The German Automobile Club (ADAC) regularly tests cars for relay-theft vulnerability. Their results are a very useful guide, but not a total guarantee for UK-spec cars, as features can vary by market and model year.
ADAC reports that of the 802 cars tested only 117 (14%) have strong relay theft protection, typically UWB. Of the 685 cars that don’t have strong relay theft protection only 129 (16%) have any meaningful anti-relay mitigation, typically motion-sensor key fobs.
Of the 802 cars tested 556 (69%) lack any relay theft protection.
The list of cars tested in ADACs 2025 report (.pdf) is in German but easy to follow. Column headings in the report translated here:
| Hersteller | Modell | Erstzulassung | Illegales Öffnen möglich? | Illegaler Motorstart möglich? | besser gesichert mit UWB | mit Bewegungssensor | Testjahr | Kommentar |
| Manufacturer | Model | First registration | Illegal opening possible? | Illegal engine start possible? | Better secured with UWB | with motion sensor | Test year | Comment |
Ja = Yes
Nein = No

Leave a Reply