Vehicle trackers may not help recover stolen cars, experts warn

Ian Fogg, a smartphone analyst, had his car stolen from outside his house in March. Despite having its live location data and a doorbell video recording of the theft, he has been unable to retrieve it. The manufacturer, Kia, can view the car's live location via its Kia Connect service, but the company told the BBC that UK law prevents the Connect function from being used to live track vehicles.

Instead, it advises customers to use it for "convenience" rather than security. Fogg's story highlights the gap between consumer expectation and the technical reality of so-called connected car features. He had video doorbell evidence of the car being driven away, an Apple Airtag hidden inside it, and the Kia Connect service.

However, thieves disconnected his phone via the entertainment system, which has an unsecured process for doing so. Fogg watched the car drive off via his video doorbell and was able to track it via the Apple Airtag for a short while, until the thieves located it and discarded it. When he contacted Kia, he was told he would have to fill in a form every time he requested the location of his car, and he did not receive the location until 24-48 hours after the car had been recorded there.

Kia told the BBC that Kia Connect is a customer convenience feature, not a certified security vehicle tracker, and does not provide live-tracking functionality for stolen vehicles. The company said it must comply with all applicable laws, including GDPR, and work with authorities to minimize risk to the customer. Thatcham Research, a car safety firm, recommends that car owners use an independently certified tracking device.

The organization advises that devices should carry their own independent power source and provide genuine real-time location monitoring via a professional monitoring centre. Fogg expressed his frustration with the difference in security measures between his car and his phone. "Both cars and phones include mobile phone radios, satellite location chips, short-range wireless activity and sophisticated software," he said.

"But while the phone industry has strengthened theft protection measures in recent years, the situation in the car industry is worse." Nearly 55,000 cars were stolen in the UK in 2025, an 11% decrease on the year before. On average, around 13% of stolen vehicles are retrieved, according to the car seller Cinch. Why this matters: The limitations of vehicle trackers have significant implications for car owners, who may rely on these features for security.

The discrepancy between consumer expectation and technical reality highlights the need for clearer communication from manufacturers about the capabilities of their connected car features. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for manufacturers to prioritize security and invest in independently certified tracking devices that can provide real-time location monitoring and help recover stolen vehicles. Ultimately, car owners must be aware of the limitations of their vehicle's tracking system and take additional steps to protect their property.