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Yes, Audi can track your stolen car through the Stolen Vehicle Locator feature included with Audi connect CARE. But tracking only works if you have an active subscription before the theft occurs, and you must file a police report first[1]. For safety reasons, Audi shares location data directly with law enforcement—not with you. Once you have a police case ID, call Audi’s 24/7 theft recovery line at 1-877-210-9423 to activate tracking[2].
How Audi’s Stolen Vehicle Locator Works
The Stolen Vehicle Locator is Audi’s built-in anti-theft recovery system available on vehicles manufactured from 2016 onward with Audi connect capability[2]. The system uses GPS combined with 4G LTE cellular connectivity to transmit your vehicle’s precise location.
Unlike aftermarket trackers that give owners real-time access, Audi deliberately restricts location information to law enforcement only. This safety-first approach prevents potentially dangerous confrontations between owners and thieves.
What the System Can Do
The tracking capabilities include[2]:
| Capability | Details |
|---|---|
| Location accuracy | Within 10-15 feet under optimal conditions |
| Update frequency | Every 30-60 seconds when moving |
| Historical data | Movement patterns since theft detected |
| Backup power | Internal battery lasting 24-48 hours |
| Network | 4G LTE with GPS/GLONASS support |
The system continues tracking as long as the vehicle’s electrical system has power and cellular coverage exists. An internal backup battery keeps tracking active for up to 48 hours if thieves disconnect the main battery[2].
Requirements for Tracking Your Stolen Audi
Three conditions must be met before Audi will activate tracking[1]:
- Active Audi connect CARE subscription — Must be active before the theft (cannot activate retroactively)
- Police report filed — You need an official case ID/reference number
- Vehicle registration verified — You must be the registered owner or authorized user
The catch? If your Audi connect subscription lapsed before the theft, Audi cannot help you track the vehicle. No exceptions. This is why maintaining an active subscription matters even if you never expect to use it.
Audi connect CARE: Your Tracking Lifeline
New Audi vehicles come with Audi connect CARE included for 10 years at no additional cost[3]. This package includes the Stolen Vehicle Locator along with emergency calling and roadside assistance.
| Plan | Cost | Duration | Includes Stolen Vehicle Locator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audi connect CARE | Free | 10 years (new vehicles) | ✅ Yes |
| Audi connect NAV | ~$25/month | 6-month free trial, then subscription | ❌ No (navigation features) |
| Audi connect PLUS | ~$30/month | 6-month free trial, then subscription | ❌ No (Wi-Fi, streaming) |
For vehicles purchased before the 10-year complimentary period was introduced, check your subscription status in the myAudi app or contact your dealer to verify coverage[4].
If you’re researching Audi ownership, you might also want to know how Audi key fobs work and what happens if they get damaged.
Step-by-Step: What to Do If Your Audi Is Stolen
Act fast. The first few hours are critical for recovery.
Step 1: Call Police Immediately
File a stolen vehicle report with local law enforcement. Get the case ID or reference number—you cannot proceed without it.
Step 2: Contact Audi’s Theft Recovery Line
Call 1-877-210-9423 (available 24/7)[1]. Provide:
- Your name and contact information
- Vehicle VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- Police case ID/reference number
- Approximate time and location of theft
Step 3: Audi Coordinates with Law Enforcement
Once verified, Audi’s call center shares GPS coordinates directly with the investigating officers. Location updates stream to police in real-time during active recovery operations[2].
Step 4: Wait for Police Recovery
Law enforcement handles the physical recovery. Audi’s role is limited to providing location data—they cannot dispatch personnel or recover the vehicle themselves.
What Audi Cannot Do
Understanding limitations prevents frustration during an already stressful situation[2].
| Audi CAN | Audi CANNOT |
|---|---|
| Track location continuously | Disable engine remotely |
| Share GPS data with police | Lock thieves inside |
| Provide movement history | Activate horn/lights remotely |
| Monitor vehicle status | Limit vehicle speed |
| Maintain encrypted data transmission | Share location directly with owners |
Unlike some competitors like OnStar, Audi cannot remotely disable your stolen vehicle. This limitation reflects European safety regulations that influence Audi’s global systems[2]. The company prioritizes preventing accidents over aggressive anti-theft intervention.
Car Finder vs. Stolen Vehicle Locator
These are two different features—don’t confuse them[2].
| Feature | Car Finder | Stolen Vehicle Locator |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Find parked car | Recover stolen vehicle |
| User access | Always available in myAudi app | Disabled for owners during theft |
| Police required | No | Yes, case ID mandatory |
| Location sharing | With owner | With law enforcement only |
| Range | ~1 mile radius | Unlimited (anywhere with cell signal) |
| Activation | Automatic/manual | Manual with verification |
Car Finder helps you locate your Audi in parking lots or unfamiliar areas. The Stolen Vehicle Locator kicks in only after a verified theft report.
Recovery Success Rates
Recovery rates depend heavily on location and response time. In major metropolitan areas with dedicated auto theft units, recovery rates for Audi vehicles with active tracking reach 75-80%[2].
