Car theft is rising across North America, and modern technology has created new vulnerabilities. Many vehicles rely on wireless keys, connected apps, and electronic control units. Those features add convenience but also create new entry points for thieves. Some cars became popular targets because software updates or security fixes were delayed. Others still rely on older immobilizer systems that criminals can bypass. Owners often assume their vehicle is protected because it is newer. That assumption can be costly. Knowing the risks and checking for security updates can reduce the chance of theft. Here are 16 cars that are easy to steal without the right updates (and how to check yours).
Kia Forte
Older Kia Forte models became targets of theft after criminals discovered a major security gap. Many cars lacked engine immobilizers between 2011 and 2021. That absence allowed thieves to start the car using simple tools. Videos showing the method spread quickly online. The issue became widely known across the United States and Canada. Kia later released software updates and steering wheel locks for many affected vehicles. Owners should check their vehicle identification number with Kia dealers. A quick visit may confirm whether the update was installed. If not, scheduling the fix can improve protection. Ignoring the update leaves the vehicle far more vulnerable to theft.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra faced a similar security issue during the same production years. Many trims lacked immobilizers before 2022. Thieves learned that breaking the steering column allowed easy ignition access. Police departments reported spikes in thefts involving Elantra sedans. Hyundai released software updates designed to block unauthorized ignition attempts. The update changes how the car responds when doors unlock without the proper key signal. Owners should confirm whether their Elantra received that software patch. Dealers can verify using the vehicle identification number. Installing the update takes little time. Without it, the car remains an attractive target.
Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger has long attracted thieves because of its strong engines and resale value. Modern versions also introduced keyless entry systems. Criminals learned to exploit wireless signals using relay devices. Those devices copy signals from key fobs inside nearby homes. The signal tricks the vehicle into thinking the owner is present. Dodge later introduced software updates and stronger encryption systems. Some vehicles also received security mode upgrades through dealerships. Owners should confirm whether their Charger software is current. Parking with signal-blocking pouches can also help. Ignoring these steps can leave the car exposed.
Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger faces similar risks because it shares electronics with the Charger. Keyless entry systems can be manipulated using relay attacks. Thieves target these cars because powerful engines make them valuable. Some criminals also reprogram new key fobs through diagnostic ports. Dodge added security updates to limit unauthorized key programming. Certain models now require additional authentication steps. Owners should confirm their vehicle software version with dealerships. Parking in well-lit areas also reduces risk. Installing steering locks adds another visible barrier. Without those measures, a Challenger may disappear quickly.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 became a surprising theft target in several cities. Criminals discovered a way to access the wiring behind the front bumper. That method allowed communication with the vehicle’s CAN bus system. Once connected, thieves could unlock and start the vehicle electronically. Toyota later improved wiring protection and released updates for affected models. Owners should confirm whether their RAV4 received the improved security changes. A dealership inspection may reveal vulnerable wiring locations. Parking in secure areas can also help. Installing an aftermarket immobilizer adds another defense layer. Ignoring updates leaves older RAV4 models vulnerable.
Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V remains one of the most stolen SUVs in North America. Its popularity makes parts easy to resell quickly. Criminals often target models with keyless entry systems. Relay devices capture signals from key fobs inside homes. The vehicle unlocks and starts without physical access. Honda has improved encryption and software protection in newer models. Owners should confirm their CR-V received the latest security updates. Keeping key fobs in signal-blocking pouches helps reduce relay attacks. Parking in garages also lowers exposure. Older CR-V models without updates remain easier targets.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is widely owned across Canada and the United States. That popularity attracts thieves seeking valuable trucks or parts. Keyless entry relay attacks have become common with newer models. Criminals copy signals from key fobs using wireless scanners. The truck unlocks without physical keys. Ford released software improvements to strengthen signal encryption. Owners should confirm whether their truck received those updates. Some dealers also offer additional anti-theft programming. Parking away from doors or windows reduces signal exposure. Without updates, thieves may unlock the truck within seconds.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado shares similar vulnerabilities with other modern trucks. Keyless systems provide convenience but introduce wireless security risks. Thieves sometimes intercept signals from nearby key fobs. The truck believes the owner is standing next to it. Silverado models with older software may lack improved encryption. General Motors introduced updates and security improvements in later versions. Owners should confirm whether their truck software is current. Dealers can verify and install updates during routine service visits. Using steering locks or parking in garages adds another layer. Ignoring updates can leave the truck exposed.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee often appears in theft statistics across North America. Criminals target the SUV because it sells quickly on secondary markets. Keyless-entry relay attacks are a common method. Thieves capture signals from key fobs and unlock the vehicle. Some also exploit diagnostic ports to program new keys. Jeep released updates designed to block unauthorized key programming. Owners should confirm whether their vehicle received those security upgrades. Checking with a dealership only takes minutes. Parking farther from the doors can reduce signal capture. Without updates, the Grand Cherokee remains a tempting target.
Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima became a theft target in many cities due to resale demand. Keyless entry relay attacks also affect certain model years. Criminals capture wireless signals from nearby key fobs. The vehicle unlocks and starts without the owner present. Nissan improved encryption and system responses in newer versions. Software updates help reduce unauthorized access attempts. Owners should confirm that their Altima received those updates. Dealership service departments can quickly verify. Using steering locks adds a visible deterrent. Without those protections, some Altima models remain easier to steal.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander shares similar electronics with other Toyota SUVs. Criminals discovered ways to access wiring connected to the CAN bus system. That connection can allow remote unlocking and starting. Toyota addressed the issue with protective hardware and updates. Some affected vehicles require dealer inspections for confirmation. Owners should check their vehicle identification number online or with a dealer. Installing additional protective plates can help protect wiring. Parking in monitored areas also reduces risk. Older Highlander models without upgrades remain easier to steal.
Lexus RX
The Lexus RX has appeared frequently in theft reports across Canada. Criminals target it due to its strong resale value overseas. A method involving front bumper wiring allowed access to vehicle electronics. That method enabled unlocking and starting without keys. Lexus later introduced hardware fixes and software updates. Owners should confirm their vehicle received the improved protection. Dealership inspections can identify vulnerable wiring sections. Parking inside garages adds another layer of security. Aftermarket immobilizers also help deter criminals. Ignoring updates can leave some RX models vulnerable.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has long appeared in theft rankings across North America. Its parts remain easy to sell on secondary markets. Some models also use keyless entry systems vulnerable to relay attacks. Thieves capture signals from nearby key fobs using simple devices. Honda introduced encryption improvements and software updates over time. Owners should confirm that their Civic received those upgrades. Keeping keys inside signal-blocking pouches helps reduce exposure. Steering wheel locks provide another visible barrier. Without these protections, certain Civic models remain easy targets.
Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox became more common in theft reports recently. Keyless entry systems created opportunities for relay attacks. Criminals capture signals from key fobs inside homes or offices. The vehicle unlocks and starts as if the owner is nearby. General Motors added software improvements to limit unauthorized access attempts. Owners should confirm that their Equinox received those updates. Dealers can verify using the vehicle identification number. Parking in secure areas helps reduce risk. Signal-blocking pouches add another layer of protection. Ignoring updates keeps the vehicle vulnerable.
Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 remains a valuable pickup with strong resale demand. That value attracts organized theft rings. Keyless entry relay attacks are common with newer models. Criminals capture wireless signals from nearby key fobs. The truck unlocks and starts without physical keys. Ram introduced updates and security features in recent model years. Owners should confirm whether their truck received those updates. Dealers can check system software during service visits. Parking inside garages adds extra protection. Without updates, some Ram trucks remain easy targets.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler attracts thieves because of its strong resale value and export demand. Some models include keyless entry systems vulnerable to relay attacks. Criminals capture signals from nearby key fobs using wireless scanners. The vehicle unlocks and starts without the owner present. Jeep improved encryption and added software protections in later models. Owners should confirm whether their Wrangler received those updates. Using signal-blocking pouches can reduce the risk of wireless interception. Parking in secure areas also helps. Ignoring available updates can leave the Wrangler easier to steal.
22 Groceries to Grab Now—Before another Price Shock Hits Canada
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22 Groceries to Grab Now—Before another Price Shock Hits Canada
