Kia is introducing another way to protect some of its vehicles prone to theft. It's with a theft deterrent ignition cylinder protector device specifically for vehicles that aren't eligible for the security software upgrade Kia introduced last year. The device can be installed for free for affected owners at their nearest Kia dealership.
It's the latest in a number of steps the automaker has taken to curb theft methods that were popularized on social media.
Kia says it's also planning a 2nd wave of local software upgrade clinics at dealers in key cities across the U.S. The automaker also says it's continuing to provide free steering wheel locks.
The new theft deterrent is an ignition cylinder protector that works to combat theft by reinforcing the ignition cylinder body and preventing its removal. This additional modification is available now, again, for vehicles not eligible for a security software upgrade. After the installation, vehicles get a window decals designed o deter thieves.
Kia also says that since January of 2023, dealers have installed its anti-theft software upgrade on close to 940,000 vehicles. It's also hosted multiple temporary software upgrade clinics to assist local dealers in key cities. More clinics are planned for 2024.
Kia says it's also continued to work with local law enforcement agencies and public official to distribute free steering wheel locks to affected owners of vehicles not eligible for the software upgrade. As of December 30, 2023, Kia says it's distributed more than 325,000 locks and will continue to provide them as they are needed. Earlier this year, the automaker also announced an agreement that will allow customers who have been impacted by vehicle thefts to receive additional benefits.
“Vehicle security is a top priority for Kia and we continue to take action to support our customers by helping to protect their vehicles from thefts, which have been encouraged by content spread across social media,” said Greg Silvestri, vice president, service operations, Kia America. “Reinforcing the ignition cylinder body is the latest step to help guard against these methods of theft and we strongly encourage owners of vehicles that don’t have engine immobilizers and are not able to receive our security software upgrade to have this free security measure installed.”
Kia is notifying impacted owners about the new anti-theft device which can be installed for free at their nearest Kia dealership.
Subset of Eligible Vehicles with Key Operated Ignition System
▪ 2011 – 2016 Sportage
▪ 2011 – 2016 Forte
▪ 2010 – 2022 Soul
▪ 2011 – 2021 Rio
▪ 2014 Sedona
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