A wave of Toyota car thefts in Australia exploits a CAN‑bus flaw. Learn how a simple steering lock can protect your vehicle – act now.
Across Australia, a growing number of Toyota SUVs – especially the Land Cruiser and Prado – have vanished from parking lots in just a few weeks. The combined loss is estimated at roughly US$8 million, raising serious concerns about the vulnerability of modern vehicle electronics.
What’s behind the spate of thefts?
Criminal groups are exploiting a previously unknown weakness in the vehicle’s Controller Area Network (CAN‑bus). By tapping into the wiring that powers the headlights or taillights, they connect a covert device that mimics a legitimate key signal.
Step‑by‑step breakdown of the attack
- Physical access: Thieves plug a tiny, Bluetooth‑speaker‑shaped module into the headlamp or tail‑lamp harness.
- Message injection: The device sends forged CAN‑bus messages, convincing the car’s computer that an authorized key is nearby.
- Door unlock: The doors open automatically, and the anti‑theft system is disabled in under two minutes.
- Drive away: With the electronic lock disabled, the vehicle can be started and driven off.
This method bypasses the smart‑key’s radio frequency entirely, unlike earlier “relay‑attack” schemes that simply amplify the signal from a nearby key fob.
Which models are most affected?
The investigations point mainly to Toyota’s flagship 4x4s – the Land Cruiser and Prado – but the technique could be adapted to any model that relies on an unencrypted CAN‑bus for key authentication.
Toyota’s response
Toyota Australia acknowledges that current electronic safeguards are insufficient against this new vector. As an immediate countermeasure, the company is offering a mechanical steering‑wheel lock (often called a “bar lock”) for about US$140 per unit.
While the lock does not prevent the doors from opening, it makes it significantly harder for thieves to steer the vehicle, buying valuable time for a potential intervention and increasing the chance of detection.
Recommended protective steps
Until a software or hardware patch is rolled out, owners should adopt a layered security approach:
- Install a reputable steering‑wheel lock to deter theft after the vehicle is unlocked.
- Park in well‑lit, monitored areas whenever possible.
- Consider adding a secondary physical barrier, such as a wheel‑lock or a garage gate.
- Stay updated on any recall notices or software updates from Toyota.
Looking ahead
Toyota says it is researching additional software‑level encryption and hardware hardening for the CAN‑bus, but details are being kept confidential to avoid giving thieves further clues.
In the meantime, the on‑usual advice remains: combine electronic anti‑theft systems with proven physical deterrents. Owners who act now can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of this sophisticated theft method.