Hello,

                       How do any Fiesta Mk8/8.5 Titanium owners feel about the security of their cars and have any of you been unfortunate victims of theft or attempted theft and do you feel keyless start is a real vulnerability ?   I ask because I would like to give the go ahead to the dealer in the next few days but having never had a keyless start before I am apprehensive about it, specifically OBD attacks.  Any new Titanium would NOT be keyless entry.                                                 Many thanks in advance.

There are 1,388,685 FORD FIESTA on the road in the UK with an MOT.

In 2022 Ford Fiesta was the most stolen car in the UK, with 3,392 reported missing

If you want a car that's unlikely to be stolen you need a Nissan Leaf

I don’t personally feel that my Fiesta’s security is worse than other cars, or substantially better than other cars, but it’s compliant with what the market dictates. The sleepy key fobs close a vulnerability, and not all other manufacturers have adopted to do such things. 
 

As my car spends most of its time on my driveway, where police numbers are lacking ( WMP own admission they have a shortage of resources in my area ) I just fit a DiskLok overnight that I brought for a previous Focus ST and I’m content that it’s as safe as it can be. 

                  I have had Fiestas since my  mk2 1.4s and always taken what I feel are necessary steps with out going totally paranoid.  It is through the good people on here sharing experiences that we can all benefit from. I appreciate your concern but a few weeks harvesting as much information as possible may just save a whole lot of pain in future.   Nissan Leaf, oh no.   Thanks.

       Thanks, Andy.

IMHO Keyless entry isn't a problem with the new sleepy keys.

It is probably my favourite feature on my car. 

Do also consider an Active instead of a Titanium.

Never been in an Active version but prefer the stance of the standard type Fiesta. Many thanks.

As Andy says above, most (all?) modern cars have similar systems so I don't feel the Fiesta is any better/worse in that respect. Most of us use our choice of mechanical lock (disclock, etc) as a back up, plus faraday wallet/metal container for the keys at home.

One point with the newer versions is the folding mirrors have been deleted, which was a quick way to check you've locked the car. Worse on keyless entry cars - if you go back to check its locked with the key on you, it unlocks again! I disabled the feature as soon as I got my current car - unlike Al I don't like it anyway!😀

11 hours ago, MCF said:

Never been in an Active version but prefer the stance of the standard type Fiesta.

I understand entirely and that was my view too... until I drove an Active, which has a more comfortable ride (apparently due to increased suspension travel). It's good that you have a choice between the two.

On 8/20/2023 at 12:43 AM, MCF said:

Never been in an Active version but prefer the stance of the standard type Fiesta. Many thanks.

My neighbour is now on her second Active after "normal" Fiestas and is very happy with it.

Same locking/security system though, going back to the topic.

47 minutes ago, Eric Bloodaxe said:

Same locking/security system though, going back to the topic.

After trying to sell an Active, I'm not sure this is the only consideration.  They're incredibly hard to shift, so would presumably deter thieves compared to a sporty looking ST-Line for example... 🤔

Must admit, I never once worried about a Titanium or Active getting stolen, they met my needs, but I couldn't imagine anyone wanting to steal them!

6 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

Must admit, I never once worried about a Titanium or Active getting stolen, they met my needs, but I couldn't imagine anyone wanting to steal them!

So could be a good choice then if concerned about security?😀

Joking apart, the "thing" now seems to be to strip required parts (wheels, bumpers, wings, bonnets, doors, etc) while cars are parked without bothering to nick the whole car. Some of the wheel/tyre combos on the Active X are actually quite tasty, though why you need 18" low profiles on an "off road styled" vehicle escapes me!

Thanks Eric and Tom.

5 hours ago, Eric Bloodaxe said:

why you need 18" low profiles on an "off road styled" vehicle escapes me!

Me too! Fortunately it doesn't seem to adversely affect the ride comfort.

Interestingly, my friend has an Active X and last week needed a new tyre . From the Reg No, she checked Black Circles,  which gave the wrong tyre size. Kwik Fit gave the correct tyre size. Halfords site said it could be one of four - one of which was indeed correct, but the size that Black Circles suggested was not one of those four. So yes, it's always important to double-check.