As vehicle technologies become more advanced, new opportunities arise for thieves to steal and sell expensive car parts. The latest, and unfortunate, trend involves expensive radar sensors. Auto body experts are warning that thefts of these parts are on the rise, not helped by the fact that radar sensors are easy to steal on many new cars. They’ve also shared guidance on how owners of these parts can install a metal radar protector relatively cheaply, which ends up costing far less than replacing a stolen sensor.
What Are Radar Sensors?
Location of radar unit on previous-generation Honda CR-V
H
To support driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, many new cars are equipped with radar sensors. These sensors monitor the surroundings of a vehicle and its proximity to other cars, which can then feed information to driver-assistance systems. Radar sensors are commonly positioned behind or in the vicinity of the vehicle’s grille-mounted logo, so accessibility is easy for thieves.
“If you are experienced, it takes two to three minutes [to steal a radar sensor],” said Zach Kahn, manager of Alexandria Collision Center, according to a report by Wusa 9. Sometimes, just two screws need to be loosened to remove the part, leaving owners with a replacement bill of between $2,000 and $3,000, according to Kahn. Recalibration of the system can cost another $500. In the past month, eight radar system thefts were reported in Baltimore, specifically in the city’s Southeast District.
Khan recommends purchasing and installing a metal radar protector online, a part that costs around $50 to $60. This can prevent thieves from stealing the part and leaving you with a much bigger headache.
However, not everyone installing the radar protector has had a great outcome. In a Reddit thread on the topic, one CR-V owner’s insurance had to pay $10,000 in bodywork repairs. That’s because the owner installed a radar protector kit, but this only encouraged the thief to rip off the CR-V’s entire grille in an attempt to get to the radar sensor.
What Models Are Affected?
2026 Honda CR-V
Honda
Almost any newer vehicle with a radar sensor is vulnerable to these thefts, but Kahn said that 2015 models and newer are being targeted specifically. The newer the car is, the more expensive the radar sensor will be, even though thieves are reselling the component for around $100 to $150 online.
He mentioned Toyotas, Acuras, and Hondas as having radar sensors behind their front logos, and Hondas appear to be the most targeted. NBC4 Washington reports that sensors from Honda CR-Vs are in demand; as one of the best-selling vehicles in the country, it’s no surprise to hear the CR-V has been targeted. In an online search for radar thefts, the CR-V popped up more often than any other model, but we also found one theft on an Accord.
Honda equips every vehicle it sells with radar sensors, as all of them have a full suite of driver-assistance features equipped as standard.
Related: Thieves Are Stealing Toyotas in Minutes Using a Simple Headlight Hack
Modern Cars, Modern Problems
2025 Toyota Prius
Toyota
Modern cars are equipped with complex, costlier components, making them all the more enticing to thieves who can resell these parts for high prices. A case in point is the spate of catalytic converter thefts seen in the United States; in 2020, over 14,000 cats were stolen, and those were only the reported cases for insured vehicles. A new catalytic converter can cost well over $1,000, which is why automakers like Toyota started installing anti-theft guards for the Prius. Honda said it keeps track of theft trends and will come up with security improvements if necessary, which sure looks like the case with the radar sensor saga.
LED headlight assemblies, high-end wheels, and even airbags also make the list of commonly stolen car parts, according to Nasdaq, although some of these are more challenging to run off with than radar sensors.
What You Should Do
2025 Honda Accord
Honda
For the average consumer, the best-case scenario is parking in a safe spot or garage as often as possible. If you have a car with a radar sensor, we highly recommend obtaining a metal radar protector, especially if you own one of the Japanese brands mentioned—but do consult your insurer, as the part may be deemed an unauthorized modification. Finally, we also recommend parking in such a way (if possible), where accessing the radar sensor on your car is more difficult.
