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. Are Toyota UK looking into or going to arrange or offer any partnership discounts for a 2nd immobiliser buying or fitting like the Ghost on rav 4 or chr models upto 2022 to help secure all the earlier models?

    1. Hi David, thanks for getting in touch.

      We have no information on this, but we are fitting Tracker devices free of charge.

      Thanks,

  2. An attempt to steal my CHR was made tonight by 3 masked men. The police came quickly but the car is damaged and clearly targeted and at high risk. I’m in shock. Clearly they will return.

    1. Hi Michelle, we’re really sorry to hear this.

      We would recommend visual deterrents such as a steering, wheel or gear lock. Your local Toyota Centre can also fit a Tracker device free of charge.

      Thanks,

    2. On targeted car these deterrents don’t work.I had a steeeing lock and pedal lock and still my car was broken into. They cut my whole steering wheel and even took the locks. Even the protection plates were broken. Car was parked outside my house.
      This is the 3rd time my car has been attempted to be stolen. Only reason it’s still here is because of ghost immobilizer and I have also caught them out the window. Each time my car is targeted they damage it each time. Toyota should compensate for all the problems we are facing. Toyota needs to take responsibility for all the loss too. The amount of stress is unreal. Toyota has not been transparent about all these issues. People buying there car and have become a victim of theft

    3. Hi Toyota
      My Toyota RAV4 was stolen at Thursday morning 1:10am– it took the thieves less than 1 mins.i see in CCTV cameras open only off side headlights panel.we buy only 6 months ago and spend money £30,000What incentive can Toyota provide.

      1. Hi Naman,

        We’re very sorry to hear this. We hope your RAV4 can be recovered swiftly.

        Thanks,

  3. I contacted my Toyota main dealer about the canbus recall and was told there was no recall. Then they changed and said there was a recall & said they would fit a tracker but if I wanted the ‘plate’ fitted I would be charged £70. I asked why the recall was not picked up during previous servicing and got no answer. I also asked why Toyota would not fit the ‘plate’ for free but will fit a tracker to tell me where my stolen vehicle has been taken to.
    I have bought 7 prevous Toyota cars but wont be buying any more.

  4. Toyota.Even if you are offering a tracker it can easily be dismantled.
    And the protection plates are useless. They can be broken and also more damage is done by thief while breaking into the sides of car
    Each time the car is targeted they always damage the side they break into.
    Your attempt to help customers is flawed and only just on a surface level. Total disappointment that you have not helped your customers and taken accountability.
    Other brand cars are being stolen but it is common knowledge that Rav 4, helix, chr are the most targeted cars that is known, as they are easily broken into.We have been loosing a car from broad daylight, parked outside our driveway. Even from
    car parks. What a shame you seem to swerve
    responsibility.

  5. My Toyota CHR was stolen at the weekend – it took the thieves less than 15 mins. What incentive can Toyota provide fir ne to get another one?

  6. I believe my car is eligible for a free CAN bus security upgrade which I’ll arrange with my annual full service due in Feb 2025

  7. I have a 2020 rav 4 hybrid,
    I understand that the tracker is being fitted at no cost.
    Is the can bus upgrade also at no cost

    1. Hi there, thanks for getting in touch.

      There is both a Tracker and a Vehicle Protection Plate available for your vehicle at no cost.

      Thanks,

    1. Hi Neil, thanks for getting in touch.

      We will need your full registration number to confirm the risk level of your vehicle. Your local Toyota Centre can also assist with this.
      Vehicle Protection Plates are not available for the Toyota C-HR, but a Tracker device can be fitted.

      Thanks,

      1. Thank you for your reply my registration is N3 ***,so are you stating a protection plate will never be fitted now ?
        The tracker I take it is free of charge & how long does it take to fit the tracker ?
        Thank you

      2. Thanks for confirming, your Toyota C-HR is at risk of CANbus theft.

        The Vehicle Protection Plate is not intended to be the final fix, it is simply an additional deterrent. The tracker is a free of charge fitment, but the installation time may vary. Your local Toyota Centre is best placed to provide further detail on that.

        Thanks,

  8. I checked with my local Toyota dealer in Bath. Their feedback today is “Toyota are no longer able to fit the headlight plates free of charge as they are now supplying the trackers instead.”. I can see that the reply from Toyota UK here is “There is both a Tracker and a Vehicle Protection Plate available for your vehicle at no cost.”.

  9. Sorry I didn’t understand the following meaning as to whether a protection plate will be fitted in the future? ‘’The Vehicle Protection Plate is not intended to be the final fix, it is simply an additional deterrent’’

    I understand from previous comments that both are being fitted to the Rav…is it that you are in the process of getting them sorted as I was told previously or are simply not going to be fitting them at any point?

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