Lexus UK statement on vehicle theft

We take the issue of Toyota and Lexus vehicle theft very seriously. We are continuously developing technical solutions to make our vehicles more secure, to help reduce the risk of theft.

An enhanced security hardware system was introduced in October 2021 on the latest models targeted by criminals. Since which, we have seen a significant drop in thefts of those models.

For older models, we endeavour to create solutions that can offer enhanced protection to our customers.  Following significant investments by Toyota GB, in line with that of other vehicle manufacturers, newly developed official Toyota and Lexus security hardware components will very soon be available to fit to those targeted models registered before October 2021.

Following communication from Lexus in the coming weeks, owners should contact their local dealer to arrange free of charge fitment. Customers can already speak to their local dealer about the fitment of a protective plate to block access to the vehicle’s electronics. This is a nationwide customer care offering.

As a vehicle manufacturer, we can never completely eliminate the risk of vehicle theft. This is an industry-wide issue, concerning all vehicle manufacturers and affecting the most popular models first.

In order to further reduce the theft risk, we regularly collaborate and share information with insurance associations, police and law enforcement authorities, theft prevention experts and other key stakeholders around the world. This enables us to understand new threats and techniques used by thieves and develop more secured systems. 

Alongside our efforts, we urge those authorities to focus on reducing the number of thefts. We would also like to see action taken that leads to the end to the online sale of devices used by criminals to steal cars without using the car keys, as these devices serve no purpose other than a criminal one.

How do thieves manage to steal cars this way?

The thieves disconnect part of the headlamp and use a malicious device to send signals to the control CAN bus (the communication ‘backbone’ within a car) that allow the doors to open and the car to start without the key or remote control.

Thieves need to:

  • Purchase a relatively expensive rogue device (third-party ‘emergency start’ device which costs around £2,500 – £4,000 each)
  • Gain physical access to the vehicle’s CAN bus communication wires for an uninterrupted period.

The third-party ‘emergency start’ device has the capability to initiate an exploit in the following manner:

  • Once connected to the vehicle’s CAN bus communication wires, the third-party ‘emergency start’ device can send a prioritised series of CAN signals to bypass the vehicle’s security and immobiliser systems, which could allow a thief to unlock the doors and turn the vehicle’s ignition ON.
  • The third-party ‘emergency start’ device is then disconnected.
  • At this point a thief can enter the vehicle and start the car without the key

What is Lexus doing to prevent these types of attacks?

Lexus takes the issue of car theft very seriously.  We are continuously developing technical solutions to make our vehicles more secure to help reduce the risk of theft.

In the UK market, an enhanced security hardware was introduced in October 2021 on the latest versions of the models that had previously been targeted by criminals. Since then, we have seen a significant drop-off in terms of successful thefts of those models.

For older models we endeavour to create solutions that can offer enhanced protection to our customers.  We cannot divulge the precise nature of the imminent security enhancement; should we do so we risk offering information into the public domain that could be of interest to criminal parties.

The intention is to make the security enhancement available to all vehicles where a countermeasure is available. 

In October 2021 (introduction of NG NX), a new security platform started to be rolled out. There are no reports of theft using the CAN bus injection method on any model with the new platform.

What models are known to be targeted by this issue and are newer models affected?

The model primarily targeted is the Lexus RX Gen 4. Other models have also been targeted.

Which Lexus models can be fitted with the enhanced security feature?

It can be fitted to previous generation RX, NX, plus ES, LC, LS, RC, GS, UX and UXe

When did Lexus first become aware of the vulnerability in the security system?

It is not so much vulnerability of the security systems but more so the growing rise in criminal gangs targeting vehicles for ‘cannibalisation’ and / or complete theft. Instances appear to have been rising significantly from 2019-2020. There are many factors involved and at a global level. This includes parts of the world experiencing parts shortage which results in targeted thefts to supply vehicles and/or parts sent to countries experiencing trade restrictions.

When is the enhanced security upgrade going to be available and will it be free of charge?

Exact timings are still to be confirmed. We anticipate being able to advise the Lexus Centre network with full details soon. The required enhancement needs to be carried out at a Lexus Centre. Costs are under review and customers may incur a nominal charge.

Are new models such as the LBX targeted by thieves?

While no car can be considered 100% immune to criminal intent, more recent models are equipped with enhanced security systems aimed at deterring CAN bus type thefts.

Given that the rise in this type or car theft has been known for several years in other countries and is growing in the UK why wasn’t I told about this?

Lexus takes the issue of car crime very seriously. To protect customers’ vehicles our approach is not to disclose our vehicle theft analysis data. The sharing of information could enable thieves to find ways to circumvent anti–theft technologies or make some models particularly attractive to some thieves and unnecessarily vulnerable to attack.

Why are Lexus owners not being invited to install protective plates to their vehicles and why were they only supplied to London Centres?

Lexus offers a free of charge VPP (Vehicle Protection Plate) to any RX450h customer.  Every Lexus Centre across the UK has access to this part. Parts were issued to London Centres in the first instance in line with where the demand has occurred, but all Centres can order the VPP. The strategy is however, to focus attention not to the roll-out of the VPP but to a sophisticated vehicle enhancement.

What is the countermeasure and the plan moving forwards?

We are continuously developing technical solutions to make our vehicles more secure and reduce the risk of theft. An enhanced security hardware was introduced in October 2021 on the latest versions of the models that had previously been targeted by criminals. Since then, we have seen a significant drop-off in terms of successful thefts of those models.

Also we are able to supply and fit a VPP (Vehicle Protection Plate) to targeted RX models

We endeavour to make available another solution that can offer enhanced protection. Details will follow in the coming weeks. This will be communicated to the Lexus Centre network, which will also be responsible for fitting the enhanced security solution.

