Owners of stolen vehicles thanks to vulnerable intelligent keys can now continue 13 car manufacturers, but BMW and Mercedes-Benz have escaped the accusations after having secured their systems since 2018.
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The Superior Court of Quebec rendered on July 30 a judgment partially authorizing a collective action against the automotive industry in which judge Clément Samson distinguishes manufacturers according to their securing efforts.
Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and nine other brands will have to answer thefts facilitated by their vulnerable keys, while BMW and Mercedes-Benz are exempt for equipping their automatic deactivation keys after two minutes.
Authorization granted
• Toyota
• Honda
• Hyundai
• Nissan
• Mazda
• FCA
• Ford
• Audi
• be
• Mitsubishi
• Subaru
• Volkswagen
• Volvo
Rejected authorization
• BMW
• Mercedes-Benz
• Jaguar Land Rover
• Porsche
• General Motors
“They just don’t have Updaté Their technology, analyzes cybersecurity expert Stéphane Auger. The cost is major for updating a pack of smart keys. ”
What protection?
The court established by presumption that André Lacroix, retired engineer from Boucherville, was the victim of a relay attack in April 2022. His Toyota Highlander disappeared during the nightless night, the keys being in his coat near the entrance.
This technique allows thieves to capture and relay the key signal from outside the residences. The German study ADAC, accepted by the court, reveals that 598 out of 648 vehicles tested remain vulnerable to relay attacks.
“With the intelligent keys receptors, as soon as you are at a certain distance, you can use your scanner to copy the signal,” explains Mr. Auger.
The figures hurt
Association equity statistics indicate that car flight complaints increased from $ 80M in 2016 to $ 372 million in 2022. Despite a drop of 22% in Quebec for the first half of 2025, almost 500 vehicles are still stolen in the country every day.
The judgment recognizes several legal foundations, in particular the obligation to information on the important facts and the legitimate expectations of consumers concerning security. “This decision establishes that manufacturers have a contributory to theft, even with criminal intervention,” notes the court.
“The judge should order them to change the keys,” says Auger. In Quebec, you could demand that all the keys have automatic deactivation after two minutes. It would be the responsible thing to do. “
Victims can claim $ 1,500 in compensatory damage and $ 1,500 in punitive damage per vehicle. However, underlines the expert, “in theft cases, your insurance premium will mount, so $ 3,000, it’s like three years of additional insurance premium”.