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Yes, Audi can track your stolen car through the Audi connect Stolen Vehicle Locator feature, which uses built-in GPS and cellular technology to transmit your vehicle’s location directly to law enforcement[1]. This service requires an active Audi connect CARE subscription (complimentary for 10 years on new vehicles), a filed police report with case ID, and coordination through Audi’s 24/7 call center at 1-877-210-9423[2]. For safety reasons, real-time tracking is disabled for owners—location data is shared exclusively with police to prevent dangerous confrontations[3].
How Audi Stolen Vehicle Locator Works
The Stolen Vehicle Locator is Audi’s dedicated anti-theft recovery system integrated into vehicles manufactured from 2018 onward[1]. Unlike aftermarket GPS trackers that provide real-time owner access, Audi’s system deliberately restricts location information to law enforcement only. This safety-first approach prevents potentially dangerous confrontations between owners and criminals.
The tracking system operates through a dedicated telematics control unit separate from the infotainment system. This redundancy ensures tracking capabilities persist even if thieves disable visible electronics[1]. The unit contains a built-in GPS receiver with GLONASS support, 4G LTE cellular modem for data transmission, and an internal backup battery lasting 24-48 hours[1].
Core tracking capabilities include:
- Continuous location updates every 30-60 seconds during active recovery
- Historical route data showing movement patterns since theft
- Precision accuracy within 10-15 feet under optimal conditions
- Multi-network cellular connectivity for reliable transmission
- Encrypted communication protecting data during transmission
Step-by-Step Recovery Process
Audi outlines a clear five-step process for stolen vehicle recovery[2]:
Step 1: Confirm Vehicle Is Stolen
Verify the vehicle has actually been stolen rather than towed, borrowed, or parked in an unfamiliar location. Check with family members, review parking restrictions, and confirm the vehicle is truly missing before proceeding.
Step 2: File a Police Report
Contact local law enforcement immediately to file a stolen vehicle report. Provide your VIN, license plate number, vehicle description, and last known location. The police will assign a Police Case ID that is essential for activating Audi’s tracking assistance[2].
Step 3: Contact Audi Call Center
Call Audi’s 24/7 support line at 1-877-210-9423 with your Police Case ID ready[2]. The call center agent will verify your authorization as the vehicle owner and open a new recovery case. Have your vehicle’s VIN and proof of ownership available.
Step 4: Audi Coordinates with Police
The call center agent contacts law enforcement directly to verify the Police Case ID. Once verified, Audi transmits the vehicle’s current GPS location to investigating officers[2]. Law enforcement receives continuous location updates throughout the recovery operation.
Step 5: Police Initiate Recovery
Police use the real-time location data to locate and recover your vehicle[2]. Recovery times vary based on vehicle location, police resources, and whether the vehicle remains powered and within cellular coverage.
Requirements for Tracking to Work
Several conditions must be met for successful stolen vehicle tracking:
Active Audi connect CARE Subscription
The Stolen Vehicle Locator requires an active Audi connect CARE plan[4]. New Audi vehicles include 10 years of complimentary CARE coverage from the purchase date[4]. Pre-owned vehicles may require subscription renewal—verify coverage status through the myAudi app or by contacting Audi customer service.
Compatible Vehicle Model Year
Stolen Vehicle Locator functionality is available on most Audi models from 2018 onward equipped with Audi connect hardware[1]. Older vehicles and certain models like the Q4 e-tron may have limited or no tracking capability[4]. Confirm your specific vehicle’s features during purchase or through Audi customer support.
Vehicle Power and Cellular Signal
The tracking system requires the vehicle’s electrical system to remain powered and cellular coverage to exist at the vehicle’s location[1]. If thieves disconnect the battery or move the vehicle to an underground location without signal, tracking may be interrupted. The internal backup battery provides 24-48 hours of continued operation even if the main battery is disconnected[1].
What Owners Cannot Do
Understanding limitations prevents frustration during stressful theft situations:
No Direct Owner Tracking
For safety reasons, owners cannot access real-time vehicle location during a theft situation[3]. The myAudi app’s Car Finder feature—designed for locating parked vehicles—is automatically disabled when stolen vehicle protocols activate[3]. This prevents owners from attempting dangerous self-recovery.
