Can A Tesla Car Be Stolen?
Can a Tesla car be stolen? That’s a big concern for any Tesla owner.
Tesla cars are packed with advanced security features, but does that mean they’re theft-proof? Not exactly. While Tesla theft rates are much lower than other vehicles, no car is completely immune to being stolen.
How Hard Is It to Steal a Tesla?
Teslas are among the hardest cars to steal. Here’s why:
- No traditional key: Teslas don’t have a physical ignition like gas cars.
- Keyless entry and encryption: The key fob or phone key is highly secure.
- PIN-to-Drive: Even if a thief gets inside, they need a PIN to start the car.
- GPS tracking: Every Tesla is trackable via the Tesla app.
- Sentry Mode: Built-in cameras record activity around the car.
Even with all these features, Teslas have been stolen before, but far less often than traditional cars.
Can a Tesla Be Stolen Without the Key?
Technically, yes—but it’s rare.
Here’s how thieves could attempt to steal a Tesla:
1. Key Fob Relay Attacks
- Some Tesla models use a key fob.
- Thieves use a relay device to extend the signal from your key fob, tricking the car into unlocking.
- This method only works if the key fob is nearby (like inside your house).
How to prevent it: Store your key fob in a Faraday pouch to block signals.
2. Tesla App Hacking
- If a hacker gains access to your Tesla account, they could unlock and start the car.
- This is why two-factor authentication (2FA) is essential.
How to prevent it: Use a strong password and enable 2FA in the Tesla app.
3. Software Vulnerabilities
- In rare cases, researchers have found software bugs that could allow access.
- Tesla regularly patches security flaws through over-the-air (OTA) updates.
How to prevent it: Keep your Tesla’s software updated at all times.
How Does Tesla Prevent Theft?
Tesla has built-in security features that make stealing one incredibly difficult.
1. PIN-to-Drive
- Even if a thief gets inside, they need a four-digit PIN to start the car.
- This feature prevents theft even if your key is stolen.
2. Sentry Mode
- Tesla’s exterior cameras record motion around the car.
- If someone tries to break in, Sentry Mode captures video footage.
- Videos are saved to a USB drive inside the car.
3. GPS Tracking
- If a Tesla is stolen, the owner can track its location using the Tesla app.
- This makes recovery easier compared to traditional vehicles.
4. Automatic Locking
- If you walk away, the car locks automatically.
- Even if you forget to lock it, Tesla prevents easy entry.
How Often Are Teslas Stolen?
Compared to other cars, Teslas have one of the lowest theft rates.
Car Theft Rate Comparison:
| Car Model | Annual Theft Rate |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model S | 0.3 thefts per 1,000 cars |
| Tesla Model 3 | 0.4 thefts per 1,000 cars |
| Honda Accord | 4.7 thefts per 1,000 cars |
| Ford F-150 | 3.9 thefts per 1,000 cars |
Why are Teslas stolen so much less?
- Most Teslas require internet access and Tesla authentication to be driven.
- GPS tracking makes recovery easier.
- Without a valid Tesla account, thieves can’t resell them easily.
What Happens If a Tesla Is Stolen?
If someone manages to steal your Tesla, here’s what to do:
- Open the Tesla app and check the GPS location.
- Call the police and report the theft.
- Use Sentry Mode footage (if available) to provide evidence.
- Contact Tesla Support—they may be able to disable the car remotely.
Most stolen Teslas are recovered quickly because of GPS tracking.
FAQs About Tesla Theft
Can someone steal a Tesla without a key?
It’s possible but extremely difficult. PIN-to-Drive and GPS tracking make it nearly impossible for thieves to drive away undetected.
Has a Tesla ever been stolen?
Yes, but Teslas have a much lower theft rate than traditional cars.
What’s the best way to protect a Tesla from theft?
Enable PIN-to-Drive, use two-factor authentication, and store your key fob in a Faraday pouch.
Can thieves hack the Tesla app to steal a car?
If someone gains access to your Tesla account, they could unlock the car. This is why enabling two-factor authentication is crucial.
Can Tesla remotely disable a stolen car?
Yes, Tesla can disable remote access features, but they cannot completely stop the car from being driven.
The Verdict: Can a Tesla Be Stolen?
Yes, but it’s extremely rare.
Tesla’s security features make it one of the hardest cars to steal. GPS tracking, PIN-to-Drive, and Sentry Mode provide layers of protection that most vehicles don’t have.
While no car is theft-proof, owning a Tesla significantly reduces the risk of losing your vehicle to criminals.
What to Do If Your Tesla Is Stolen
Even though Teslas are difficult to steal, it’s still important to know what to do in case it happens.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Check the Tesla App: Open the app and check the car’s GPS location.
- Call the Police: Report the theft and provide them with the car’s last known location.
- Use Sentry Mode Footage: If available, download and share it with authorities.
- Disable Mobile Access: If you suspect hackers, disable mobile access in the app.
- Contact Tesla Support: Tesla may be able to assist in tracking or disabling remote functions.
The faster you act, the better your chances of recovering your Tesla.
Can Thieves Bypass Tesla’s Security Features?
Thieves would need advanced skills and tools to bypass Tesla’s security. Here’s why:
- PIN-to-Drive: Prevents anyone from driving the car without entering a four-digit code.
- GPS Tracking: The owner can see the car’s location at all times.
- Firmware Locks: Even if stolen, Tesla cars require authentication to install software updates.
These features make Tesla theft very difficult compared to traditional vehicles.
How Do Stolen Teslas Get Recovered?
Most stolen Teslas are recovered quickly because of GPS tracking.
Real-World Tesla Recovery Cases:
- In 2021, a Tesla owner in Canada used the Tesla app to track and recover his stolen car.
- A thief in California was caught after the Tesla automatically reported its location to police.
With GPS tracking, Tesla owners have a major advantage over traditional car owners when it comes to recovering stolen vehicles.
Tips to Make Your Tesla Even More Secure
Want to add extra protection? Here’s how:
1. Enable PIN-to-Drive
Even if someone steals your key, they won’t be able to drive the car without the PIN.
2. Keep Your Key Fob in a Faraday Pouch
This prevents relay attacks that can intercept and extend the key’s signal.
3. Activate Sentry Mode
This will record video footage of any suspicious activity around your car.
4. Use Two-Factor Authentication
Enable 2FA on your Tesla account to prevent hackers from gaining access.
5. Be Cautious with Third-Party Apps
Only use trusted apps that require Tesla login credentials.
FAQs About Tesla Theft
Can someone steal a Tesla without a key?
It’s possible but extremely difficult. PIN-to-Drive and GPS tracking make it nearly impossible for thieves to drive away undetected.
Has a Tesla ever been stolen?
Yes, but Teslas have a much lower theft rate than traditional cars.
What’s the best way to protect a Tesla from theft?
Enable PIN-to-Drive, use two-factor authentication, and store your key fob in a Faraday pouch.
Can thieves hack the Tesla app to steal a car?
If someone gains access to your Tesla account, they could unlock the car. This is why enabling two-factor authentication is crucial.
Can Tesla remotely disable a stolen car?
Yes, Tesla can disable remote access features, but they cannot completely stop the car from being driven.
The Verdict: Can a Tesla Be Stolen?
Yes, but it’s extremely rare.
Tesla’s security features make it one of the hardest cars to steal. GPS tracking, PIN-to-Drive, and Sentry Mode provide layers of protection that most vehicles don’t have.
While no car is theft-proof, owning a Tesla significantly reduces the risk of losing your vehicle to criminals.
