Way I heard it, many cars have had that kind of capability for quite a while. With certain inocuous exceptions, the information is not available without a Court order.

Yes, your insurance company might eventually be able to introduce "proof" of your actual behavior if it begins to look as if it's going to cost them a few million dollars. What was your actual speed when you flew off the road and landed on that kindergarten classroom? It's likely on record ...

 

According to the owners guide:
To access this information, special equipment must be directly connected to the recording modules. Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada do not access this information without obtaining consent, unless pursunant to court order or where required by law enforcement, other government authorites or other third parties acting with lawfull authority. Other parties may seek to access the information independently of Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada.
Seems like Police, lawyers, warrenty companies and anyone else could access it to me.

 

When I purchased my '07, the dealership saiud it was bound by law to inform me that my Mustang had one. Supposedly only records the last 30 seconds of data (speed, throttle positiuon, etc)

 

Well, I was definitly not told by my dealer i had one. as soon as I get my car back from the shop, ill dig through the owners manual. and then, it might be time to dig through the car..