GM Lawsuit: Chevy, GMC, Cadillac Models Are Theft-Prone Due to ‘Hackable’ Key Fob System

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General Motors faces a proposed class action lawsuit that claims “hackable” keyless entry technology has rendered certain Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac models highly prone to theft.

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According to the 47-page GM lawsuit, the allegedly defective key fob system, whose radio signal can be easily cloned and used to unlock a vehicle without activating the security alarm, has made tens of thousands of cars “prime target[s]” for thieves, including the following 2010 to present models:

• Chevrolet Tahoe;
• Chevrolet Suburban;
• Chevrolet Silverado;
• GMC Yukon;
• GMC Yukon XL;
• GMC Sierra;
• Cadillac Escalade; and
• Cadillac Escalade ESV.

The class action suit asserts that the signal between the key fob and the vehicle’s computer can be easily intercepted by a nearby cloning device, which then replays the code to “trick” the car into thinking the real key fob is within range. This allows car thieves to unlock and start the vehicle and drive away without setting off any alarms, the complaint says.

The allegedly defective technology, whose intercepted signal can be used to unlock and start a car “within a matter of 20-30 seconds,” compromises the security of consumers’ vehicles and poses serious safety risks to owners, the filing claims.

As the lawsuit tells it, the issue has resulted in a flood of online how-to videos that provide easy directions for replicating a key fob signal and using it to steal a car. Cloning devices are also readily sold online at relatively low cost and can be as small as a smartphone, the suit states.

In addition to the apparently hackable key fob system, the GM vehicles are equipped with a defective onboard diagnostics port, the case contends. Per the complaint, criminals can easily access and connect this port to a handheld device purchased online to hack into the car’s computer system, program a new key fob and drive away without detection.

The filing charges that GM, despite knowing the vehicles are particularly prone to theft, has failed to remedy the problem, issue a safety recall or adequately rectify the damage suffered by consumers. Instead, the suit claims the automaker has “remained silent” and concealed the existence of the apparent defects “while thefts continue to soar.”

The automaker is no stranger to these allegations, as a similar lawsuit against GM claims 2010-2023 model year Chevy Camaros are also plagued by the same theft problem.

The new case looks to represent all consumers in Texas who purchased and/or lease or leased one of the Chevrolet, GMC or Cadillac vehicles listed on this page.

Learn all about the legal process: What is a class action lawsuit?