GM faces lawsuit over trucks allowing thieves easy access

General Motors is facing a class action lawsuit over allegations that certain models of their trucks and SUVs are at high risk of keyless entry theft. The lawsuit claims that GM never issued a safety recall or provided a fix for the issue, leaving owners vulnerable to theft.

Keyless entry systems have become a common convenience in modern vehicles, allowing for easy access without the need for physical keys. However, this convenience has also made it easier for criminals to steal vehicles using sophisticated tools to intercept and clone the signal. Jeremy Burkett, a Texas resident and the plaintiff in the case, had his 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 stolen without any indication of forced entry or alarms being triggered.

Burkett believes that the thief used a cloning device near his front door to capture the key fob signal and steal his truck. Although Burkett was compensated for the loss by his insurer, he alleges that GM has not taken sufficient action to prevent keyless entry theft. He now owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 with keyless entry and continues to worry about the safety of his vehicle.

The lawsuit includes Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Sierra, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV models built from 2010 to the present as being affected by the vulnerability. GM has been accused of acknowledging the issue but failing to issue a safety recall, provide warranty coverage, or offer a proper remedy for the problem.

Owners of vehicles with keyless entry systems can take precautions to reduce the risk of theft. Storing keys in a secure location, such as a locked garage or a Faraday pouch that blocks wireless signals, can help prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle. These simple steps can make a significant difference in protecting vehicles from keyless entry theft.

In conclusion, the class action lawsuit against General Motors highlights the need for car manufacturers to address security vulnerabilities in modern vehicles. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial for companies to stay ahead of potential threats to ensure the safety and security of vehicle owners. Owners can take steps to protect their vehicles, but ultimately, it is the responsibility of manufacturers to address these issues and provide solutions to prevent theft and unauthorized access to vehicles.