Most New Cars and Automaker Apps Shared User Data
New research shows that many late-model vehicles and companion apps transmit your private data to advertising networks.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Automotive — General
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Do you trust that your car manufacturer keeps your personal driving data private from advertisers?
A study conducted by Northeastern University between October 2024 and August 2025 found that most new cars and automaker apps share user data with third-party companies. Nineteen of the 21 vehicles tested sent data through Wi-Fi, while 28 of 30 apps contacted at least one advertising or analytics firm.
Why it matters
This data sharing can impact your digital privacy by exposing identifiers like vehicle identification numbers, email addresses, and precise location history to external analytics companies. Understanding these connections helps you gauge what information your vehicle may be relaying to third parties.
Researchers tested 21 cars and 30 apps, finding that specific models like the Buick Envista and Nissan Ariya apps contacted 23 and 25 ad companies respectively. Additionally, four General Motors apps sent VINs to 10 companies, including Microsoft and Adobe.
The players
General Motors
An automotive manufacturer that oversees brands including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC.
Northeastern University
A research institution that conducted an investigation into privacy practices within the automotive industry.
Tesla
A manufacturer of electric vehicles whose Model 3 was found to contact 22 advertising companies directly.
Nissan
An international automaker whose Ariya model app was found to communicate with 25 advertising or tracking companies.
Honda
A global vehicle manufacturer whose HondaLink app transmits VINs and location data to analytics companies.
The details
Automaker apps facilitate data sharing by passing identifiers such as VINs and email addresses to third-party advertising companies. Concurrently, vehicles establish connections to external tracking domains directly through integrated Wi-Fi systems. While some apps and vehicles show high connectivity to ad networks, 10 of the 21 cars tested did not contact any advertising or tracking domains directly.
Timeline
October 2024 to August 2025: Researchers tested 21 cars and 30 apps.
January 2024: General Motors began a 20-year Federal Trade Commission privacy order.
The Home Front
This study highlights the ongoing tensions between modern vehicle connectivity and individual digital privacy standards. It follows the start of a 20-year Federal Trade Commission privacy order for General Motors, signaling increased regulatory scrutiny of how automakers handle user data.
Review your vehicle's privacy settings in your dashboard menu or through the manufacturer's mobile app to see what data-sharing permissions you can disable. If you are concerned about your digital footprint, consider reviewing the privacy policy of your car's connected services.
The takeaway
Vehicle apps and Wi-Fi systems are increasingly functioning as conduits for sharing your personal data with advertising networks. Regularly check the privacy dashboard of your car to understand which tracking domains you may be able to restrict.
Further reading
For more on industry-wide technology trends, visit Automotive — General.
Live Poll
Do you trust that your car manufacturer keeps your personal driving data private from advertisers?
