Corolla Wagon theft - Why is it an easy target?
This post explains the Corolla Fielder security options that came with each generation of the Toyota Wagon and what alarm and immobiliser options there are to keep it safe.
Wagons make up between 10% to 15% of Toyota Corollas in the New Zealand fleet, but face a far higher chance of being stolen. According to NZ Police stolen vehicle data Corolla station wagons account for 44.7% of stolen Corolla models for the past 6 months (Jan-June 2026)
E160 Toyota Fielder
Corolla wagon 2012-2019
The Fielder is the wagon version of the E160 Toyota Corolla. There was also a sedan version called the Axio, but that was not officially sold here in NZ.
Toyota Axio security
There are some imported models on our roads. The security advice for the Fielder is also relevant for the Axio.
What security does the E160 Fielder come with?
The New Zealand new Fielder was sold as either a manual transmission or a CVT. Both versions were badged as GX trim spec and came with remote central locking. The CVT version has a factory transponder immobiliser.
The Fielder does not come with an alarm system.
The NZ new manual transmission Toyota Fielder does not have an immobiliser
To the best of my knowledge the manual gearbox Toyota Fielder was about the only New Zealand new car that sold after 2012 that lacks an immobiliser.
Whilst the manual gearbox may deter a 12 year old scallywag from taking one for a joyride, I still recommend installing an immobiliser as a minimum level of protection.
Most other vehicles of this era lacking an immobiliser are used Japanese imports like the Toyota Aqua. Speaking of used imports there are a large number of Fielders imported from Japan that also lack security.
Alarm and immobiliser upgrades for the E160 Fielder
Toyota Fielder immobiliser
If your Fielder has an engine start/stop button then it already has an immobiliser. If you have a traditional remote key which you need to insert into the ignition then it probably does not.
The ones that do have an immobiliser have a flashing red security symbol in the instrument cluster when the key is not in the ignition.
I have a range of immobiliser options that will work in the Fielder
Toyota Fielder alarm options
CAN-BUS upgrade or remote alarm
Regardless of which model Fielder you have, a CAN-BUS upgrade alarm such as the Vodafone Automotive 4822 can be installed to work with the factory remote. The alarm can be optioned with an immobiliser.
If you don’t have the factory remote then remote controls can be added to the 4822.
A none CAN-BUS alarm can also be fitted in the Fielder without any issues so there are a wide range of car alarms that will work.
Internal movement sensors
Whilst all good alarms will provide door, boot and bonnet protection, I recommend ultrasonic sensors to protect the interior.
The grey ultrasonic sensors that come with the 4822 look like they are factory fitted and are my recommendation if you want an effective quality system.
E140 Toyota Fielder
Corolla wagon 2006-2012
None of the E140 Corolla wagons sold as new vehicles in New Zealand came with an alarm or immobiliser which makes them an easy target for theft.
All models had remote locking with the buttons built into the key.
Some of the higher spec models from Japan do have an immobiliser. These are easy to identify as the have a push button ignition button,
Recommended security upgrades for the E140 Fielder
Getting an immobiliser installed should be a priority if you don’t have one.
If you still have the original remote controls then a transponder chip can be retro fitted into the head of the key.
Alarm options for the E140 Corolla Fielder
A CAN-BUS alarm such as the Vodafone Automotive 4822 can be installed in the E140 as can most PLIP alarms. These all work using the factory remote.
If you don’t have a working remote key then a remote alarm/immobiliser is a good option too.
E120 Toyota Fielder
Corolla wagon 2000-2006
The E120 Fielder has remote locking, but lacks both an alarm and immobiliser.
I recommend installing an immobiliser or a remote alarm/immobiliser.
If you are not sure if you have an immobiliser on not then this post explains in more detail.
Vehicle theft remains one of the most common property crimes in New Zealand, and vehicles without an engine immobiliser are generally much easier to steal. The New Zealand Police also recommends using effective anti-theft devices as part of a layered approach to vehicle security.
