Coming to a Ford Pickup Near You: New Anti-Theft Tech
Ibrahim Kakish of the Detroit Police participates in a demonstration of how Ford is using technology to fight thefts of its F-150 pickups and F-250 Super Duty pickups on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Corey Williams)
Ford Motor Co. is introducing upgraded security technology in its F-150 pickup trucks to counter increasingly sophisticated vehicle-theft tactics. The goal is to spare owners the cost and frustration that come with stolen vehicles — including with a new feature that prevents the engine from starting even if a key fob is inside.
Data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau shows that the F-150 consistently ranks among the top 10 most stolen vehicles in the U.S. With the F-150 also being the nation’s best-selling vehicle for decades, its sheer presence on the road makes it a frequent target.
To help combat theft, Ford’s Stolen Vehicle Services — launched with the 2024 F-150 — includes a “Start Inhibit” option that lets owners use the FordPass smartphone app to remotely disable the engine. Ford expanded this capability to the F-250 Super Duty for the 2025 model year and plans to offer it on additional vehicles in 2026.
The security package is included for one year with the purchase of a new pickup and costs $7.99 per month afterward. Subscribers can receive alerts if someone enters the vehicle without authorization, if a door is opened, or if the truck is moved or towed.
A key part of the program is its collaboration with law enforcement. If an owner reports a theft to police and notifies Ford, a call center verifies the report and works with police to activate Start Inhibit and help locate the truck. Detroit Police auto-theft investigators say fast coordination often leads to recovery within an hour — increasing the chances the vehicle is found intact.
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