Many modern cars have advanced technologies to enhance safety, convenience, and overall driving experience. One such technology that has become increasingly common is GPS tracking. GPS trackers in cars offer several benefits, from helping you navigate to improving security and providing valuable data for vehicle maintenance and management.
In this article, we have discussed GPS tracking, what cars have built-in GPS Tracking Devices, its benefits and privacy concerns.
What is GPS tracking?
GPS, which stands for Global Positioning System, empowers the remote monitoring of an object’s precise location. This technology can track not only the longitude and latitude of a target but also its course of direction and ground speed.
Also read: How does GPS work? 4 factors that affect its functioning
What cars have built-in GPS Tracking Devices?
Most new cars now have a built-in GPS that helps you find your way. In the United States, about 78 million cars already have these GPS systems.
It’s expected that in the next five years, almost all cars (about 98%) in the U.S. will have GPS trackers.
However, it’s important to know that having a GPS tracker in your car is not a legal requirement in the U.S.
GPS navigation for personal vehicles officially started in 2001, according to Transfinder, a logistics software company. So, if your car was made before 2001, it might not have a built-in GPS. But don’t worry; many car brands like Nissan, Hyundai, and Ford offer cars with GPS systems already installed.

Also read: Can someone track your location from a text?
Benefits of GPS tracking devices
Here are some benefits of GPS tracking devices in the car:
- Child Safety: A GPS tracker helps you monitor where your child is. This is especially crucial because car accidents are the top cause of teenage deaths in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
- Emergency Assistance: In emergencies, quick help is essential. A GPS tracker makes it easier for emergency services to find your location promptly to assist you faster.
- Theft Recovery: A GPS tracking device can be a lifesaver if your car is stolen. In 2022, 1,001,967 vehicles were stolen in the U.S., as per the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NCIB). A GPS tracker can help you quickly find your stolen vehicle and get it back.

Privacy concerns with car-GPS trackers
While the convenience of GPS tracking in cars is undeniable, it raises several privacy concerns:
- Location privacy: Every time a GPS-equipped car is on the road, its location is tracked and recorded. This data can be valuable to the driver and third parties, including car manufacturers, insurance companies, and law enforcement.
- Data security: The information collected by GPS systems is stored electronically. This data can be exploited in the wrong hands for malicious purposes, such as tracking people’s movements without their consent.
- Tracking by third parties: Car manufacturers and service providers may collect data about a driver’s habits, routes, and preferences. While this can enhance the driving experience, it can also be used for marketing or surveillance, raising concerns about who has access to this information and how it’s used.
- Hacking and Unauthorised Access: As with any technology, GPS systems are vulnerable to hacking. If a car’s GPS is compromised, it could be used to track its location or even remotely control certain functions.
Also read: What is the difference between ‘No location found’ and ‘No location available’?