A class action in Quebec alleges that 13 automakers failed to make their vehicles less vulnerable to theft, that automakers didn't do enough to make the key technology secure, that key fob signals are too easy for car thieves to intercept.

The lawsuit alleges the companies spent years using the key fob system "without worrying about the appropriate level of security against theft."

It claims these companies' on-board diagnostics systems also make cars vulnerable to theft, since it would allow someone to force a car to start after breaking into it and opening the hood.

In a ruling issued on Wednesday, Judge Clément Samson approved the class action for the following 13 automakers: Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Mazda, FCA, Ford, Audi, BMW, Kia, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Volkswagen and Volvo.

The judge ruled against a request to include Porsche, Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

"The owner's manual provides absolutely no warning regarding the security of the smart keys associated with this vehicle," the lawsuit states.

Lacroix wants the car manufacturers to admit responsibility for having created a "design flaw enabling the theft of the group members' vehicles and for not having at least warned consumers of a security defect in their keys."

The lawsuit also calls on the judge to order the automakers to recall their vehicles and modify them to make them less vulnerable to theft.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/key-fob-car-thefts-lawsuit-1.7598268

A report released this week found thefts are down 19 per cent in Canada in the first half of 2025 compared to the same time period in 2024.