DETROIT, MICHIGAN – Ford Motor Co. has increased security measures in its F-150 pickups to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated vehicle theft techniques. The updated technology is designed to help owners prevent the hassle and financial loss of stolen trucks, including a feature that prevents the engine from starting even if a key fob is present.
Although vehicle thefts in the U.S. have recently declined, more than 850,000 vehicles were stolen in 2024, resulting in $8 billion in losses. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported a 23% drop in thefts during the first half of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. Ford’s F-150 remains among the most stolen models due to its popularity and the valuable tools and equipment often carried in the truck bed. Ford Secure’s “Start Inhibit” feature, first introduced with the 2024 F-150, allows owners to disable their engine via the FordPass smartphone app, preventing thieves from starting the vehicle. The feature was added to the F-250 Super Duty in 2025 and will expand to additional models in 2026.
The system also includes smartphone alerts for unauthorized entry, open doors, or vehicle movement, and integrates with police agencies. When a theft is reported, Ford coordinates with law enforcement to locate the stolen vehicle and remotely disable its engine, often recovering the truck within an hour. Experts note that modern auto theft is largely professional, with criminals reprogramming vehicles for resale or using them in other crimes. While thefts remain a concern, statistics show the enhanced security measures are helping: New York saw a drop from 196,000 stolen vehicles in 1990 to just over 10,000 this year, and Detroit experienced a decrease from 9,260 thefts in 2023 to 8,408 last year, with further declines in 2025. Police and industry officials continue to adapt technology and strategies to reduce auto theft nationwide.
