# How easy is it to steal a vehicle with Push to Start ignition? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 21, 2023, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562 "2023-01-21T12:34:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2023, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/61 "2023-01-22T22:13:18Z")
> [@Die\_Capacitrix](#): > > When my parents buy their next car, I’ll advise them to ask the dealer to do this before they take the car off the lot. Well, it’s either a feature the car has or doesn’t–it’s possible that for some there is an option, but it does require a fob that contains an accelerometer. > [@pullin](#): > > When I take delivery, I will find out if there are locking, or motion-enabled features of the fobs. Good luck finding a dealer knowledgeable enough to know. You might have to do your own research. A number of Fords have the feature: > **[How Does the Motion Sensing Key Fob Work?](https://www.ford.co.uk/support/how-tos/keys-and-locks/door-locks-and-alarms/how-does-the-motion-sensing-key-fob-work)** > > Ford Fights Back Against Keyless Car HackersNew Ford security technology which disables their keyless entry fobs when not in use to block illegal hacking.Keyless entry fobs of all makes of cars have been targeted by thieves with “relay box”... And Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen also have it in some models as of 2019: > **[Motion sensor key fobs may not be the panacea motorists were hoping for after...](https://www.driving.co.uk/news/motion-sensor-fobs-short-term-fix-keyless-car-thefts-say-security-experts/)** > > Motion sensor key fobs may not be the panacea motorists were hoping for after they were described as a short term fix by Thatchm Research. However, I can’t find a clear list of models with motion sensing vs. without. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2023, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/62 "2023-01-22T23:19:22Z")
> **[U.S.: reported motor vehicle theft rate 2021 | Statista](https://www.statista.com/statistics/191216/reported-motor-vehicle-theft-rate-in-the-us-since-1990/)** > > In 2021, the nationwide rate of motor vehicle theft in the United States was 268.2 reported cases per 100,000 population. Maybe you guys are getting upset about something that barely happens these days. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2023, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/63 "2023-01-22T23:34:55Z")
> [@squeegee](#): > > Maybe you guys are getting upset about something that barely happens these days. OTOH, the theft rate has increased by 20% in just two years (2021 vs. 2020), which is worth noting. ---
**Author:** ![peccavi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peccavi/32/388_2.png) [@peccavi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peccavi)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2023, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/64 "2023-01-23T00:58:33Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > OTOH, the theft rate has increased by 20% in just two years (2021 vs. 2020), which is worth noting I’m not saying its not related to keyless ignitions, but it is easy to confuse correlation with causation. Keyless ignitions have been in the majority of new car models since about 2016, and have certainly increased since then. But what about the relative cost and availability of cars in the past 2-3 years? Prices have shot up and availability dropped. Wouldn’t this attract more thieves, leading to more thefts? Or that could just be correlation too and something else could be driving the recent spike. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2023, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/65 "2023-01-23T01:28:01Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > OTOH, the theft rate has increased by 20% in just two years What gets me is that from the same page it shows that forced rape and murder are up 80-90% since 2014. WTF, we are killing and raping each other at alarming rates compared to car theft. Still, car theft is serious and we shouldn’t ignore it. Cyber security has been the buzz in the industry for the last 6-8 years now and systems are being put into place on the newer models. I only deal with a small part of it, but from what I can tell is that its getting more complicated to release SW updates for engineering due to new procedures and safeguards, so it will take criminals awhile until enough people understand the systems to break into them unless they have high level insider information. Corporate or state sponsored sabotage itself could be something to worry about. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2023, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/66 "2023-01-23T01:47:24Z")
I don’t really worry about it, but we had two on our block since the summer. On two doors down; one kiddy corner from me. ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2023, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/67 "2023-01-23T02:09:21Z")
> [@pullin](#): > > leaving it in parking lots or (mostly) deserted areas while we are gone sightseeing You’ll take the key fob with you, right? So a relay attack won’t work, because there is no key fob nearby to relay a signal from. Those type of attacks are a problem when the car is on the driveway, and they can swipe an antenna across your house to detect the key fob signal. According to this [insurance industry website](https://www.nicb.org/news/news-releases/chevrolet-and-ford-full-size-pick-ups-most-stolen-vehicles-second-year-row), the most common stolen vehicles in 2021 are full size pickups, but from 2004 and 2006, so unlikely to be push button start, or if they are, then it’s old security technology. I’d be more worried about coming out and finding your cats gone. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2023, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/68 "2023-01-23T02:14:27Z")
> [@peccavi](#): > > But what about the relative cost and availability of cars in the past 2-3 years? Prices have shot up and availability dropped. Wouldn’t this attract more thieves, leading to more thefts? It’s likely a significant factor, yes. But, @squeegee had said: > [@](#): > > Maybe you guys are getting upset about something that barely happens these days. And, to that, I felt it useful to point out that a significant increase in car thefts in the last few years _might_ be a reason why people would be concerned about whether their cars are easy to steal. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2023, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/69 "2023-01-23T02:21:29Z")
