GM Facing Lawsuit Over Easily Hackable Keyfobs Leading To Vehicle Theft

GM is facing a new class action lawsuit alleging its keyless entry systems are easily compromised, making several of its models prime targets for theft.

Per a report from CarComplaints, the new lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, claiming that GM’s wireless key fob systems can be hacked using signal-cloning devices that enables thieves to unlock and drive off with vehicles, all without any visible signs of forced entry.

The lead plaintiff states that his 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 was stolen directly from his driveway using just such a method. According to the lawsuit, the thieves likely used a device to amplify and capture the key fob signal from inside his home, then create a key fob clone. The truck was never recovered, though his insurance covered the financial loss. Despite the incident, Burkett later purchased a 2023 Sierra with a similar system, citing ongoing anxiety about theft risks.

The lawsuit identifies several popular GM models as vulnerable to these key fob cloning techniques, including the Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, Chevy Silverado, GMC Yukon, GMC Sierra, and Cadillac Escalade. These vehicles reportedly suffer from two key security shortcomings – hackable key fob signals, and poorly secured OBDII ports, with the latter allows thieves to connect a handheld device to the onboard computer to create a new key fob.

According to the complaint, GM has long been aware of these vulnerabilities, but has yet to implement an effective solution to mitigate the risk. The lawsuit draws parallels to earlier high-profile cases against Hyundai and Kia, which also faced backlash over similar anti-theft system deficiencies. In those cases, widespread thefts led to recalls, public relations fallout, and settlements.

Other GM vehicles are also vulnerable to these types of techniques. In a report last year, Chevy Camaro theft surged 1,000 percent in Los Angeles, with police alleging thieves are bypassing security systems using cloned ignition keys.