How to Defeat Tesla Thieves – Practical Security Advice
Tesla vehicles are among the most advanced and secure cars on the road — but like any high-value, connected tech product, they can still attract unwanted attention. Thieves are increasingly targeting electric vehicles for their components and resale value. Thankfully, Tesla offers built-in features that, if properly used, can drastically reduce your risk. The cameras used in modern cars coupled with video app notifications (premium feature) makes stealing a Tesla quite high risk.
The truth is, with enough time, a thief can steal any car they want. ‘Time’ is the vital part of this statement. The best thing to do to secure your Tesla is to activate ‘pin to drive‘. Regardless of how they manage to get access to your key and into your car, this simple 4 digit pin will put off most thieves as it requires an extra 10 minutes and technical expertise. Much more convenient to just steal any other car.
This guide outlines practical steps using a multi-layered approach to deter theft and secure your car, inspired by the “Swiss cheese” model of security: every layer has holes, but stacked together, they form a solid defence.
🛡️ The Swiss Cheese Approach: Layered Protection
The more layers of security you enable, the harder it becomes for anyone to steal or compromise your car. Recommended layers include:
- 🔑 Set a strong, unique Tesla account password and enable MFA/2FA
- ✅ Enable PIN to Drive
- 🏠 Improve home security (CCTV, lighting, no public holiday posts, etc.)
- 📲 Enable Motion & Fitness data on your Tesla app (Model 3/Y/S/X)
- 🔒 Disable Passive Entry, especially on older Model S/X with fobs
- 🛰️ Install extra trackers (AirTag, Tile, or GPS-based tracker)
- 💧 Mark components with SmartWater or other forensic identifiers
- 🔐 Use mechanical locks like DiskLok if parked long-term
🔓 Known Theft Methods & How to Block Them
1. The Internet Hack
IMPORTANCE: HIGH
Problem: Compromised Tesla credentials via shared passwords or phishing. Someone that has your email and password can log into the Tesla app, see the location of your car and add his phone as a new key and transfer the car to another account so you can’t track it or get into it anymore.
Solution:
- Use a unique and complex password for your Tesla account
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Avoid entering passwords while in public Wi-Fi
- Use trusted password managers only
It is very rare you need to login to your Tesla account. Don’t click on links in emails and then proceed to type in your credentials.
2. Relay Attack (Physical Key Fob)
IMPORTANCE: MEDIUM
Problem: Thieves extend the signal from your key fob (key cards are safe from this attack) using radio relay equipment. This is typically only an issue while you are asleep at home.
Solution:
- Disable Passive Entry in the settings (100% effective) – applicable to Model S/X that have physical keys. Tesla’s passive entry system allows the vehicle to automatically unlock and lock when a paired key fob or phone key is within a certain proximity, without the need for any button presses or key fob interaction
- Alternatively, store keys in a Faraday pouch or metal box at home or simply stop keeping the keys directly by the front door.
- Don’t forget about spare keys — store them securely too
3. Phone-Based Bluetooth Relay Attack
Problem: Exploits Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) on your phone to unlock the car. You can find more technical details here. It is similar to the keyless entry key fob attacks.
Solution:
- Enable Motion & Fitness tracking for the Tesla app. By using motion data, the app can more effectively detect if your phone is stationary, potentially preventing a “radio repeat attack” where thieves use a signal repeater to trick the car into unlocking.
- Automatically disable Bluetooth overnight using Apple Shortcuts or Android Tasker
4. Physical Key Theft (or Key Card Theft)
Problem: Thieves steal your keys directly (fishing rods, burglary, pickpocketing).
Solution:
- Use PIN to Drive — even with your keys, they can’t drive away without the PIN (or at least ads a good 10 extra minutes)
- Don’t leave keys visible or unattended near entry points
5. RFID Key Copy Hack
Problem: Thieves clone the emergency RFID tag embedded in the physical key (model S/X) which is used as backup for when the battery dies.
Solution:
- Again, enable PIN to Drive
- Keep your key fobs away from public access (e.g., tyre shops, valets)
- Consider upgrading to V2 key fobs if you have an older Model S/X (introduced late 2018).
6. Onboard Reprogramming Hack
Problem: Some thieves attempt to plug into internal cabling and program new keys.
Solution:
- No direct fix yet. Best prevention is deterrence — use multiple visible and hidden layers of protection
7. Signal Intercept or Jamming
Problem: Thieves block the wireless signal when you try and lock your car.
Solution:
- Enable Walk-Away Locking instead of having to manually lock it with the key
- Ensure regular car software updates
🧠 Extra Steps to Deter a Determined Thief or to Track Them Down
- 🛰️ Install AirTags or Tile Pro – Discreet trackers can help recover a stolen vehicle or lead to parts in the case of dismantling. While Teslas have integrated GPS and cell service, those specialising in stealing Teslas will know how to disable both.
- 🛡️ Use steering wheel lock – Adds visible, physical protection and deters opportunists.
- 🧪 Apply SmartWater/DNA Forensic Marking – Unique traceable liquid to mark components and act as a forensic deterrent
- 🔍 Install a hidden GPS tracker – Add a decoy tracker in an obvious spot to trick dismantlers
- 💡 Upgrade home security – Position cameras at head height, add motion lighting, or install driveway bollards
- 📵 Stay quiet on social media – Don’t broadcast when you’re away or on holiday
- 🧑🤝🧑 Talk to neighbours – Having someone keep an eye out can make a difference
- 🔌 Plug your car in – Physically connected cars take longer to steal, ideal for when you go on holiday.
Staying ahead of Tesla theft techniques doesn’t require paranoia — just smart, layered security habits. Tesla’s are incredibly safe vehicles and due to their high availability the parts are worth far less than most other cars of same age. I mean, Tesla doesn’t even use security wheel nuts. The cameras are a greater deterrent to a would-be wheel thief than a anti-theft bolt/nut.
