2024-01-02 16:00:47
Kia introduced an additional security measure to help its customers in response to criminals using theft methods popularized on social media to steal or attempt to steal certain vehicle models.
This new hardware modification, an ignition cylinder guard, is designed for vehicles that are not eligible for the security software update Kia introduced earlier this year and works to combat theft by reinforcing the ignition cylinder body. and preventing its extraction through theft method. promoted in videos that have been spread on social networks encouraging criminal activity.
This additional modification is available starting December 20, 2023 through a free Customer Satisfaction Initiative for models that are not eligible for the software update.
Once installation is complete, each vehicle will have window decals placed to inform potential car thieves that the vehicle is equipped with enhanced anti-theft protection.
Today’s announcement is the latest in a series of important measures Kia has taken and continues to take to support its customers and communities that have been affected by criminals using theft methods promoted on social media and stealing or attempting to steal certain Kia vehicles.
In addition to this ignition cylinder guard, Kia has also designed a software update that further enhances vehicle security by restricting the operation of the vehicle’s ignition system in the event that a potential criminal attempts to steal a locked, unlocked vehicle. and the company continues to strongly encourage eligible customers to have this software update installed.
Since January, dealers have installed the anti-theft software update in nearly 940,000 vehicles, and Kia has hosted multiple pop-up software update clinics to help local dealers with installation in key cities, with many more planned for early 2024. .
Kia also continues to provide free steering wheel locks directly to affected owners of vehicles who are not eligible for the software update, and the company is also working with local law enforcement agencies and public officials to distribute them.
These free steering wheel locks further improve vehicle security and can serve as a visual deterrent to potential car thieves. To date, Kia has distributed more than 325,000 locks and will continue to provide them as needed.
Earlier this year, the company also announced a deal that will allow customers affected by vehicle thefts to receive additional benefits.
“Vehicle security is a top priority for Kia and we continue to take steps to help our customers protect their vehicles from theft, which has been encouraged by content spread on social media,” said Greg Silvestri, vice president of operations at Kia. service. Kia America.
“Reinforcing the ignition cylinder body is the final step to help protect against these theft methods and we strongly encourage owners of vehicles that do not have engine immobilizers and that cannot receive our security software update to install this free security measure. »
Kia is notifying affected owners of this new anti-theft customer satisfaction initiative through multiple touchpoints with instructions to take their vehicle to the nearest Kia dealership to install the free ignition guard.
Subset of eligible vehicles with key-operated ignition system:
▪ 2011 – 2016 Sportage
▪ Forte 2011 – 2016
▪ Soul 2010 – 2022
▪ Rio 2011 – 2021
▪ Sedona 2014
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