Tesla’s specialized electric cars are becoming more and more popular across the world, and while they are chiefly recognized for their sustainability, they also have excellent security systems. For instance, the Tesla Model 3, launched in 2017, has several security measures.
The Tesla Model 3 doesn’t have an anti-theft device, but it does include a security alarm, requires a pin to drive it, and has a sentry mode feature. The Tesla Model S and Model X both have anti-theft features, known as the Enhanced Antitheft system.
This article explores everything you need to know about the Tesla 3’s security features and the efforts that Tesla has made to protect Tesla owners and their vehicles.
While the Tesla Model 3 doesn’t have an anti-theft device, it has a variety of security measures that make it hard to steal.
For example, owners can allow mobile access to work only if a username and password have been entered. In addition, the Tesla 3 also has a security alarm and Sentry mode.
Read on to more about the security measures that stop your Tesla 3 from being stolen below. Also, check out this video for a rundown of the Model 3 security features:
The Tesla 3 can allow owners remote access; the car picks up when a key fob is near and allows the key fob holder access. However, in some cases, thieves have boosted the signal of a nearby key fob and used mobile access to steal the car.
In this case, owners can track their vehicle using Tesla’s mobile access – but savvy thieves may be able to turn off the tracking. So, the best option would be to disable access to turning off tracking as an owner. This ensures that even if your Tesla gets stolen, it can easily be traced and recovered.
One key security feature of the Model 3 is its pin-to-drive option. With this feature, you can use the Tesla App or dashboard to set up a four-digit pin that must be entered before you can drive. Once the pin is in place, even if a thief gains access to your car, they won’t be able to drive it.
Sentry mode is a unique security feature that was launched in 2019. It allows owners to put their car ‘on guard’ by directing it to recognize unusual movement. This movement could be in or around the car.
Here are the steps on how sentry mode works:
We wrote a complete guide on How To Set Up Sentry Mode In A Tesla. Check it out if you want to learn more!
Like many other Tesla models, the Tesla 3 has a built-in security alarm. The security alarm will be triggered if your locked Tesla is open without valid access. However, the alarm won’t sound if your key fob is in the vicinity, if you use your key card, or if you gain access via the Tesla app.
The alarm is automatically enabled a minute after you exit the car. However, you can change these default settings on your Tesla app. You can also use the app to switch off the alarm if it’s set off by mistake.
There are very few cases where Tesla’s security features have been breached, allowing the theft of a Tesla. However, even in these instances, the cars were quickly recovered thanks to Tesla’s tracking and security features.
A report published in 2018 found that out of 115 Teslas stolen between 2011 and 2018, 112 were recovered.
| Case | Tesla’s Fix |
| In some cases, thieves have access to a Tesla because the owner’s key fobs are in the vicinity. | To prevent this from happening, the Tesla Model 3 has several features: Pin To drive: By enabling the pin-to-drive security feature, even if a thief gains access to your car, they won’t be unable to drive it. Mobile access: Thieves won’t gain mobile access to your Tesla and disable the tracking feature even if they manage to drive it. |
| In another case, a key fob was stolen, allowing thieves to override the pin-to-drive feature. | Tesla’s remote control feature allows owners to access the car’s functionality. So, even if the car is driven away, owners can slow it down and track it, enabling easier recovery. |
| A study conducted by cybersecurity experts found that a Tesla can be hacked into using a drone that uses a WiFi dongle to scramble the system and allow the drone to take remote charge. | To fix this, Tesla simply upgraded its system to prevent remote WiFi access. |
This table shows that Tesla is highly committed to protecting every Tesla owner and their cars. So even if your Tesla is stolen in the worst-case scenario, it’ll be easy to recover it.
While the Tesla Model 3 doesn’t have an anti-theft device, it has many security features that make it very hard to steal.
Even if your Tesla 3 is stolen, you can recover it quickly, thanks to its inbuilt tracking device and remote control capability.
