Kia Introduces Free Anti-Theft Device for Vehicles Ineligible for Software Update
By Jared Gall
January 2, 2024
Share
2022 Kia Soul | Manufacturer image
With Hyundai and Kia vehicles from the 2010s into the ’20s being targeted in a wave of thefts encouraged by social media, the automakers have been taking steps to limit their vehicles’ vulnerability. As Hyundai recently did, Kia also has now announced a hardware update to prevent the method of theft being promoted. The upgrade is free to owners of affected vehicles at Kia dealerships nationwide.
The spree has targeted Hyundai and Kia vehicles without push-button start. This latest fix involves reinforcing the ignition cylinder — the part in the steering column that the key slides into — to prevent its removal. Following installation of the upgraded components, Kia technicians will affix window decals alerting would-be thieves that the vehicle’s vulnerability has been addressed.
These reinforced steering components follow a software upgrade that Kia has already installed in more than 900,000 eligible vehicles and is specifically designed to fortify vehicles with which the software upgrade was incompatible. These vehicles and model years include the following:
2010-22 Soul
2011-16 Forte, Sportage
2011-21 Rio
2014 Sedona
Kia has also distributed more than 325,000 free steering-column locks to owners of affected vehicles. In addition to offering the software upgrade for free at all of its dealerships, the automaker is continuing to host drive-in clinics where owners in major cities nationwide can bring their cars to have the software upgrade installed. Kia owners can enter their car’s vehicle identification number at its anti-theft support site to determine what measures are compatible with their car and how to get them installed.
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.