4RX and theft
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,047
Likes: 135
From: AB
My 2018 RX350 F Sport 2 was recently stolen and at least in Canada, there are daily reports of RX350s being stolen and shipped overseas. Apparently they are boosting the signal from the fob and opening the doors and then driving away all in less than 15 seconds .
This is also a problem with the Toyota Highlander. Of course Lexus denies any issues and why would they??? They get to keep selling more cars while owners get screwed.
Sadly, they found my vehicle but who knows the condition. Now I get to spend the next 3.5 years of my lease wondering if/when it wilw get stolen again and having to store the fobs in metal boxes.
Be forewarned. This is a HUGE problem for Lexus and shame on them for ignoring it. NEVER EVER WILL I PURCHASE A LEXUS AND WILL TELL EVERYONE I CAN ABOUT THEIR REFUSAL TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE .
This is also a problem with the Toyota Highlander. Of course Lexus denies any issues and why would they??? They get to keep selling more cars while owners get screwed.
Sadly, they found my vehicle but who knows the condition. Now I get to spend the next 3.5 years of my lease wondering if/when it wilw get stolen again and having to store the fobs in metal boxes.
Be forewarned. This is a HUGE problem for Lexus and shame on them for ignoring it. NEVER EVER WILL I PURCHASE A LEXUS AND WILL TELL EVERYONE I CAN ABOUT THEIR REFUSAL TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE .
Last edited by Htony; Dec 10, 2018 at 09:41 PM.
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 232
Likes: 66
From: CA
The easiest and most convenient way is to drop your key into a metal box. Leave the box as far away from your car as practically in your house (e.g. not near the outter wall that litterally everyone outside can stand next to the key with only the wall in between, not placing near the front door). Metal box will block or significantly reduce the key signal (like when you’re standing the elevator).
the hack works by amplifying the signal from the key and tricking the car into thinking the key is next to the doors. Then the hacker can just place their hand on the door handle to open the doors and start the car. Without the key signal, they can’t amplify it. Without amplifying the original signal from the key, the hack won’t work.
Edit: I also learned another way is to find a box and wrap it in multiple layer of aluminum foil. Do it carefully in multiple layer to prevent signal leaking.
the hack works by amplifying the signal from the key and tricking the car into thinking the key is next to the doors. Then the hacker can just place their hand on the door handle to open the doors and start the car. Without the key signal, they can’t amplify it. Without amplifying the original signal from the key, the hack won’t work.
Edit: I also learned another way is to find a box and wrap it in multiple layer of aluminum foil. Do it carefully in multiple layer to prevent signal leaking.
Last edited by qvtruong; Dec 10, 2018 at 10:14 PM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 162
From: or
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 581
From: New York
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 232
Likes: 66
From: CA
Mann why do you sound so pessimistic?!?
Sure every technology has loopholes. But do you really think a regular thief will break into your house, somehow take and copy your fingerprint in front of you, unlock the car, and go away? If they can do that to you, I think your own life is already at risk and you shouldn't think about the safety of your car in that moment. They could just force you to unlock the car for them...
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,271
Likes: 1,211
From: IL
The keyless entry feature can be turned off. This is intended for folks with a pacemaker device
that would be vulnerable to the RF signals from the car searching for the fob. You then simply
use the mechanical key that slips out of the fob to open the car. The page that ravenaur provided
is used to disable the key, also useful if you are jogging, biking, swimming and don't want to lug
around the $350, heavy and not waterproof fob. Just lock the car with the inside power lock button
after defeating the fob, slip the mechanical key out and close the door. When you return you just
use the (hidden on some models) driver's door lock cylinder and open the door..
that would be vulnerable to the RF signals from the car searching for the fob. You then simply
use the mechanical key that slips out of the fob to open the car. The page that ravenaur provided
is used to disable the key, also useful if you are jogging, biking, swimming and don't want to lug
around the $350, heavy and not waterproof fob. Just lock the car with the inside power lock button
after defeating the fob, slip the mechanical key out and close the door. When you return you just
use the (hidden on some models) driver's door lock cylinder and open the door..
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 210
Likes: 26
From: ME
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 162
From: or
There is a tiny red light that flashes- do you have a leather case on your fob? it can obscure it.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 581
From: New York
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 581
From: New York
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 210
Likes: 26
From: ME
Driver
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 175
Likes: 11
From: NY
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 308
Likes: 60
From: Virginia
