Class-Action Lawsuit Accuses 13 Automakers of Selling 'Easily Stolen' Cars Due to Flawed Keyless Entry

Canadian Lawsuit Targets Major Automakers Over Keyless Entry Vulnerabilities

A significant class-action lawsuit is gaining momentum in Canada, casting a shadow over a dozen of the world's leading automotive manufacturers. Accused of failing to adequately warn consumers about critical security flaws in their keyless entry systems, these companies now face allegations that their vehicles are alarmingly easy targets for thieves. The suit, initiated by vehicle owners in Quebec, specifically targets cars equipped with remote access and start functions that were stolen after May 2, 2021. This legal challenge has now been officially sanctioned against 13 automotive giants, including Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Mazda, FCA, Ford, Audi, Kia, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Volkswagen, and Volvo. While initial efforts sought to include Porsche, Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, the court ultimately declined these requests.

The Alarming Ease of 'Relay Attacks'

The method at the heart of this legal storm, known as the 'relay attack,' is a well-documented vulnerability that has plagued the automotive industry for years. This sophisticated yet surprisingly simple theft technique involves criminals employing electronic devices to capture and amplify the signal emitted by a vehicle's key fob. Essentially, the stolen signal is 'relayed' to the car, tricking it into believing the legitimate key is nearby, thereby unlocking doors and enabling the engine to start. Astonishingly, this operation often requires just two individuals and readily available equipment, capable of intercepting signals even when the key is safely pocketed or stored inside a home. The Insurance Bureau of Canada has highlighted this pervasive issue, noting its particular prevalence in Ontario and Quebec. While auto theft incidents saw a spike during the pandemic, a recent stabilization has been observed, with a 19% decrease in thefts recorded in the first half of this year compared to the same period in 2024.

A Toyota Owner's Ordeal Ignites Legal Firestorm

Leading this legal charge is André Lacroix, the owner of a 2018 Toyota Highlander. His vehicle was inexplicably stolen from his daughter's driveway in April 2022, despite being securely locked with its key fob. Lacroix's legal team argues that the vehicle's owner's manual offered no discernible warnings regarding such significant security vulnerabilities. The lawsuit contends that manufacturers, particularly Toyota, have been aware of these systemic weaknesses for years but have neglected to inform their customers or implement robust security enhancements. Lacroix aims to represent the interests of over 10,000 affected vehicle owners in the province, seeking a settlement of $1500 for each individual who lost their car after May 2, 2021. An additional $1500 is proposed for those who purchased or leased a vehicle with keyless entry between May 2, 2021, and May 2, 2024. These funds are intended not only to compensate victims but also to support a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for motorists' rights. The core demand of the lawsuit is for automakers to acknowledge the inherent design flaws in their keyless entry systems and their responsibility for failing to disclose these risks to consumers. This case transcends a single stolen Highlander; it is a crucial battle for the widespread safety of modern vehicles. The undeniable convenience of keyless systems is being brutally exposed as a gaping security hole, turning once-secure cars into effortless targets.

Manufacturer Responses and Consumer Protection Efforts

In an effort to address similar security concerns, Kia, in the past, has offered a small Faraday pouch designed to block key fob signals, thereby protecting against relay attacks. However, this accessory was typically sold separately, rather than being included as standard equipment with vehicles featuring keyless entry, highlighting a recurring theme of consumer responsibility being shifted by manufacturers.