was stolen on the 17/5/2024 less than 2 months after purchase.
Hi Luca,thank you for getting in touch.
We are terribly sorry to hear that you have been affected by this awful crime.
Please be assured this is a matter that we are taking extremely seriously.
Could you let us know the registration number and Toyota Centre you bought the vehicle from.
Once again, we are really sorry that you have been affected by this horrible crime and for any distress this has caused.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Registration Number: LM70***
Currie Motors
Hi Luca, thanks for getting in touch.
Your RAV4 is deemed as at risk of CANbus theft. We would recommend getting in touch with your local Toyota Centre to register this vehicle as affected.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
I am sorry! Do you guys read the comments you reply to?
“Hi Luca, thanks for getting in touch.
Your RAV4 is deemed as at risk of CANbus theft. We would recommend getting in touch with your local Toyota Centre to register this vehicle as affected.
Thanks,
Toyota UK”
This is your last reply to me? Seriously? I got in touch in the first place because my car was stolen! And I take a massive issue with the fact that the announcement was made days before I purchased the vehicle yet the Toyota dealership didn’t inform me of the issue, nor did they fit the plate while the car was in their ownership! I will go and ask again. Why was I not informed when my purchase of the vehicle was so close to your announcement? Did you not tell all your dealership to make the customer aware so we can try to prevent this from happening? This makes me very angry and as already said by others I will look to find ways to get compensation. I owned the car for 8 weeks before it was taken! I would have made further protective arrangements if I was aware of the issue as well as getting the plate fitted.
Hi Toyota,
I replied to your comment but you never come back to my last one! I am also unable to reply to it now. Why is that?
Thanks
Luca
Hi Luca, thanks for your comment.
All messages have to be moderated by the system before they are published, so there may be a delay between writing your comment and it being visible.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Please come back to my comment made on the 3rd June 2024.
Thank you
Luca
Hi Luca,
Sorry for the confusion in our response, there is no thread to Magazine comments so the history is not always visible. The easiest ways to get in touch with us are via Facebook or email. We’re sorry to hear you were not informed of the risk of theft to your vehicle, the threat level and those vehicles vulnerable is ever changing. There is currently no full preventative to stop the determined theives, but we are working on further precautionary measures.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Glad I read this because I was about to upgrade my wife’s 2013 RAV4 for something around 2020 vintage. Oh well, time to have a look at alternative vehicles. A shame because we love Toyotas otherwise.
Hi Bob,thank you for your comment.
If you are considering updating the current RAV please look at contacting your local Toyota Centre. They will be able to guide you on the current vehicles offers that meet your needs and requirements.
Let us know if you would like us to arrange for a Centre to get in touch.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
My RAV4 was stolen 2 weeks ago by canbus device in the middle of the day from my drive in a matter of seconds. Really disappointed in Toyota and my dealer, as the car was in for service before Easter and I was not made aware of this issue or that protection plates were available. After owning many Toyotas over the last 12 years I feel completely let down by Toyotas attitude to this issue and that a car that I really liked was so easily stolen. I will be looking at other brands to replace this vehicle. Very sad and disappointed.
Hi David,thanks for getting in touch.
We are terribly sorry to hear that you have been affected by this awful crime.
Please be assured this is a matter that we are taking extremely seriously.
We are continuously developing technical solutions to make our vehicles more secure and reduce the risk of theft.
Once again, we are really sorry that you have been affected by this horrible crime.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Dear Toykta
I bought a 2020 Rav 4 Excel from my local dealer. Despite enquiring about the fitting of can bus protection I keep getting excuses with regard to fitment. This is incredibly frustrating given Toyota GB’s recent statement. I bought my vehicle from my local dealer in Salisbury.
Hi Jon, thank you for getting in touch.
We apologise that you have experienced so difficulty in getting the vehicle booked in. May we suggest reaching out to the team at Southampton (02382543385) where they will be able to look after you.
Please let us know when you have a booking so we can follow up with them.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
When this article first appeared (13th March) it stated “newly developed official Toyota and Lexus security hardware components will very soon be available to fit to those targeted models registered before October 2021. Following communication from Toyota and Lexus in the coming weeks …”. Comments from yourselves indicated that “very soon” would be the end of April. Here we are towards the end of May – could you possibly give some indication as to the revised schedule?
Hi Philip,thanks for getting in touch.
There is no information available on the security enhancement just yet.
We will provide an update the moment we can communicate more.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
When is the security upgrade coming out? I was told by my local dealer that this will be a software update… Its almost June and your statement came out in March. At least provide an update that shows Toyota is actually doing something.
Hi Nathan,thank you for getting in touch.
There is no information available on the security enhancement just yet.
We will provide an update the moment we can communicate more.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Can you please confirm what the cost should be to have the enhanced security feature added? People are being charged £67-£70 however my local dealer wants £130! Why is it so different? Is the part being offered for free in some places and not others? There should be a blanket cost and it seems unfair that you are all keeping so quiet about this?
Hi Lucy,thank you for your comment.
Please could you provide your registration number and the Centre you visited.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hello Toyota,
i have had my 2021 Toyota C-hr GR SPORT stolen from a canbus device as the front left part of the bumper was pulled off(16/05/2024). i recovered the car after tracking it down from the MY T app. I had a heavy duty steering lock which they by passed by cutting into the steering wheel.
I brought this car for 33k. Two things stand out 1) why didnt the alarm go off and why is the security on these cars so poor. 2) How can a flaw like this be found by thiefs and not Toyota again so poor.
Please can a Toyota dealership help fix the problem, with headlight, bumper and new cap security.
I understand Toyota are offering this for free, please can you confirm and help me?
Not a happy customer if not helped wont ever buy a toyota again and will share my experience over Social media and press.
Hi Mohammed,thank you for reaching out.
We are terribly sorry to hear that you have been affected by this awful crime.
Please be assured this is a matter that we are taking extremely seriously.
We are continuously developing technical solutions to make our vehicles more secure and reduce the risk of theft.
While we understand theft or attempted theft can be highly upsetting and, in some cases, a costly experience, in such instances customers are first and foremost victims of crime.
Toyota does not cover costs associated with criminal activity either under the terms of the warranty or as goodwill.
Once again, we are really sorry that you have been affected by this horrible crime and for the distress this has caused.
Thanks,
Toyota UK