A recent ruling by a Quebec Superior Court judge has given the green light to a class-action lawsuit claiming that car thieves can easily intercept key fob signals. This legal action represents Quebec residents whose vehicles equipped with remote car access and starting systems were stolen on or after May 2, 2021, regardless of the manufacturing date of the vehicle. The lawsuit alleges that car companies neglected the proper security measures against theft in their key fob systems over the years.
Furthermore, the lawsuit asserts that the on-board diagnostics systems of these companies also expose cars to theft, enabling individuals to start a car forcibly after breaking in and accessing the hood. Recent incidents have shown that thieves have successfully stolen vehicles by replicating or mimicking the signals emitted by key fobs.
Judge Clément Samson’s ruling, issued recently, approved the class action against 13 automakers, including Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Mazda, FCA, Ford, Audi, Kia, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Volkswagen, and Volvo. However, the request to include Porsche, Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW in the class action was denied. Cases involving ultra-wideband technology were also excluded from the lawsuit.
Although vehicle thefts in Quebec and across Canada surged during the pandemic, recent data indicates a decrease in theft rates. A report released this week revealed a 19% drop in thefts across Canada in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
The lead plaintiff in this case, André Lacroix, bought a 2018 Toyota Highlander in June of that year. In April 2022, his car was stolen from his daughter’s home in Boucherville, despite locking it with his key fob. Lacroix highlights the lack of security warnings in the owner’s manual regarding the smart keys associated with the vehicle. The lawsuit aims to represent over 10,000 car theft victims in the province and seeks compensation of $1,500 for each stolen vehicle post-May 2, 2021.
Moreover, the lawsuit requests an additional $1,500 for each vehicle sold or leased between May 2, 2021, and May 2, 2024, with the funds going to a non-profit advocating for consumer protection. It also demands a recall of the vehicles by automakers to enhance their security against theft. The approval of the class action allows the case to progress, potentially leading to a trial, with automakers having 30 days to appeal the decision. Victims of car theft eligible to participate in this lawsuit are encouraged to contact Éric Bouchard, one of the attorneys involved.