No Remote Disable Function
Audi’s system does not offer remote immobilization or engine disable features available from some competitors[5]. While owners can remotely lock/unlock doors through the myAudi app, preventing the engine from starting requires aftermarket solutions.
Car Finder vs. Stolen Vehicle Locator
These two features serve different purposes and should not be confused:
| Feature | Car Finder | Stolen Vehicle Locator |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Find parked car | Recover stolen vehicle |
| User access | Always available | Disabled during theft |
| Police required | No | Yes, case ID needed |
| Location sharing | With owner | With law enforcement only |
| Activation | Automatic | Manual with verification |
| Range | 1-mile radius | Unlimited with cellular coverage |
Car Finder helps locate your Audi in parking garages or unfamiliar areas. The Stolen Vehicle Locator activates only for verified theft situations coordinated through proper channels[3].
Aftermarket Tracking Alternatives
Some Audi owners supplement factory tracking with aftermarket solutions for additional protection:
Third-Party GPS Trackers
Devices like Beepings ZEN L offer features Audi’s system lacks, including real-time owner tracking, motion detection alerts, and geofence perimeter notifications[6]. These trackers work independently of Audi connect and can provide up to one year of battery autonomy with anti-jamming technology[6].
Insurance-Approved Trackers
UK and European Audi owners often install Thatcham-rated S5 or S7 trackers that meet insurance requirements for high-value vehicles[7]. These systems include Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR) fobs that alert owners immediately if the vehicle moves without authorization[7].
For Audi owners concerned about security system activation or advanced key technology, understanding both factory and aftermarket options provides comprehensive protection.
Key Takeaways
- Audi can track stolen vehicles through the Stolen Vehicle Locator integrated with Audi connect CARE, which is complimentary for 10 years on new vehicles
- Recovery requires filing a police report, obtaining a case ID, and calling Audi at 1-877-210-9423 to coordinate with law enforcement
- For safety reasons, owners cannot access real-time location data—tracking information is shared exclusively with police
- The system requires vehicle power and cellular signal; an internal backup battery provides 24-48 hours of operation if the main battery is disconnected
- Aftermarket GPS trackers can supplement factory tracking with owner-accessible features like real-time monitoring and motion alerts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I track my own Audi using the myAudi app if it is stolen?
No, for safety reasons real-time tracking is disabled for owners during theft situations[3]. Location data is shared exclusively with law enforcement through Audi’s call center to prevent dangerous confrontations between owners and criminals.
Will Audi communicate directly with the police?
Yes, once you provide the Police Case ID, Audi’s call center contacts law enforcement directly to verify the report and transmit vehicle location information[2]. This coordination continues throughout the recovery operation with continuous location updates.
Does Stolen Vehicle Locator work on older Audi models?
Can Audi remotely disable my stolen vehicle?
Audi’s current system does not include remote immobilization[5]. While Remote Lock/Unlock is available through the myAudi app, engine disable functionality is not offered. Some aftermarket trackers include this capability if required by insurance or desired for additional security.
How long does the tracking system work if thieves disconnect the battery?
The telematics unit contains an internal backup battery providing 24-48 hours of continued operation after main battery disconnection[1]. This provides a recovery window even if sophisticated thieves attempt to disable vehicle power.
References
- Autvex. (2025). Can Audi Track My Stolen Car?
Can Audi Track My Stolen Car? Requirements
- Audi USA. (2025). Stolen Vehicle Locator. https://www.audiusa.com/en/about-myaudi/layer/stole-vehicle-locator/
- Motion for Audi Connect. (2025). How do I report if my car has been stolen? https://motionforaudiconnect.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/4404725088535-How-do-I-report-if-my-car-has-been-stolen
- Audi USA. (2025). Audi connect CARE Plan. https://www.audiusa.com/en/inside-audi/innovation/audi-connect/audi-connect-care/
- Reddit r/Audi. (2024). Can Audi (USA) disable a stolen vehicle?
Can Audi (USA) disable a stolen vehicle?
byu/matman626 inAudi - Beepings. (2022). GPS Tracker for Audi Car.
GPS Tracker Audi car
- Moving Intelligence. (2022). Audi S5 Tracker – Stolen Vehicle Tracking. https://movingintelligence.co.uk/pages/audi-secure-5-security
- Facebook Audi Club NA. (2020). Stolen Vehicle Locator Discussion. https://www.facebook.com/groups/AudiClubNA/posts/10159584417507333/
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.
