Break Into Tesla Model 3 Trunk in Under 15 Seconds

[K-MTG]

As advance as the Model 3 is...it is fairly easy to break-into the trunk.

Most modern cars only place the seat release in the trunk or have locking mechanisms. Since Tesla's don't have any glass-breakage sensors or motion alarms...we are going to see breakins like these happen.

It is possible that Tesla has sensors that detects folded seats and can allow the software to sound an alarm...or use the interior camera to detect motion while the car is locked...but as of right now...they aren't any security features to prevent this from happening.

 

[Jason S]

Already have seen that happen to Model S

 

[K-MTG]

Already have seen that happen to Model S

The S is a hatchback and thieves (especially in the bay area) already learned that it lacks window breakage alarms. That is one of the drawbacks associated with hatchbacks but most people wouldn't expect the same to exist in a conventional trunk.

That's the same with just every car that has foldable seat....

My previous Honda, Acura, and Cadillac only allowed for one to fold the seat from the inside of the trunk or had a locking mechanism (with a key) in the interior. The Tesla doesn't have any locking mechanism.

 

[JoeCoolMan24]

It's just as easy in just about ANY car that doesn't have window-breaking sensors. You can break the driver side and then pull the trunk latch.

 

[cwerdna]

or had a locking mechanism (with a key) in the interior.

Yep. Example with the 2012 Altima:

.

Also mentioned in https://owners.nissanusa.com/conten...ides/Altima/2012/2012-Altima-owner-manual.pdf page 1-9 (28 of the PDF).

 

[Esme Es Mejor]

Good thing I never keep anything in the trunk. Or anywhere else in the car.

 

[K-MTG]

It's just as easy in just about ANY car that doesn't have window-breaking sensors. You can break the driver side and then pull the trunk latch.

Most modern cars have an electronic release that only operates when the ignition is on

 

[tracksyde]

Good thing I never keep anything in the trunk. Or anywhere else in the car.

Thieves don’t know that the trunk is empty until they see it for themselves

 

[Esme Es Mejor]

Thieves don’t know that the trunk is empty until they see it for themselves

Doors unlocked.

 

[K-MTG]

Thieves don’t know that the trunk is empty until they see it for themselves

Or they watch you open your trunk when you leave....and they can see everything you have inside.

Happened to me before in SF, I opened my trunk to get my camera out of my camera bag. My laptop bag and backpack was taken but the thieves didn’t take the camera bag (which still contained my GoPro). The windows were super tinted and it was at night so they must have had someone watching

 

[cwerdna]

Most modern cars have an electronic release that only operates when the ignition is on

And, some cars (like my 02 Nissan Maxima) had a mechanical thing you moved over in the trunk to prevent opening via the electrically operated lever and the key fob. It also lets you lock the rear seat backs w/a key. I just confirmed this all in the manual.

The '12 Altima I posted a video from also has a cancel switch in the locking glovebox to disable the trunk lid release switch + some other things.

Video at

explains this.

 

[scottysize]

Seriously? If the window is rolled down, then there is no point in locking your doors. Come on people. Common sense.

 

[Haxster]

On the MS, replacing the small door window is much more than just a piece of glass. A fairly expensive repair, from what I've heard. Hopefully the M3 is not so bad.

I have alarm stickers on that window and the rear seats folded down most of the time. Two benefits of doing the latter on the MS:
1. The miscreants can see that there's nothing of value in the trunk (at least most of the time) and
2. Rear view visibility is much improved with the center head rest not blocking my line of sight through the rear view mirror.

 

[Haxster]

Seriously? If the window is rolled down, then there is no point in locking your doors. Come on people. Common sense.

I think that he did this to show how a thief could reach the seat latch after breaking a window...without actually doing so. Spare parts on the M3 are probably hard to come by right now.

 

[brkaus]

Most modern cars have an electronic release that only operates when the ignition is on

Be careful with a “most” statement. Your correct for BMW.

Honda/Acura trunk buttons work with the car off. Sure, can be disabled in the glove box, but who does that?

Another pet peeve of mine. Smash a window of a Honda/Acura sitting in someone’s drive and use the homelink button to open the garage.

 

[J1mbo]

Meh. This is so common. Here's a randomly selected video of a Lincoln MKZ being accessible in 15 seconds...

Problem with the locking ones if that the thief will attempt it anyway, in case it was left unlocked.

Best solution I have had was a 3 door saloon where the seat catches were inside the boot. It was a bit of a PITA but it worked.

 

[eSpiritIV]

As advance as the Model 3 is...it is fairly easy to break-into the trunk.

Most modern cars only place the seat release in the trunk or have locking mechanisms. Since Tesla's don't have any glass-breakage sensors or motion alarms...we are going to see breakins like these happen.

It is possible that Tesla has sensors that detects folded seats and can allow the software to sound an alarm...or use the interior camera to detect motion while the car is locked...but as of right now...they aren't any security features to prevent this from happening.

I am pretty sure that Elon tweeted this week asking what improvements can be made to the car. Why dont you ask him to ADD a electronic actuator? Not a cheap or quick fix but can be done for the new model S refresh or next years model 3

 

[WileyTheMan]

I think that he did this to show how a thief could reach the seat latch after breaking a window...without actually doing so. Spare parts on the M3 are probably hard to come by right now.

This also shows that once these cars start their ridesharing thing, don't leave anything in the trunk.

 

[thelastdeadmouse]

Breaking news, breaking a container allows access to its contents, more at 5.

 

[omgwtfbyobbq]

Breaking news, breaking a container allows access to its contents, more at 5.

Best post ever!

Also, the same applies to every car I've owned with fold down seats. On the plus side, like my Prius, sticking stuff in the storage space under the floor may provide a smidge more security just because it's a pain to get in there.

Bonus points for having a lot of useless crap in your trunk to make everything harder for everyone, including yourself!