Toyota says it has "no update" as it works to combat HiLux, LandCruiser thefts

Toyota Australia has “no update” to the ongoing theft issue affecting some of its best-selling models, including the RAV4 SUV, HiLux and LandCruiser, with millions of dollars’ worth stolen as part of an alleged global crime syndicate.

John Pappas, who took over from Sean Hanley as the company’s vice president of sales and marketing in January 2026, told media at a press conference in Sydney the company had no news on a fix following a spate of Toyota thefts.

“No further announcements,” Mr Pappas said. “We’ve said that we’re actually developing some genuine accessories around that. We’ve already launched the club lock, and we’re working on a genuine immobiliser at the moment as well.”

A Toyota Australia spokesperson added “new technology” upgrades had been put in place, but the specifics of these remained “confidential”.

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Police are investigating links between a string of thefts in Victoria and Queensland, which targeted the LandCruiser 300 Series, LandCruiser Prado, HiLux and to a lesser extent, its best-selling RAV4 SUV.

Queensland Police Service officers arrested seven alleged thieves in December 2025, who are accused of being part of a crime syndicate that orchestrated the theft of vehicles which were in turn loaded into shipping containers to be traded overseas.

More than 380 charges were laid against the accused, who were alleged to have stolen more than 60 Toyotas – with an estimated value of more than $8 million – over a period of barely six weeks.

Authorities alleged the vehicles were taken via their CAN bus port, which allows the thieves to take control of the vehicle functions, including disabling Toyota’s vehicle tracking.

Last month, the automaker issued a press release saying it was working on a fix to reduce ongoing concerns from owners – and potential buyers.

“Toyota is committed to continuously improving vehicle security and has progressively introduced advanced protective measures across its range,” the release said.

“In 2025, Toyota took further steps to enhance security on several models, including the new HiLux, LandCruiser 300 and LandCruiser Prado, providing owners with even greater peace of mind.”

Again, details of what those steps were not disclosed, with the company suggesting the secrecy is intended to withhold information which may benefit prospective thieves.

It also introduced a steering-wheel lock in the genuine Toyota parts catalogue for the LandCruiser 300 Series, which was tested by CarExpert alongside aftermarket alternatives.

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