What are the disadvantages of keyless entry cars?

Keyless entry and push-button start systems offer notable convenience, but they also introduce several practical downsides. The main drawbacks include security vulnerabilities, higher replacement and maintenance costs, reliability challenges, and privacy concerns. Understanding these factors helps buyers weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks.

Security risks and theft concerns

Because keyless systems rely on wireless signals and remote access interfaces, they are exposed to certain exploitation techniques that can enable theft or unauthorized access. This section outlines the most commonly discussed security concerns and how they can affect everyday ownership.

• Relay attacks that capture the key fob’s signal outside the home and relay it to the car to unlock and start the engine, potentially enabling theft while owners are nearby but unaware.


• Intercepting and cloning key credentials or exploiting weaknesses in older encryption schemes to gain entry or start the car.


• Jamming or interference that can disrupt the normal operation of locking and unlocking, creating confusion about whether the vehicle is secure.


• Compromised connected apps or cloud services if an account is hacked or if software vulnerabilities are present in the vehicle’s ecosystem.


• Privacy and tracking concerns, as some keyless systems and companion apps transmit data that can be monitored by manufacturers or third parties.

Security experts advise practical protections such as shielding key fobs in Faraday pouches, disabling passive entry if not needed, and keeping vehicle software updated. While these measures reduce risk, the inherent wireless nature of keyless systems remains a perennial security consideration for owners.

Reliability and maintenance challenges

Beyond convenience, keyless systems introduce additional complexity that can affect reliability. Electrical components, batteries, and software all add potential failure points that can lead to lockouts or inconvenient breakdowns if issues arise.

• Fob batteries dying, which can prevent locking, unlocking, or starting the car and may leave the owner temporarily stranded if a mechanical backup isn’t readily accessible.


• The car failing to detect a valid fob due to aging hardware, sensor faults, or software glitches, sometimes requiring dealer intervention or reprogramming.


• Exposure to weather, moisture, or wiring faults that can cause intermittent issues with door handles, passive sensors, or ignition systems.


• Higher replacement and programming costs for fobs and modules, which can run into hundreds of dollars per key depending on the model and dealer requirements.


• Software glitches or failed updates that can affect system performance and may necessitate service visits to maintain reliability.

Owners can mitigate these issues by keeping spare keys, monitoring battery health, and budgeting for occasional maintenance, but reliability can still be less predictable than with traditional mechanical keys.

Cost and practicality considerations

From purchase to daily use, keyless systems can shift the total cost of ownership. In addition to a higher initial price, there are ongoing expenses and practical trade-offs to consider when evaluating the value of keyless entry.

• Higher upfront price for vehicles equipped with keyless entry and push-button start features, often bundled with other connected-car technologies.


• Replacement and programming costs for lost or damaged fobs, which can vary widely by brand but are frequently several hundred dollars per key.


• Potentially higher insurance premiums or perceived theft risk in some markets, as electronic systems are recognized as targets for criminals.


• Longer or more complex repair processes for keyless systems, which may require specialized diagnostic tools and factory-specific software updates.


• Ongoing maintenance costs for additional electronic components and connectivity services, which can add up over the life of the vehicle.

For buyers on a budget or those who prefer simplicity, traditional key systems may offer lower total ownership costs and fewer electronic points of failure.

Privacy and data considerations

Keyless systems increasingly connect cars to apps and cloud services, enabling features like remote locking, maintenance alerts, and location-based services. That connectivity introduces questions about data privacy and control over personal information.

• Location data, driving patterns, and vehicle health information may be collected by the automaker or connected services, with uses ranging from maintenance to marketing and analytics.


• Account security for smartphone apps used to access the vehicle is crucial; compromised credentials can grant unauthorized access to the car.


• Data sharing with third parties, insurers, or advertisers varies by brand and user consent, potentially exposing sensitive information depending on privacy settings.


• Additional data points from voice assistants or other connected features can broaden what is collected, requiring careful review of permissions and terms.

