Do Lexus cars have tracking devices?
Yes. Many Lexus models include built-in telematics and location services that can report a vehicle’s position for safety, remote features, and theft recovery. Availability and exact capabilities vary by model year and market, and some services require a subscription after an initial trial period.
How Lexus uses telematics and tracking features
Below are the core tracking-related features commonly offered in Lexus vehicles and the connected services that accompany them.
- Safety Connect services, including emergency assistance and automatic collision notification.
- Stolen Vehicle Locator (SVL) designed to help recover a stolen vehicle, accessible to law enforcement.
- Lexus Connected Services (via the Lexus app) such as remote start/stop, remote lock/unlock, vehicle status checks, and maintenance alerts.
- Embedded GPS and cellular connectivity used for navigation, traffic updates, and over-the-air updates.
- Mobile app integration that lets you view location, receive alerts, and control certain features from your phone.
In practice, these features are designed to improve safety, convenience, and vehicle recovery. The exact set of services you get depends on your market, model year, and whether the trial period has ended.
Privacy, opt-out, and management of tracking features
Owners can typically manage privacy and connected services through the Lexus app or the vehicle’s infotainment settings, but turning off location services can limit or disable some Safety Connect and remote features. Subscription status also affects access to many services.
- Safety Connect/Connected Services usually require a complimentary trial after purchase; ongoing access may require a paid subscription, with terms varying by country and model.
- Location data and vehicle telemetry are stored and processed under Lexus’s privacy policy, and used to provide services and safety features.
- The Stolen Vehicle Locator is intended to assist law enforcement in recovering a stolen vehicle and may be accessible only to authorized agencies.
- Users can review privacy options and data practices by logging into their Lexus account or contacting their dealer for location-specific details.
Privacy options and feature availability can vary by model year and market, so it’s important to verify with your dealer for your specific vehicle.
Model-year and market variations
Across regions and years, Lexus has updated its connected services lineup. Some markets may offer more limited services or require separate subscriptions, while others bundle Safety Connect and Connected Services with the vehicle at least for a trial period. Always check the exact feature set for your VIN and local regulations.
Summary
In short, a substantial share of Lexus cars include embedded location-based telematics as part of Safety Connect and Lexus Connected Services, with a Stolen Vehicle Locator available in many markets. Access to these features typically depends on a subscription after any initial trial, and privacy controls are available through the Lexus app and vehicle settings. If you’re considering a Lexus, ask your dealer for a clear breakdown of which tracking and connected services apply to your model and region.
