IMPORTANT ANTI-THEFT SOFTWARE UPGRADE

You may be aware of media reports regarding risky social media “challenges” encouraging young people to break-in and steal certain Kia vehicles. These challenges target Kia vehicles equipped with a steel key and “turn-to-start” ignition system. In response to this phenomenon of online theft promotion, Kia began taking steps to try and address this criminal activity by providing steering wheel lock devices to interested local law enforcement agencies in certain affected areas, to be distributed to concerned Kia owners at no cost.

Kia now has a software upgrade that can be installed on your vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle’s ignition system should your locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key. This software upgrade will be provided free of charge until Aug. 1, 2024 to owners with vehicles that are being affected. When the software upgrade is complete, window stickers can be added to the vehicle to discourage a break-in.

DOES THIS APPLY TO YOUR VEHICLE

This update is available to some Kia models that had a turn-to-start ignition system during the model years 2011-2021. Beginning with the 2022 model year, all Kia models and trims have an immobilizer applied either at the beginning of the model year or as a running change, so new models are not affected.

NEXT STEPS

If you have determined your vehicle needs the update, you can schedule an appointment to have it performed here at Smart Kia. We can schedule your appointment or give you more information if you call us at 563-227-3150 or you can schedule online. As mentioned above, this upgrade will be performed at no cost to you. THIS IS A LIMITED TIME OFFER and MUST BE PERFORMED BEFORE AUGUST 1,2024. So please schedule an appointment as soon as you can. The estimated time required to perform this upgrade is approximately 1-2 hours.