> [@Voyager](#): > > I still have the big screwdriver that was in the trunk of my car after it was stolen. You didn’t make out as well as this guy, though: > **[Someone stole my car and now I own hundreds of vinyl records](https://www.mkaic.blog/p/someone-stole-my-car-and-now-i-own)** > > "Only in Los Angeles" has never rung more true > I hail an Uber and arrive at the scene 20 minutes later, praying that the car isn’t gutted. It isn’t. In fact, it appears to be in perfect running order aside from a busted lock and a badly damaged ignition. Also, it’s full of records. > > Like, _full,_ full. _Multiple_ crates filled to the brim with old vinyls. > > The officers tell me the thief was using the car to carry and sell the records. They ask for my ID and registration, they ask a few more questions about the incident, and then they grab a few of the thief’s personal items from the car as evidence. > > Then one of them turns to me and says: > > _If you don’t want those records you can toss them. Or keep them, give them away — whatever._ ---
**Author:** ![sjankis630](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7ea924/32.png) [@sjankis630](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sjankis630)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2023, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/70 "2023-01-23T03:04:08Z")
Yes I have heard about these. In some if the battery in the fob dies you can pull the key out and unlock the door. (The lock is revealed by pulling the door handle a little bit away from the car) Once you are in if you re-assemble the key and hold it right next to the stop/start button then the car can be started. I wish I remembered which manufacturer it was. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2023, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/71 "2023-01-23T03:16:19Z")
> [@sjankis630](#): > > . In some if the battery in the fob dies you can pull the key out and unlock the door. This is how my 2017 Ford Edge fob works. When my wife drove the car to my son’s house, the rear hatch didn’t latch correctly, the interior light stayed on for 3 days, and the car battery went dead. My son used this method to unlock the door and pop open the hood so he could attach his charger to the battery, ---
**Author:** ![peccavi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peccavi/32/388_2.png) [@peccavi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peccavi)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2023, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/72 "2023-01-23T03:29:26Z")
This thread inspired me to look up the security of my fob. This was one of the first search returns: > To disable the keyless entry system in Your Audi just **take the actual key out of the remote (key fob) and leave the remote inside the car.** **Lock the car manually with the key.** **It will then disable the keyless entry**. You might check to see if this feature is part of your car’s features. ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2023, 11:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/73 "2023-01-23T11:13:40Z")
That defeats the whole purpose of remote locking. I would like a simple switch on the fob to turn the darn thing off, Render it not working, Disable it. Make it impossible for some scrote to access it remotely and steal my pride and joy. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2023, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/74 "2023-01-23T15:18:47Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > It’s real easy to leave your fob in the car. It shouldn’t be easy if the fob never leaves your pocket or purse. The whole point of keyless entry/ignition is that you never need to take out the fob to get into your car or start it. Maybe that’s the new habit you were talking about, i.e. stop taking the fob out of your pocket. I don’t remember much of a challenge with that when I got my first keyless entry/ignition car. ---
**Author:** ![doreen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/858c86/32.png) [@doreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doreen)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2023, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/75 "2023-01-23T16:15:47Z")
The problem is that some people, at least during the warmer months don’t keep the fob in a pocket or purse- instead, they put it it in the cup holder or something. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2023, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/76 "2023-01-23T16:39:15Z")
If I exit my Ford Edge with the fob in a cup holder (which I’ve done), the car honks at me. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2023, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/77 "2023-01-23T16:56:52Z")
Mine (Infiniti Q50) doesn’t honk at me if I close an unlocked door with the fob inside, but it won’t let me lock the door. If I open the door, lock it using the inside-of-the-door lock button and shut the door with the fob inside, the door will unlock. If I shut the door and then try to lock it from the outside, the door won’t lock and the external. ---
**Author:** ![racer72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/racer72/32/3075_2.png) [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2023, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/78 "2023-01-23T17:05:46Z")
A former co-worker of mine was carjacked one morning on her way to work. Her Jeep and the push button start. The thief put a gun to the window while she was at a red light. She jumped out of her Jeep with her purse and took off running. The thief drove off in her Jeep. She called the police and reported the theft. Her Jeep was found in a 7-11 parking lot an hour later not far from where it was stolen. The thief stopped at the store and turned off the Jeep, he didn’t have the fob so he couldn’t restart the vehicle. The thief was caught that day while attempting his 4th carjacking. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2023, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/79 "2023-01-23T19:01:13Z")
In both my Mazda and my wife’s Hyundai, there’s a little latch on the fob you slide to get you a key to enter the car. You then press the start button with your fob (doesn’t matter where the key itself is) and it will start up. I know, as I have a few times needed to do with with a fob running out of batteries. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2023, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562/80 "2023-01-23T19:05:06Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > If I exit my Ford Edge with the fob in a cup holder (which I’ve done), the car honks at me. Yep, neither car we have likes it. It’s pretty difficult to lock your fob in your car. The car will beep at me if it detects it in the car and refuse to lock the door. (And, yes, I know this from multiple experiences.) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-vehicle-with-push-to-start-ignition/978562.md?page=5)