Where is the GPS Located in Cars?

Reviewed by

Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Written by CarParts.com Research Team - Updated on November 25th, 2025

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Summary

GPS trackers in cars are most commonly located under the dashboard near the steering column or OBD-II port, under the seats, or inside the glove compartment or trunk. They may also be mounted under the car on the undercarriage, behind the stereo or center console, or in the engine bay near the firewall.
The small “shark fin” on top of some cars usually houses multiple antennas for systems such as GPS navigation, radio, cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity, satellite radio, or keyless entry. It may contain a GPS antenna, but it is not a surveillance-style GPS tracker.
Accessing a hard-wired GPS tracker is difficult because it is connected to the vehicle’s battery, so a mechanic is best suited to access or disable it. If you find an unknown GPS tracker or are unsure whether your car has one, confirm with the manufacturer or dealer, file a police report for an unknown device, and ask a mechanic for help if you cannot remove it yourself.

For some cars with built-in GPS trackers, the tracking device can be found under the dashboard near the OBD port. It can also be placed under the car seats or floor seats. Magnetic GPS trackers are often attached to the bumper or chassis of the car.

Most common GPS tracker locations are as follows:

Under the dashboard near the steering column or plugged into the OBD-II port.
Under the seats attached to the seat frame or tucked into upholstery.
Inside the glove compartment hidden among papers or clipped to the inner lining.
In the trunk concealed near the spare tire or behind panels.
Under the car magnetically attached to the undercarriage or frame.
Inside bumpers or wheel wells and hard to spot without a mirror or flashlight.
Behind the stereo or center console for hardwired units.
In the engine bay near the firewall (less common due to heat exposure).

A shark fin antenna on a car | Image Source: Richard McCuistian

Cars may also have a little shark fin on top called a shark fin antenna (see photo). It often houses multiple antennas inside one sleek, aerodynamic shell. Depending on the vehicle, it can include:

GPS antenna for navigation systems
AM/FM radio reception
Cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity for telematics and infotainment
Satellite radio support
Keyless entry or Bluetooth modules in some models

It may contain a GPS antenna, but it’s not a GPS tracker in the surveillance sense.

GPS trackers in cars provide real-time information regarding the vehicle’s location, speed, direction, and distance. They use a satellite network that transmits signals between the satellites and tracking devices, and they work even in areas with limited cell phone service. Some vehicles have a wireless GPS tracker, while others have a hard-wired GPS tracking device.

The exact location of GPS tracking devices can vary depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model. In some models of the Toyota Corolla, for example, the GPS tracker is mounted near the kick panel above the pedals.

Tips on How to Access the GPS

Accessing a hard-wired GPS tracker on a car can be complicated because it’s connected to the vehicle’s battery. Because of this, it’s best to ask a mechanic to access or disable it for you.

Not all cars come with a GPS tracker, so be sure to double-check with your manufacturer or dealer if you’re unsure. If you find an unknown GPS tracker on your car, don’t panic. File a police report, and ask a mechanic for help if you can’t remove it by yourself.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.