Toyota GB statement on vehicle theft

Diversity at Toyota

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.

1,020 comments

  1. Hi All, my Toyota Hilux was stolen outside of Holiday Inn in East London.
    The hotel won’t share the CCTV footage with me but I believe that they have watched the footage and state that it was a very fast operation to get the vehicle unlocked and started.
    This is a massive security flaw with your vehicle, it would have been nice to have been notified by Toyota beforehand letting me know that your security system is worthless and that I should install 3rd party methods of securing my vehicle.

      1. With the increase in thefts i was very surprised after a failed attempt to take my hilux, that the truck has no alarm system.
        It’s only as I had a ghost fitted that they failed to take the vehicle.
        Surely this should be standard on all cars these days

      2. Hi Dave, thanks for your comment.

        Please get in touch with your local Toyota Centre who will be able to fit a Tracker device to your Hilux.

        Thanks,

    1. Hi Paul,

      Your registration number was not recognised on the system. Please could you confirm the VIN, or your local Toyota Centre can also assist.

      Thanks,

      1. Sorry Paul, we can’t locate the vehicle details.

        Your local Toyota Centre is best placed to assist further.

        Thanks,

  2. Hi, I have a 2017 Hilux Invincible X. Is this vulnerable to any of the Can Bus attacks mentioned. If so are there any mitigations I can speak to my local dealer about?

    Reg is GF17 ***

    Thanks

    1. Hi Darren, thanks for your comment.

      Your Hilux is susceptible to theft. We would recommend getting in touch with your local Toyota Centre for a Tracker device fitting.

      Thanks,

  3. Hi,
    My Rov4 2020 has been attempted theft three times since February this year. In March Toyota dealer £70 to put protection plate And Head and £150 Ford diagnostic after an attempted thief. Reg Lf70uvl

    Last month again, another attempted theft this time they have broken the protection plate and manage to gain access to open the car, and then cut the full steering wheel to remove steering lock. Only reason they could not take the car away because I had a ghost immobiliser fitted. Now it’s costing me a lot of money in terms of repair the steering wheel and passenger side wheel arch damage.

    So my question
    -the protection plate meant to protect its did not protect. When we are getting the hardware in enhancement ?
    – why I had to pay money for a protection plate, other are getting it free
    – Also, why others are being offered trucker and I haven’t

  4. I’ve just bought a CHR reg MJ18*** reading these comments it is one of the cars at risk, this security update what is mention what you can have fitted, have they decided what a nominal fee is or is it FOC

    1. Hi Ian, thanks for getting in touch.

      Your registration number wasn’t recognised in the system for us to confirm risk level, but it likely is at risk. We’d recommend getting in touch with your local Toyota Centre for a Tracker device fitting, which is free of charge.

      Thanks,

  5. Will Toyota be compensating customers who have had their vehicle stolen by CANbus theft? I see that Toyota are now taking action to address the security flaw by fitting trackers and protection plates, but it’s too little too late for those customers who have already had their Toyota RAV4’s stolen. Reading the comments above, Toyota appear to be dodging responsibility for any of these thefts when quite clearly a flaw in the security of the vehicle has lead to them being actively targeted by car thieves. Additionally, Toyota has known about this issue for a considerable amount of time but appears to have chosen not to share this information with their customers. Is this a problem Toyota were hoping would just go away if they ignored it for long enough?

    1. Hi Janette, thanks for your comment.

      Sadly, vehicle theft is a challenge that the entire automotive industry is currently facing. And one that has always been prevalent, albeit using different tactics over the years.

      We are continuously striving to improve our vehicles and whilst, regrettably we cannot guarantee that these efforts will eliminate all criminal activity and theft. We are working closely with the authorities to raise awareness of this crime as well as our technical teams, both here and with Toyota Motor Europe and our insurance experts to look at ways to further protect our vehicles and to develop technology and components to try to prevent vehicle thefts.

      Toyota are unable to provide compensation for Criminal Activity, and regrettably we are unable to provide you with a guarantee that our vehicles will not be subjected to theft or criminal damage.

      Thanks,

  6. I had a CH-R Hybrid car(2020). I saw a YouTube clip showing that a CH-R Hybrid car had been stolen. The CAN Bus thief used a device to open the car door and stole the car within a minute. I worried that my car would also easily be stolen.
    When do you plan to start fitting VPP on CH-R hybrid models?

  7. I had 2 Toyota Rav 4 that was stolen from me. First, from our driveway on Jan 2023.It was a 3 yr old car and was never recovered. We installed a gate in our driveway and put a disclock on the second Rav4, this is a second hand car with 2019 plate number. I chosed Rav4 again as I love the comfort that it brings for the whole family. But it got stolen again even with a disclock, this time it was parked in East London. It happened on the 8th of November 2024.
    Toyota should have done something to protect their customers if they really valued them.
    Now i vowed not to have any Toyota car anymore.
    It is a lovely car but it gives so much grief to the family because of what happened.

    1. Hi there,

      We’re so sorry to hear that you have been a victim of theft. We now have a dedicated vehicle crime taskforce who are working on combatting the ever-changing theft methods.

      Thanks,

  8. Only bought this 2021 rav 4 just over a week ago and is being serviced tomorrow. As I have now discovered there is a very serious security fault would you please advise if YR71*** will need these security plates fitting and also any additional future add on’s or software.

    1. Hi David, thanks for getting in touch.

      Your vehicle is at risk of CANbus theft. Your local Toyota Centre will be able to fit vehicle protection plates and a Tracker device.

      Thanks,

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