Why is there no recall for vehicles susceptible to the CAN bus attack?

Recall announcements in the UK are guided by very specific guidelines as drawn up by Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).  To qualify as a recall, the issue must relate to a safety or thermal type issue where there is potential for injury as a result of vehicle manufacture or component failure.  Only in these such circumstances can a recall be announced. 

In recall circumstances, the DVSA will provide manufacturers access to ownership records for purpose of communication.  Instances of theft do not trigger a recall.

Will Lexus pay for damage caused by an attempted theft?

No. This will need to be addressed by the customer and the vehicle insurers. While we understand theft or attempted theft can be highly upsetting and, in some cases, a costly experience, in such instances customers are first and foremost victims of crime.  Lexus does not cover costs associated with criminal activity either under the terms of the warranty or as goodwill.

What is the position with insuring affected models?

As a manufacturer, we stay close to Lexus Insurance colleagues and indeed all motor insurers. We are aware that in many cases, insurance premiums might have increased as a direct result of vehicle crime. We need to refer you to your insurer for further comment.

460 comments

  1. Hello
    Well the anti theft plate does nothing to stop the damage the thieves cause, they now cause even more damage!!!
    5x this year my car was taken or broken into. I have tracker & immobilizer
    What are lexus going to do to compensate for this stupid mess they have designed into the cars.
    My car value drops every time it is attacked. I also loose time at work & insurance is increasing. Cost cost cost ££££x

  2. Hi,
    Please confirm manufactured June 2022, registered September 2022. Obviously very concerned and have noticed a sharp increase in my insurance premium, which I guess is related.
    After spending almost 1 hour on hold, trying to book in, the CS agent didn’t know how to check and put me on hold. Can you please disseminate the information to at least your dealer network / call centre so we are not left waiting to get information / book in.
    R

    1. Hi there, thanks for your comment.

      We can confirm that your UX is deemed as at risk of CANbus theft. An update was released to the network last Wednesday regarding our security advancements.
      If you would like to confirm your preferred Lexus Centre, we can pass a request over on your behalf. We’ll just delete your response upon sending the request rather than redacting and publishing to protect your details.

      Thanks,

      Lexus UK

    1. Hi Sergio, thanks for getting in touch.

      We are not offering protection plates for this vehicle, but your local Lexus Centre can advise on alternative precautionary measures.

      Thanks,

      Lexus UK

  3. I have just puchased a 2019 NX300H F sport and have been refused to be quoted by nearly 90 percent of insurers, this is something i have never experienced in nearly 24 years of driving. Living in London my premium on this car is being quoted nearly 100% percent higher.
    Not even Lexus Insurance would quote me and i have a clean license with 20 yrs NCB.
    Absolute disgrace and Lexus seem to have become a burden on their customers.

    1. Hi Faisal, thanks for getting in touch.

      We’re sorry to hear this. Most insurers will require a secondary theft deterrent in order to provide insurance cover, this is something that your local Lexus Centre can now assist with.

      Thanks,

      Lexus UK

  4. I called in to my supplying dealer to enquire about the latest security updates and was told I would be contacted by either Lexus if it was a recall or by themselves if not. They did not take my name or car reg.
    My question therefore is will we be contacted automatically or is the onus on us to keep checking with the dealer. As if we didn’t have enough to do in trying to stop our vehicles being stolen.

  5. I have a 2019 RX 450h formerly, now Isle of Man registration . Despite numerous visits, my local Lexus dealer in the Isle of Man knows nothing about a VPP. Can you please explain it to them so I can get one fitted?

    1. Hi John, thanks for getting in touch.

      We have just passed a request over to your local Toyota Centre to get this booked in. We have used the email address you used for this comment, so please keep an eye on that for their response.

      Thanks,

      Lexus UK

      1. I have still not heard anything from my local Lexus or Toyota dealers and I do check my spam. I have a service booked in with Van Mossel Jacksons Isle of Man, my local Lexus dealer on 2nd December. Can you please get in touch with them so I can get this done?
        John

    1. Hi Piers, thanks for your comment.

      Your UX is deemed as at risk of CANbus theft. We would recommend getting in touch with your local Lexus Centre for further assistance.

      Thanks,

      Lexus UK

  6. Hi ,
    I have a RX 450H that has the unencrypted CAN bus Issue.
    I had the plates fitted to the left and right by Lexus when I purchased the car 6 months ago from Lexus . I’ve been following this thread, but can you confirm what additional work you have released to the dealer network to solve this unencrypted CAN bus issue as it’s not clear what Lexus is offering here to solve this for the owner and insurance industry ?
    Is it a new ECU H/W , a S/W update or what ?

    Thanks

    1. Hi Ian, thanks for your comment.

      We have partnered with security specialist Tracker Network (UK) to fit trackers to affected vehicles. Your local Lexus Centre can provide further support with this.

      Thanks,

      Lexus UK

      1. Thanks for the reply but I have a question having also spoken to the dealer

        Is this the final Lexus’s UK “fix” for the CANbus issues as the vulnerability is a global Lexus issue ?

        or

        Is Lexus working on a final “fix” to stop the CANbus been used for entry, on top of the plates I have fitted ?

        As the Tracker or the Plates are not a fix , but a disappointing “plaster“ to the Lexus unencrypted CANbus design, and I now need to make a decision to have a “Lexus Tracker” fitted or not, in addition to what I have already paid for in security technology for the car as I don’t want an ongoing subscription after the Lexus 3yr offer runs out.

        Is there a “Real” Lexus Software or Hardware fix in the pipeline for my vulnerable RX450H as I’ve spoken to the dealer for guidance .

        thanks

        1. Hi Ian, thanks for your response.

          The topic of vehicle crime and our actions against it are an ongoing effort, but we have no further information on any enhancements to offer at this time.

          Thanks

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