To protect privacy, consumers should review privacy policies, adjust data-sharing and location settings, enable strong authentication, and regularly update app and vehicle software.

Mitigation strategies for buyers and owners

While the disadvantages are real, there are practical steps buyers and current owners can take to reduce risk and improve reliability. The guidance below groups measures into hardware protections and digital privacy controls.

Hardware safeguards

Physical and procedure-based tactics focused on limiting signal exposure and access to the vehicle.

• Use Faraday pouches or shielded cases for key fobs when the car is not in use to block relay signals.


• Consider disabling passive entry or adjusting auto-lock settings if available, to reduce unintended unlocks.


• Keep spare keys in a secure location and ensure batteries for all fobs are regularly replaced; know how to access a mechanical key backup if needed.

These hardware-oriented protections can meaningfully reduce the chance of wireless theft and unintended access, especially in dense urban environments or near public transit hubs where relay devices are more feasible for criminals.

Digital privacy controls

Privacy-focused configurations that limit unnecessary data sharing and strengthen account security.

• Review and adjust app permissions, data-sharing settings, and location tracking within the vehicle’s interface and companion apps.


• Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication for connected accounts; monitor for unusual activity.


• Keep vehicle software and apps updated to patch known vulnerabilities and improve security resilience.

By tightening digital settings, owners can preserve the convenience of keyless access while reducing exposure of personal information and reducing security exposure.

Summary

Keyless entry cars deliver convenience, but they carry meaningful disadvantages. Security vulnerabilities, maintenance and replacement costs, reliability challenges, and privacy considerations are the major trade-offs to weigh against the benefits. Prospective buyers should assess their tolerance for risk, driving patterns, and budget, while current owners can employ practical mitigations—both hardware protections and privacy controls—to minimize downsides. In the end, the decision hinges on balancing comfort and modern connectivity with practical safeguards and cost awareness.

What is the problem with keyless cars?

The dangers of keyless entry
Because the key only needs to be close to the car to open it, thieves are able to tap into the radio signals and fool the car into thinking the key is a lot closer than it actually is. They can then get in and drive away with your precious car!

How long will a keyless car run without the key?

A keyless car will run until the engine is turned off, though some modern vehicles may automatically shut off after a predetermined time or if the key fob is a certain distance away. Once the engine is turned off, the car will not restart without the key fob present. 
How the car continues to run

• Engine running indefinitely: Many keyless systems allow the car to continue running for an unlimited time as long as the engine is on and the key fob was inside when the engine was started. 
• Warnings: Most cars will provide audible and visual warnings if the key fob is left outside the vehicle while the engine is running. 
• Driving without the key: You can continue driving the car even if the key is left behind, but the car will not restart after you turn it off. 

Factors that might cause the car to shut off

• Auto-shutoff features: Some vehicles, particularly hybrids and electric cars, are programmed to shut off after a set period if the key is not detected. 
• Lack of warning: Some models may not have a system that alerts you if the key is left behind, which can cause you to drive off without the key. 
• Automatic shutdown: If the car is left running and unattended, the engine may automatically shut off after a certain amount of time. 

What happens after the engine is turned off

• No restart: You will not be able to start the car again without the key fob. 
• Safety and security: The lack of a key fob prevents unauthorized use, but if the car is left running without a key, it can be stolen if the signal is copied. 
• Power loss: Turning off the engine without the key can be dangerous, as it will lead to a loss of power steering, power brakes, and other systems. 

Can thieves steal cars with keyless entry?

Other thieves are also going after cars with keyless entry key fobs by using antennas, according to officials. Since keyless entry key fobs use signals to open doors for their rightful owners, thieves are intercepting those signals for their own use.

Which is better, key or keyless?

Between keyless entry and traditional keys, keyless technology offers convenience, hands-free access, and advanced features like push-button start and remote control via smartphone apps. However, traditional keys are often more affordable to replace and less vulnerable to digital theft, such as relay attacks.