by The Scale of the Theft Problem
Every year, hundreds of thousands of cars disappear from their owners. In 2024 alone, over 850,000 vehicles were stolen in the United States, causing losses to owners and insurers amounting to about $8 billion. One of the most popular models among thieves is the Ford F-150: according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, nearly 5,000 such pickups disappeared just in the first half of the year.
In response, Ford is implementing advanced technologies in the eternal game with thieves. The system called Start Inhibit significantly modernizes the ideas of services like LoJack, taking protection to a new level.
Implementation of Digital Protection
This technology debuted on the 2024 F-150 model but is gradually being implemented on other Ford models as well. Starting in 2025, it is available for the F-250, which is entirely logical since these pickup platforms are extremely popular and constitute a significant portion of the company’s sales. Unfortunately, they also attract the attention of thieves.
To use Start Inhibit, customers must have and activate the FordPass app. Through it, the vehicle’s engine can be remotely blocked. This works even if the thief has copied the key or stolen the original.
The service is provided free of charge for the first year after purchase and then costs $7.99 per month. Additionally, the service sends notifications about unauthorized entry, door openings, and suspicious vehicle movement, giving owners early warning even before thieves can drive the car far away.
Interaction with Law Enforcement
The system’s true superpower lies not only in remote control but also in its integration with law enforcement agencies. When a vehicle is stolen, Ford’s call center confirms the theft with the police and then, together with officers, locates the pickup, blocks its engine, and directs investigators to its stopped location.
We usually try to find these vehicles within an hour, noted Detroit Police Department auto theft officer Ibrahim Kakish. — Quick intervention usually means the pickup is not yet damaged.
This service is technologically close to the asset tracking hardware and software available in Ford Pro Telematics. That system uses GPS trackers and software to monitor trailers, generators, and other equipment.
Privacy Concerns
It is worth noting that this service raises certain privacy concerns. Start Inhibit works exclusively with FordPass, and using the app means agreeing to Ford’s terms and conditions. These permissions involve the transfer of a significant amount of personal data.
Part of this information, for example, GPS location data and ignition system status, is obviously necessary for the service to function. However, the necessity of other items raises questions. For instance, does Ford really need access to the list of applications installed on a user’s phone in order to monitor their pickup?
So far, the company has not provided full explanations regarding this and other related topics. Details are expected to be released later.
The implementation of systems like Start Inhibit clearly demonstrates how automakers are transitioning from passive safety to active, proactive property protection. This is not just an additional gadget but a comprehensive approach combining technologies, services, and interaction with law enforcement. The success of such a system will depend not only on its technical perfection but also on customers’ trust in the company’s data handling policies. The balance between security and privacy is becoming one of the key factors when choosing a modern vehicle, especially in the commercial and off-road transport segments, where theft risks are traditionally high.
