Amidst rising thefts of Land Cruiser Prado and Land Cruiser 300 vehicles in Australia, Toyota has launched a second engine immobilizer system for these two models. This move follows years of escalating theft rates. While Toyota previously released a steering wheel lock, that measure proved insufficient to deter criminals.
The new magnetic immobilizer system operates in parallel with the original system and only allows the vehicle to start when the control device is within detection range. Additionally, Land Cruiser models equipped with this system will feature an independent, battery-powered alarm. The alarm activates upon detecting "unauthorized access", even if the vehicle's main power supply is disconnected.
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Toyota Land Cruiser Prado with Victorian registration plates, Australia. Photo: CarExpert |
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado with Victorian registration plates, Australia. Photo: CarExpert
According to CarExpert, the second magnetic immobilizer system offers improved anti-theft effectiveness compared to the colored steering wheel lock Toyota launched in 2025, a device which independent tests showed was easily cut with power tools.
Despite offering better protection, Australian owners must spend 1,735 AUD (approximately USD 1,249) for purchase and installation. The installation process takes about 5 hours. The device is warranted for the remainder of the new vehicle's warranty or two years from the installation date, whichever comes first.
Beyond the new immobilizer system and control device, the upgrade package also includes a red indicator light mounted on the steering column and window decals warning that the vehicle is equipped with the protection system.
A Toyota Australia representative stated that the company "has not recorded any high-tech vehicle thefts in Australia involving these models", adding that the company implemented several other security enhancements for the Land Cruiser 300, Land Cruiser 250, and Hilux in 2025.
Over the past year, car thefts in Australia rose by 2,5%. While the national figure is not excessively high, the situation is particularly serious in Victoria, the nation's second-most populous state, where car theft insurance claims surged by 25% in 2025.
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