The upgrade applies to 2011 to 2021 models with turn-to-start ignition systems.
ST. LOUIS – KIA owners have been victims of thefts and burglaries across the country and an effort in St. Louis this weekend will help.
The manufacturer will hold drive-through clinics to install free anti-theft software on some models.
These pop-up clinics have become commonplace as thieves continue to break into KIAs that use a steel key and a “turn-to-start” ignition system.
- Downtown St. Louis – 608 S. Broadway in the Poplar and Broadway parking lot (next to Busch Stadium)
- Friday and Saturday from 8am to 6pm
- Chesterfield – Chesterfield Shopping Center – 291 Chesterfield Center
- Sunday from 8am to 3pm
Fueled by a social media trend, the theft rate of certain Kias and Hyundais increased 1,000% between 2020 and 2023, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute.
‘It’s terrible. It’s terrible. We work hard on these cars, and this happens,” said Toni Little John, who was first in line for the repairs Friday.
It takes technicians 30 minutes to install software on the vehicle. This essentially prevents the car from starting if your locked car is broken into or stolen without the key.
Capt. Harry Dilworth of the Ferguson Police Department said the department receives dozens of reports of stolen Kias and Hyundais every month.
“I’m glad to see the automakers coming out and being proactive,” the police chief said.
Dilworth added that in addition to increasing patrols in hard-hit areas and watching for suspicious activity, police have distributed wheel locks to people in the Ferguson area and are teaching the public how to use them.
“We’ve probably given out close to 200 wheel locks in the last year. We’re working on getting more,” he added.
KIA owners who visit the clinic also walk away with wheel locks.
These are the Kia models affected:
- Sportage 2011-2022
- Optima 2011-2020
- 2011-2022 Sorento
- 2011-2021 Forte
- 2020-2022 Soul
- Rio 2012-2021
- 2011-2021 Sedona
- 2021-2022 Seltos
- 2021-2022 Q5