I don’t own a Kia, but I recently watched a Channel 5 News documentary about the Kia Boys, and it got me thinking. What steps is Kia taking to make their cars more secure, given that they’re often targeted for being easy to steal?
It’s a tough pill to swallow for a brand that’s been building trust for years. To combat this, Kia’s beefing up security big time.
They’re rolling out software upgrades that make it harder for thieves to start their cars without a key.
Plus, they’re giving away steering wheel locks to owners of older models.
It’s a step in the right direction, but I think we’ll see even more high-tech security features in their future cars.
Since late 2022, all Kias come with immobilizers in the key fobs to help prevent theft. However, with enough effort, any car can still be stolen.
In the US, Kia cars do not come with immobilizers because it is not required by law, while European Kias do have them.
Kia has introduced several measures to combat the recent rise in vehicle thefts.
Key Steps Taken by Kia:
- Free Software Upgrades: Kia offers complimentary software updates to improve the security system on eligible models, requiring the key to be in the ignition for the vehicle to start.
- Ignition Cylinder Protectors: For models not eligible for the software upgrade, Kia provides free ignition cylinder protectors to deter theft.
- Customer Support: Kia has set up dedicated support channels to help owners with the upgrade process and answer any questions.
Kia owners should utilize these offerings and consider additional security measures like steering wheel locks or alarm systems for added protection.
Kias are often targeted for theft due to their simpler security systems and vulnerabilities that can be exploited by thieves. Some models may lack advanced anti-theft features, making them easier to steal compared to vehicles with more sophisticated security measures.