ADAC investigation reveals widespread insecure keyless entry systems across multiple car brands, raising theft risk and potential recall costs
Executive summary: ADAC released an investigation showing that numerous car models still employ keyless entry systems vulnerable to relay attacks, enabling unauthorized vehicle access. The flaw exposes owners to increased theft risk, could trigger costly recalls or retrofits, and may lead to new automotive cybersecurity regulations.
Who is involved: ADAC, German automobile manufacturers (various brands), vehicle owners, and potentially federal transport authorities.
Likely next: Affected OEMs may announce firmware updates or recalls; the KBA or EU cybersecurity bodies could review keyless security standards; ADAC may publish a detailed list of vulnerable models.
The ADAC tested a range of vehicles and found that many still use keyless entry radios that can be relay‑attacked, allowing thieves to unlock and start cars without the physical key. The organization warned that the vulnerability affects both premium and mass‑market models, though it did not name all affected brands in the excerpt. The finding puts pressure on manufacturers to issue software updates or hardware fixes and may invite regulator scrutiny of automotive cybersecurity standards.
Timeline
- — Keyless: Welche Automarken weiterhin auf unsichere Schlüsselsysteme setzen (Handelsblatt)
Analysis — what this means
Sectors affected
Historical parallels
- 2015 Jeep Cherokee keyless entry hack demonstrated by Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek
Key entities
Sources
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