Ford Adds Anti-Theft Feature, but There’s a Monthly Fee Attached

Ford is rolling out a new weapon against car thieves, but it comes with a catch: a subscription fee. The automaker’s latest security tool, called Start Inhibit, lets owners remotely disable their vehicle’s engine through the FordPass app. If a driver gets an alert that someone has accessed or moved their car without permission, they can trigger the feature, which blocks the engine from starting until a code from the app is entered on the infotainment screen.

S. 99 in Canada, after a one-year free trial on select models.

The system works like two-factor authentication, a familiar concept for anyone who has used login codes for email or banking. When a vehicle is synced to the FordPass app, owners receive alerts for any activity, like starting, moving, or factory resets. If the alert wasn’t caused by the owner, they can activate Start Inhibit remotely.

For stolen cars. Ford also offers to track the vehicle and share its location directly with law enforcement. Detroit police told the Associated Press they aim to recover flagged trucks within an hour, since faster recoveries typically mean less damage.

There are limits, though. Start Inhibit doesn’t cut power to a moving car, it only arms once the vehicle has stopped and shut off, blocking the next start. The feature has been quietly available on select 2024 and newer F-150 and Super Duty models, plus the 2026 Expedition, Bronco Sport, and Mustang Mach-E.

Ford recently demonstrated the system to the press, saying it targets thieves who use devices bought online to clone key fobs, a growing problem for keyless-entry cars. Nothing says peace of mind quite like paying a monthly fee to keep the car you already bought.