Does Toyota have GPS tracking?
Yes, Toyota vehicles do have GPS tracking capabilities. Toyota's Safety Connect system, available on many of their models, includes a GPS-based vehicle tracking feature that can be used to locate a vehicle in the event of an emergency or theft.
Toyota's Safety Connect System and GPS Tracking
Toyota's Safety Connect is an in-vehicle safety and security system that provides a range of features, including automatic collision notification, emergency assistance, stolen vehicle locator, and roadside assistance. The GPS tracking feature is a key component of the Safety Connect system, allowing Toyota to locate a vehicle's exact position using satellite-based GPS technology.
The GPS tracking feature can be used in a few different scenarios:
- If a vehicle is stolen, the owner can contact Toyota's 24/7 call center to have the vehicle tracked and located.
- If a vehicle is involved in a serious accident and the airbags deploy, the Safety Connect system will automatically notify emergency services and provide the vehicle's location.
- Drivers can also manually request emergency assistance through the in-vehicle Safety Connect button, which will trigger the GPS tracking to pinpoint the vehicle's location.
Toyota's GPS tracking is designed to enhance vehicle safety and security, providing peace of mind for drivers and owners. The system is integrated into the vehicle's onboard electronics and does not require any additional hardware or subscription fees beyond the initial Safety Connect service.
Is Toyota tracking my driving?
You can update your Master Data Consent status at any time in the Toyota app. Unless you direct us to do so: We do not use your vehicle's location or driving data for our own marketing purposes, and. We do not provide your vehicle's location or driving data to third parties for their own purposes.
Do Toyota cars have GPS trackers?
A filed police report is required to activate stolen vehicle tracking via Safety Connect. Once the Safety Connect Response Center has a verified police report and proper cellular connectivity, the vehicle's GPS (if available) will only be shared with Law Enforcement.
How do I know if my car has a GPS tracker?
You can tell if your car has a GPS tracker by physically inspecting common hiding spots like the OBD-II port, under the seats, and in the trunk for unusual devices. You can also use a bug sweeper to detect electronic signals or listen for signs like your battery draining quickly or your phone connecting to strange signals.
This video demonstrates how to inspect the OBD-II port for trackers: 1mGears and Gadgets | AutomotiveYouTube · May 26, 2025
Physical inspection
- OBD-II Port: Look under the dashboard on the driver's side for a small device plugged directly into the port, or a pass-through device with extra wiring.
- Under seats and floor mats: Feel and look under all seats and between them. Check under floor mats for anything that seems out of place.
- Trunk and glove compartment: Check for small boxes or devices in the trunk, especially near the spare tire, or in the glove compartment and center console.
- Other hiding spots: Look under the hood, near the car battery, and in other hidden areas like behind the dashboard or fuse panel for unusual wires or small boxes.
Electronic and signal detection
- Bug sweeper: Use a bug sweeper to detect electromagnetic signals from the interior and exterior of the car, paying attention to areas near the dashboard and roof.
- Bluetooth/Wi-Fi: Pay attention to whether your phone connects to strange Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signals when you are near your car.
Behavioral clues
- Battery life: A consistently draining car battery could indicate an active, hard-wired tracker, though other issues could also be the cause.
- Unexpected knowledge: If it seems like someone has an unusual amount of knowledge about your movements, it could be a sign you are being tracked.
When to seek professional help
- If you're still unsure: If you cannot find a device but are still concerned, consult a professional who can use advanced tools to perform a thorough sweep.
- If you find a device: If you find a suspicious device you didn't install, it's best to have a professional verify its function before attempting removal, as it could be a legitimate security or telematics device you are unaware of.
This video explains how to check if your car has a locator installed: 1mAnthony DoYouTube · Jun 9, 2024
How to track Toyota vehicle location?
You can track a Toyota vehicle's location using the official Toyota app by navigating to the "Find" or "Find my Car" feature on the dashboard, which displays the last parked location on a map. To use this feature, you must have an active connected services subscription, your vehicle must be compatible, and you need to have enabled location permissions on your phone and disabled Privacy Mode in the vehicle.
Using the Toyota app
- Open the Toyota app: Launch the MyToyota or Toyota app on your smartphone.
- Navigate to "Find my Car": From the main dashboard, select the "Find" or "Find my Car" tab, often represented by a map icon.
- View the location: The app will show your vehicle's last parked location on a map.
- Get directions or share: Tap the vehicle icon to see the exact address and choose to navigate to it using your phone's native navigation app or share the location with others.
This video demonstrates how to use the Find my Car feature in the Toyota app: 59sToyota EuropeYouTube · Mar 20, 2024
Important considerations
- Compatibility: The tracking feature is only available on "Connected Toyota" models with an active subscription to connected services like Remote Connect.
- Privacy Mode: The "Privacy Mode" in the vehicle must be turned off for the location to be visible.
- Vehicle status: The app shows the last parked location. It cannot track a vehicle that is currently moving or if the engine has been turned off after being moved.
- Signal: The feature relies on the vehicle having a cellular and GPS signal to update its location.
