GPS Tracker, is there one hidden.

I seen the articles where Toyota denied warranty claims for GR Corolla owners stating data showed they exceeded 85mph. Do our Tundras have one of these devices? Is there language in the purchasing agreement stating speed restrictions? Just curious is all.

 

As I understand it, Toyota allows Google to track your vehicle data, giving both Toyota and Google access to all of your information. That's what allows 3rd gens to use Google Maps and get OTA updates and such. When I asked my dealership if I could opt out of it (they were flat surprised that I had any idea about it) they said no, even if I scratched out the fine print off of the contract. They said Toyota wouldn't allow them to sell the vehicle to me if I did that. Instead, I installed a Whipple on my Gen 2.

So, yes, Toyota has access to all of that information. GM did it for years "under the radar" until they got caught. Ever wonder what Onstar was really about, or what it did when you quit paying for the service? That's what - relay vehicle data to GM and data collection services that sell it to companies such as your insurance agent so they can charge you more. That data was supposed to be anonymous... but the VIN was sent with the data, which could easily be reference to the current owner, so it really wasn't. Not even a little bit. With new vehicles, they don't claim to anonymize it, but it's right there in your paperwork. Same as signing up for phone or internet service.

Yep, bummer. I know. Sad world we live in.

 

Aside from the privacy concerns it largely doesn't matter if there is a GPS 'tracker' (your head unit with navigation) reporting back in real time. In the GR cases I'm sure they went into the cars on-board systems and pulled all of the data that all modern vehicles store to try to recreate the accident/failure and diagnose what went wrong. Modern vehicles keep their own record of speed, brake pedal position, throttle position, etc. much like the 'black-box' on a plane.

 

I can't fucking believe people put up with this shit. And they pay extra for it too.

 

You can always pull the sim out from the module where the map reading lights are.

 

I understand that the GR Corolla comes with a free track day, then Toyota denies a claim because the owner went over 85mph. There is more to it, but it didnt sound like owner recklessness

 

Tell me more about the sim card. I didn't see one when i was installing my camera.

 

I’ll have to check on my tundra but I do believe it’s located on the map light housing. There’s bunch of electronic things there behind the onstar button

 

I wonder if it’s possible that the event recorders save info such as speeds over a certain threshold.

I realize it’s a bit of a stretch, but purchasing a new vehicle is like purchasing a home in an HOA; you just really never own it.

 

Ford recently filed a patent that reports you to the police automatically when you're speeding. Nice!