If you ever wondered as to why the Cadillac Escalade is the most highly sought-after vehicle for automotive thieves, the following will probably explain the reason.
Local Detroit news station WXYZ has discovered a rather shocking security issue in all SUVs based on the GMT900 architecture that allows thieves to carjack the full-size SUVs in as little as 14 seconds. The models that rest on this platform include the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the GMC Yukon, and of course, the shiny Cadillac Escalade.
The thieving technique takes advantage of two major issues: an alarm flaw and a steering column flaw. Bandits begin the act by smashing in a window to make their way inside the vehicle, where they then are able to shift it into neutral and proceed to have it pushed away by another vehicle. They then proceed to strip it for thousands of dollars worth of parts and equipment, including the rims, the GPS system and paneling. The vehicle’s alarm is not sent off and the job is done as quickly as it started.
Due to the use of other anti-theft technology such as microchipped keys, steering wheel locks have been omitted from the design of the column altogether from as early back as the 2010 model year. However, the locks installed into the 2011 model year SUVs have shown signs of failing, as seen in the video. Now the question isn’t whether General Motors will get to the bottom of the matter and install systems that can deter criminals away from somebody’s prized SUV, but how soon it will do so.
Source: WXYZ.com
Comments
I’ve like the Suburban but shocked that a car half the price has better theft protection. Come on GM fix Suburbans, Denali, Escalade and while your at it modernize / update
but then there’s already been an update for the 2012 trucks on anti-theft devices though