Yes, push-to-start (keyless entry) vehicles are susceptible to theft, often more so than traditional keyed cars due to high-tech methods like relay attacks. Data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics reveals that over 48,000 vehicles were stolen using keyless entry methods in a single year, highlighting the scale of the issue. Thieves typically exploit the wireless communication between the key fob and the car to gain access and start the engine within minutes, sometimes in as little as 30 seconds.
The primary modern threat is the relay attack. This involves two electronic devices. One device is held near a home’s door or window to capture and amplify the passive signal emitted by a key fob resting inside. The second device, near the target vehicle, receives this boosted signal, tricking the car into thinking the legitimate key is present. The doors unlock, and the engine starts, allowing a silent drive-away. Industry tests, like those by Germany’s ADAC, have demonstrated these devices can relay signals over 100 meters, making cars parked in driveways or on the street vulnerable even when keys are stored indoors.
Another technical method involves programming a blank key fob on the spot. Thieves may gain physical access to the vehicle by smashing a window or using other means to enter. They then connect a specialized device to the car’s On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) port, usually located under the dashboard. This device can program a new, blank fob to pair with the vehicle’s immobilizer system, effectively creating a new key in minutes. This method is more invasive but can bypass signal-blocking precautions.
To effectively counter these threats, a layered security approach is essential. The most critical defense is to block your key fob’s signal when not in use. Storing fobs in a Faraday pouch or metal box that blocks radio frequencies is highly recommended. Simple tests, like placing the pouch-encased fob next to your car door to confirm it doesn’t unlock, verify its effectiveness.
Physical deterrents provide a crucial second layer. A robust, visible steering wheel lock significantly raises the effort and time required for theft, often deterring thieves looking for a quick target. For vehicles frequently parked at home, consider using a wheel clamp, which is an even stronger physical barrier. Additionally, some vehicles allow owners to disable the passive keyless entry function through the infotainment settings, forcing the use of the button on the fob to unlock, which stops relay attacks.
Parking strategically and managing key placement are simple yet effective habits. Store key fobs as far from external walls and doors as possible within your home. If your vehicle is kept in a garage, ensure the garage door opener is secure. For high-risk areas, investing in a signal-blocking storage box for multiple household keys becomes a practical solution.
| Theft Method | How It Works | Key Prevention Strategy |
|---|
| Relay Attack | Two devices amplify the key fob signal from inside a building to the car. | Store key fobs in a Faraday pouch or box to block all radio signals. |
| OBD-II Port Programming | Thieves access the car’s computer port to program a new key fob. | Use a steering wheel lock to delay access; consider an OBD port lock for added security. |
| General Signal Interception | Capturing and replaying a single signal from the fob (less common now). | Disable passive entry in car settings; press the fob button to lock instead of walk-away locking. |
Ultimately, while push-button start systems offer convenience, they introduce a specific electronic vulnerability. Proactive security combining signal blocking, physical locks, and mindful habits is necessary to protect your vehicle from these technologically-enabled thefts. Manufacturers are implementing newer key fobs with motion sensors that sleep when idle and ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology to combat relay attacks, but for existing vehicles, owner vigilance remains paramount.
