A FLAW in remote locking systems fitted to around 100 million cars has been discovered.

The bug affects vehicles with a remote lock activated by a key.

4 More than 100 million cars with remote keys could be affected by a massive security flaw Credit: Getty Images

It could affect popular cars like Volkswagen's Golf models, as well as vehicles from its subsidiaries such as Audi, Seat and Skoda.

Other vulnerable brands include Citroen, Peugeot, Renault, Fiat, Nissan and Ford.

4 Volkswagen's popular Golf models could be affected as well as many of their subsidiary companies Credit: Alamy

4 Skoda, Audi, Seat, Citroen, Peugeot, Renault, Fiat, Nissan and Ford have also been revealed to be vulnerable after researchers discovered the bug Credit: Alamy

Hackers can exploit the security system in these cars as there are not enough different passwords in remote keys.

Researchers recorded radio signals from a key and reproduced it later to open the corresponding car.

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Volkswagen suggested the flaw, discovered by German and British researchers, was mostly of academic interest.

However German authorities are currently investigating the theft of a car which could have been taken using this method.

4 Volkswagen said this flaw was mostly of academic interest - but German authorities are researching a car theft which may have used this technique Credit: Alamy

German media reported that vehicle security systems have improved in recent years, and older models are more likely to be affected by the flaw.

But insurers pointed out car thefts have decreased. Just 18,000 cars are stolen every year in Germany compared to 105,000 23 years ago.