Beware - FordPass vehicle access request

[DryHeat]

The threat exists even if you reset and is probably greater. When the app is connected you get notifications if someone else is trying to access your account. You will not get anything if you remove that.

I'm not sure I understand why resetting would increase the threat.

When I connected FordPass to my truck for the first time I had to be able to get in the truck, turn it on, and accept the connection on the screen in the truck.

Are you saying that -- if you reset the app -- someone could access your account (and your truck) without that happening? How does that work?

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[A Dodge that drives Fords]

Thanks for the heads up. If I see something like that I will deny access

 

[NJ Pinelands]

Hi, fellow Maverick fans!
I received a push notification from FordPass app today that someone named "Megan" is requesting access to my Maverick! Are you kidding me
Googling it, there are threads on the same subject at RaptorForum and MachEForum...so nothing new with FordPass.
Needless to say, but worth stressing, hit "DENY" at the bottom of screen immediately! Not just delete it.
If you receive this message, that means someone recorded your VIN or whatever and will keep hitting you with this vehicle access request. If you accidentally approve the access, then who knows what will happen next to your dear Maverick.
Of course, you can always do "Master Reset" but just such a hassle

https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/someone-requesting-fordpass-access.4743/
https://www.fordraptorforum.com/threads/vehicle-access-request.69550/
https://www.ford.com/support/how-to...to-an-authorized-vehicle-in-the-fordpass-app/

I think you may have made a rash decision. It is possible that Megan is a very wealthy princess from the Ivory Coast who is coming to America and just needs a little information from you so she may send all her money to your bank account before she arrives. She knows you are trusted person.

 

[UrashimaT]

I think you may have made a rash decision. It is possible that Megan is a very wealthy princess from the Ivory Coast who is coming to America and just needs a little information from you so she may send all her money to your bank account before she arrives. She knows you are trusted person.

You might be right, NJ Pinelands. I should have asked Megan if she drives a Cyber Orange Lariat EB AWD with CP360, Lux package, FX4, and power moonroof, before denying her overture.

 

[morawski64]

I assume you need an account in order to make one of these requests... It would be helpful if a "I don't know/report/something" option was implemented beyond just "delete" so that after perhaps more than one person making a report the account could get banned. I know that certainly doesn't eliminate the issue, but it would help, and it would make Ford more aware of any fraudulent activity.

 

[Bigsarge]

I'm not sure I understand why resetting would increase the threat.

When I connected FordPass to my truck for the first time I had to be able to get in the truck, turn it on, and accept the connection on the screen in the truck.

Are you saying that -- if you reset the app -- someone could access your account (and your truck) without that happening? How does that work?

Thanks for the advice!!

 

[KimoCarew]

One of the reasons I did a "Master Reset" after playing with the system for a few weeks. I really have no need for an "app" for my truck.
And don't dismiss me as an old tech-challenged curmudgeon, I have been close to advanced tech and cyber security in a significant way for quite some time.
Sure, it is usually benign and maybe convenient for some, but it is another threat vector.

Nothing wrong with being a curmudgeon! I'm ready to unplug all my friggin devices... smash the Ring door camera and cancel all of the GD subscriptions which are too numerous to list. All I need are my Mav, my guitar, my boards and a library card (oh shit... they track that too).

 

[Red Ryder]

Nothing wrong with being a curmudgeon! I'm ready to unplug all my friggin devices... smash the Ring door camera and cancel all of the GD subscriptions which are too numerous to list. All I need are my Mav, my guitar, my boards and a library card (oh shit... they track that too).

Right, but as you say, some of us aspire to become curmudgeons selectively, shedding the connectivity chains rather than being tech challenged (as some assume when you're adverse to gadgets). Nothing like taking a break from tech and simplifying things, eh?

 

[YOBY]

It's nothing but a tracking app for Ford to monitor (your and their vehicle) if you give them permission by signing up for their app. They know everything you do with your Maverick.

 

[Hoagus]

If you remove your Ford Pass access you will lose your Ford Pass points. It must remain active (for 6 months I believe) in order for you to retain your points.

Does this mean they won’t add your points until after six months, or that you can’t spend them until after six months? If not, what is the six months for?

 

[Hoagus]

It's nothing but a tracking app for Ford to monitor (your and their vehicle) if you give them permission by signing up for their app. They know everything you do with your Maverick.

Hopefully, they have better things to do with their time. They might gather some metrics to help them understand how people use their products.

 

[Red Ryder]

Opting out didn't affect my earned points at all. It may prevent me from earning more, but I do my scheduled maintenance myself, so I only earn points during vehicle purchase.

 

[KenC]

Another thing that bothers me about the Ford app is if you allow it to track your “journeys”, they will make you look like you are driving your Maverick like a sports car. I swear I drive extremely casual and the all says “man slow your ass down…” I wonder if they use that info to deny you warranty work in the future.

 

[KevCuRaoi]

Does this mean they won’t add your points until after six months, or that you can’t spend them until after six months? If not, what is the six months for?

You should get them almost immediately (if your dealer reports the sale with your Ford Pass "member ID"). You can use them as soon as you have them. But if you sever the connection btw Ford Pass and your vehicle you will probably lose any points you have. And won't earn more for service.

Obviously they can't take away the points if you've already used them.

This is the note about the points from the Dealer Reference manual:
"Modem must be activated within 60 days of purchase through the FordPass™ App on a smartphone and remain active for at least six months after activation."

 

[Patruck]

One of the reasons I did a "Master Reset" after playing with the system for a few weeks. I really have no need for an "app" for my truck.
And don't dismiss me as an old tech-challenged curmudgeon, I have been close to advanced tech and cyber security in a significant way for quite some time.
Sure, it is usually benign and maybe convenient for some, but it is another threat vector.

Only a curmudgeon would use the term curmudgeon

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