Kia continues to take comprehensive action to support our customers in response to this situation that has been created by criminals using methods of theft promoted and popularized on social media to steal or attempt to steal certain vehicle models.

Kia strongly encourages eligible customers to have the software upgrade that developed and rolled out earlier this year installed. The upgrade is designed to restrict the operation of the vehicle’s ignition system should a potential criminal attempt to steal a locked vehicle without the key, and Kia remains confident that this upgrade further enhances the vehicle’s security once it is installed. To date, close to 900,000 vehicles nationwide have received the upgrade and Kia continues to spread awareness about its availability by establishing a dedicated website with detailed information here, hosting off-site events in multiple cities – Milwaukee, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Baltimore, Rochester, Seattle and Philadelphia – to make it easier for eligible customers to have the upgrade installed, and partnering with Carfax to inform owners that their vehicle is eligible for the upgrade. Planning for similar events in the Chicago area in coming months has commenced.

Kia will also continue to provide steering wheel locks to owners of impacted vehicles that are not eligible for the software upgrade at no cost to them. These free steering wheel locks further enhance the vehicle’s security and can serve as a theft-deterrent for potential car thieves. Kia customers can obtain free, Kia-provided locks through their local law enforcement or they can request a steering wheel lock from Kia directly through the dedicated website. To date, Kia has distributed more than 300,000 locks and Kia will continue to provide them as they are needed. Earlier this year, Kia also announced an agreement that will allow customers who have been impacted by vehicle thefts to receive additional benefits and the brand is hopeful that the individuals who have been affected will soon be able to access these benefits.

Kia feels lawsuits filed by municipalities against the brand, like the one filed by the city of Chicago earlier this year, are without merit and should be dismissed. Like all Kia vehicles, the specific models at issue in this case are subject to and comply fully with the requirements outlined in applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, including FMVSS 114 that governs theft protection measures. Additionally, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has publicly stated that it has not determined that this issue constitutes either a safety defect or non-compliance requiring a recall under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Kia is actively working cooperatively with law enforcement agencies in the city of Chicago and across the country to combat car theft and the role social media has played in encouraging it and remains committed to supporting customers and to vehicle security.