Connected Cars Expose Drivers to Widespread Data Collection

A first-of-its-kind study of 21 vehicles and 30 companion apps reveals extensive data sharing with third parties, including advertisers and trackers. Nearly all vehicles (19/21) sent data to external domains, while over a quarter of apps (7/30) transmitted sensitive personal information like VINs, emails, and precise location. The research highlights the lack of consumer control over data once it leaves the vehicle, with manufacturers often shifting blame to owners rather than offering meaningful opt-out options.

The study, conducted with Consumer Reports, used controlled experiments to intercept Wi-Fi and cellular traffic from vehicles and apps. Researchers found that pairing a companion app roughly doubled a vehicle’s exposure to tracking companies. While some manufacturers acknowledged the findings, most responses emphasized the burden on consumers to manage their data privacy, leaving them with limited choices to avoid data sharing.