Factors affecting recovery success:
- Time elapsed — Most successful recoveries occur within 24 hours
- Cellular coverage — Rural areas with weak signals reduce tracking effectiveness
- Power disconnection — Backup battery buys 24-48 hours, not indefinitely
- Professional theft rings — Organized criminals may use signal jammers or strip vehicles quickly
- Local law enforcement resources — Some departments have specialized units; others don’t
Third-party tracking services like Tracker (popular in the UK) claim 95% recovery rates with 50% of vehicles found within 4 hours[5]. These aftermarket systems use VHF signals that can penetrate shipping containers and underground garages where GPS fails.
Aftermarket Tracker Alternatives
If factory tracking doesn’t satisfy your security needs, aftermarket options exist[5][6]:
| Brand | Technology | Recovery Rate | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracker (UK) | VHF + GPS + Mesh | 95% claimed | ~£200-400/year |
| LoJack | Radio frequency | 90%+ claimed | ~$700 one-time |
| Apple AirTag | Bluetooth/UWB | Limited | $29 one-time |
| GPS OBD trackers | GPS/cellular | Varies | $15-30/month |
Aftermarket trackers can work alongside Audi’s factory system for redundancy. Some owners hide AirTags in inconspicuous locations as a backup, though these aren’t designed for vehicle tracking and have range limitations.
For comprehensive security, also consider understanding your car’s air filter function and how various car systems work together.
Setting Up Tracking Before You Need It
Prevention beats recovery. Configure these settings now[4]:
- Download the myAudi app — Available on iOS and Android
- Create/verify your myAudi account — Link it to your vehicle’s VIN
- Confirm Audi connect CARE status — Check subscription is active
- Test Car Finder — Ensure basic location services work
- Record your VIN — Keep it somewhere outside the vehicle
- Save the theft hotline — Store 1-877-210-9423 in your phone
You cannot set up tracking after a theft occurs. The system requires prior registration and active subscription status[1].
Key Takeaways
- Yes, Audi can track stolen cars through the Stolen Vehicle Locator, but only with an active Audi connect CARE subscription that must be set up before the theft[1]
- Police report required — You need an official case ID before Audi will share any location data, and information goes only to law enforcement, not to you[2]
- 10-year free coverage on new vehicles makes Audi connect CARE an excellent value versus aftermarket trackers costing $200-700 annually[3]
- Audi cannot remotely disable vehicles — their role is limited to GPS tracking and coordination with police, not active intervention[2]
- Call 1-877-210-9423 after filing a police report to activate tracking—the 24/7 hotline connects you with Audi’s theft recovery team[1]
- Set up myAudi app now — you cannot configure tracking retroactively after a theft occurs; preparation is essential[4]
FAQs
Can I track my own Audi using the myAudi app if it’s stolen?
No. For safety reasons, real-time tracking is disabled for owners during theft recovery[2]. Audi shares location data exclusively with law enforcement to prevent dangerous confrontations between owners and criminals. You’ll receive status updates through Audi’s call center, but you cannot access live GPS coordinates yourself. This policy aligns with how BMW and Mercedes-Benz handle their tracking services.
Does the Stolen Vehicle Locator work if my Audi is turned off?
The system requires battery power but includes a backup battery lasting 24-48 hours[2]. If thieves disconnect the main battery, tracking continues until the backup depletes. The system also caches the last known location if the vehicle enters an area without cellular coverage. Underground parking garages typically cause signal loss, but the last position before entering is recorded.
Which Audi models have the Stolen Vehicle Locator?
Generally, 2016 and newer Audi models equipped with Audi connect support the Stolen Vehicle Locator[2]. Models from 2018 onward have more robust integration. Check with your dealer or in the myAudi app to confirm your specific vehicle’s compatibility. Older models may lack the required telematics hardware regardless of software subscriptions.
How much does Audi’s tracking service cost?
The Stolen Vehicle Locator is included free with Audi connect CARE, which comes complimentary for 10 years on new vehicles[3]. For pre-owned vehicles or those outside the complimentary period, contact Audi to check subscription options. The CARE package focuses on safety features rather than navigation or entertainment, making it relatively affordable if renewal is needed.
Will Audi disable my car remotely if it’s stolen?
No. Unlike OnStar’s Stolen Vehicle Slowdown feature, Audi cannot remotely disable engines, limit speed, or lock doors[2]. This limitation stems from European safety regulations that prioritize avoiding accidents over aggressive theft intervention. Audi’s role is strictly limited to providing location data to authorized law enforcement.
References
- Audi USA. (2025). Stolen Vehicle Locator > About myAudi. https://www.audiusa.com/en/about-myaudi/layer/stole-vehicle-locator/
- Autvex. (2025). Can Audi Track My Stolen Car? Requirements Explained. https://autvex.com/can-audi-track-my-stolen-car/
- Audi USA. (2025). Audi connect CARE. https://www.audiusa.com/en/inside-audi/innovation/audi-connect/audi-connect-care/
- Audi USA. (2025). All myAudi Features. https://www.audiusa.com/en/about-myaudi/all-myaudi-features/
- Sytner Audi UK. (2025). Tracker. https://www.sytner.co.uk/audi/service-parts-and-repair/parts-and-accessories/tracker
- Safe and Sound Mobile. (2025). Audi Tracker: 7 Ways to Unlock Peace of Mind. https://www.safeandsoundmobile.co.uk/top-audi-trackers/
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
