Toyota Releases Official Steering Lock In Australia Amidst Rising Theft Cases

Amongst the most stolen Toyota models in Australia consists of the Hilux, RAV4 and Land Cruiser. In response to which, the automaker has issued a rather low-tech solution as a first step.

It seems increasing cases of theft involving key models like the Hilux, Land Cruiser and RAV4 in Australia have prompted Japanese automaker Toyota to devise solutions against which for its customers there.

According to Australian online media reports, the automaker's Australian arm have responded by issuing its own steering lock as an official genuine brand accessory for said market. From what we can understand, this is just the first step undertaken by the automaker to curb this issue.

Available as an official "factory-approved genuine accessory" by Toyota in Australia now is this steering lock device, which costs AUS$200 a pop.

Said accessory, perceived to be a very ‘low-tech’ solution, made using “automotive-grade steel for strength and durability” was devised as a visual deterrent against car thieves, promising “universal compatibility” as well.

"An internal spring system ensures the arm extends smoothly with minimal effort, while the four-point contact technology delivers a secure and consistent grip on the steering wheel," adds the automaker when describing the item.

Malaysia-spec Toyota Hilux GR Sport pictured. It seems models like the Hilux sold in Australia since 2025 have since given beefed-up security to its CAN Bus system.

Of course, this isn’t the only measure that the automaker is planning for said market. Reports online further indicate that select new Toyota models sold Down Under since 2025 have been updated with factory-level security enhancements.

This was meant to curb thieves using sophisticated devised to access the vehicle’s Controller Area Network (CAN bus) to unlock doors, disable tracking systems and start the engine.

For models like the Hilux, thieves reportedly have the ability to hack into its CAN Bus system to unlock doors, disable tracking systems and start the engine.

Unfortunately, Toyota reportedly won’t roll out the beefed-up factory-level security upgrade to existing vehicles, hence the “factory-approved genuine accessories” such as the steering lock detailed, which costs AUS$200 apiece – approx. RM548.

Another accessory set to follow-up from which is an additional immobiliser. Given that car theft cases in Australia reportedly reached a new 21-year high with 595,660 recorded victims in 2024, this effort by Toyota seems only natural to say the least.