LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Thousands of Kias from Louisville streets and driveways have been trashed and stolen.
Kia dealerships are now hitting the breaks to prevent more cars from ending up that way. They're providing free anti-theft vehicle software upgrades through a clinic April 26-28.
"It makes me feel better about the investment I've made for the car," Elijah Davis said.
Kia is holding a theft prevention event at Oxmoor Mall from April 26-28. (WDRB photo)
Davis has relied on his silver 2017 Kia Soul for five years.
"It's been a hefty minute," Davis said.
He's thankful the car hasn't been broken into, but he keeps the possibility in mind because many Kias made before 2022 lack an immobilizer.
In the past, LMPD has said all a thief really needs to steal a Kia is a screwdriver, a USB, and about 15 seconds.
"We respect what's gone on here in Louisville, and we want to make sure that every opportunity has been made to bring that piece of mind and comfort back," James Bell, who's the head of communications for Kia America, said.
Kia said the issues began in Milwaukee nearly two years ago and quickly sped across state lines. That's why Kia dealers are providing free anti-theft vehicle software upgrades that mimic an immobilizer.
"It will run the alarm for an extended period of time and disable the actual ignition system," Bell said.
He said nearly 1.1 million Kias have already been upgraded to crack down on car thefts. This isn't necessary for Kias with push to start buttons because those cars won't start without a key.
Once the software upgrade is finished, Kia technicians apply window decal updates to discourage future criminal activity.
Steering wheel locks were also handed out at the clinic and no appointment is required. This event is at the Oxmoor Center, near Topgolf.
"There's always going to be some way, some how someone gets into my car, but luckily they won't be stealing my vehicle," Davis said.
This free event started April 26, and picks back up Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
You can schedule an appointment with a Kia dealership to get this software update if you cannot make it to the clinic.
Related Stories:
- Kia theft prevention event happening this weekend at Oxmoor Mall
- Louisville police plan to hand out hundreds of steering-wheel locks to combat rise in car thefts
- 'Nothing left' | Man's car stripped bare after he says thieves stole it from Louisville's airport
- Kia and Hyundai owners in Louisville say recent software updates haven't stopped break-ins
- City of Louisville files lawsuit against Hyundai, Kia over safety issues after major uptick in thefts
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
