Modern Cars Track Your Data—Here’s How to Take Control
- Understanding vehicle surveillance and protecting your privacy
Today’s vehicles are equipped with advanced technologies that enhance safety and convenience, but they also collect extensive data about drivers. From GPS navigation and onboard cameras to telematics and connected services, modern cars function as rolling data centers. This information is often shared with third parties, including insurers and data brokers, raising concerns about transparency and consent. As automotive data collection becomes more widespread, drivers are seeking ways to understand and manage what their vehicles record.
How Your Car Collects and Shares Data
According to the Mozilla Foundation’s 2023 review of 25 auto brands, cars ranked as the worst product category for privacy. Data is gathered from routine interactions—steering, unlocking doors—as well as from satellite radio, navigation systems, and external devices. Telematics systems, now common in most vehicles, track driving behavior and vehicle performance. The issue escalates when this data is shared without consent, as seen in the Federal Trade Commission’s case against General Motors for providing driver data to insurers.
Information such as speeding habits and nighttime driving was reportedly used to adjust insurance rates. The lack of clear disclosure and opt-in mechanisms has prompted regulatory scrutiny. Drivers often remain unaware of how much data is collected or where it ends up. This opacity underscores the need for better consumer education and accessible privacy tools.
Tools and Settings to Regain Control
Privacy experts recommend that drivers start by learning what their car collects. Services like Privacy4Cars offer free reports based on a vehicle’s identification number, detailing whether data is shared with insurers, brokers, or law enforcement. While reading manuals and asking dealerships is ideal, it’s not always practical or effective. Manufacturers vary in how clearly they communicate data practices, and dealership staff may lack detailed knowledge.
Most vehicles allow some customization of privacy settings through infotainment systems or mobile apps. Toyota, Ford, and BMW offer options to limit or revoke data sharing, though the process differs by brand. Drivers can also submit formal requests to restrict or delete personal data under state privacy laws, often via online forms or apps. Privacy4Cars streamlines this process for users in the U.S., EU, UK, Canada, and Australia, helping them navigate manufacturer-specific portals.
Trade-Offs and Final Steps Before Selling
Disabling data collection may impact certain features, such as navigation, roadside assistance, or remote access via smartphone apps. BMW notes that opting out entirely causes the vehicle to operate like a phone in airplane mode, cutting off all backend communication. While privacy is important, many users accept some tracking in exchange for convenience. The decision ultimately depends on individual priorities and risk tolerance.
Before selling or trading in a car, experts advise performing a factory reset to erase stored data and disconnect linked devices. Notifying the manufacturer of ownership changes is also crucial to prevent future data misattribution. If a dealer allows test drives without updating records, the previous owner’s profile could be affected by another driver’s behavior. Taking these steps helps ensure that personal data doesn’t follow the vehicle after it leaves your possession.
A 2025 study found that over 80% of drivers were unaware their vehicles shared data with third parties. Despite growing awareness, only a fraction had adjusted their privacy settings or submitted opt-out requests.
