Kia Soul Forums :: Kia Soul Owners banner

Kia Ignition Cylinder Protector Device... Should I Install?

16K views 41 replies 26 participants last post by  LLLischer  
#1 ·
I have a 2016 Kia Soul. Since it does not have an immobilizer, Kia has a recall to install an ignition cylinder protector device. I went to the dealership to get it installed and they said: 1) I have to sign a waiver to get it installed and 2) if a thief tries to steal it, it could end up in steering column damage resulting in thousands of dollars in repairs. I currently use a steering wheel lock (aka the Club), to keep my Kia safe and have had no issues.

Would you install the ignition cylinder protector device or would you forego it?

Thanks for you help!
 
#8 ·
Rhysouls advice is good to follow. If you think the steering column is expensive to fix, imagine the cost to replace the entire car.

I'd get it installed, put the sticker in the window, and continue to use your club. It's a great visual deterrent. Remember, these car thieves have under-developed brains and were raised by people who failed at parenting.
 
#29 ·
I had my 2020 kia stolen by the Kia Boys. My insurance Company ended up paying $14,641 to bring my car back to the excellent condition it was before being stolen. I was without my car for 3i/2 months. due to the collision garages being flooded with car thefts, then due to the thefts of kia the part to fix my car were on back order for months. When I got my car back I had the update done at the dealership. I now also use the club .It was one of the most costly and stressful experiences I have ever had. I would do both!!! I hope this helps you.
 
#9 ·
I guess the dealership or the waiver is trying to say that your car may be more expensive to repair after an unsuccessful theft attempt. But outweighing that in my mind is the miscreants who are stealing Kias would be unsuccessful in stealing your car if you get the reinforcement, otherwise they would probably destroy it after they steal it.
 
#18 ·
I'll bet your service "call" will take more time than a Saturday appointment
Today I made an appointment to get my #2 key fob buttons to agree to work with my 2019 base Soul. It is on March 22nd.
The #1 fob works great. The batteries are in good shape.
I got my max—maker's production including the club, the newest lock protection, and the airbags update.
Always your choice.
 
#13 ·
I had one put in our 2012. I didn't sign bleep. Just dropped it off and they put it in. We still use the free club but any thing that helps is good in my book. And I don't read much about Kias being stolen very much areound here anyway.
I agree plymouth, the more visible deterrents the better. This week two 12 & 13 year old brothers car jacked a woman filling up at an Arco on a busy Seattle highway at gunpoint. They fired the gun into the air. Long 80+ mph police chase, crashing the stolen car. First kid taken into custoday, 2nd one ran but caught by police dog.

Kids stealing cars, often using guns, is rampant. In King County over 16,500 reported car thefts in first 11 months of 2023. Many used in the commission of another crime. Even with the tabloid KIA & Hyundai headlines, the Honda Civic & Accord are the most stolen cars here.

 
#17 ·
Yes, I installed a fuel pump relay with key fob that another post mentioned. Then I received the letter for the ignition protector and had it done. I still use the steering wheel lock out of habit. Between all that and having a manual transmission I feel comfortable my car won't completely disappear. :)
 
#22 ·
I plan on getting it done. I too, use a steering wheel lock. The one Kia offered shortly after all this 💩 went down. While I was out of work I had to cancel my insurance policy with Progressive because I couldn't afford it. When I finally went back to work I wanted to reinstate my policy but they denied me coverage all because of this TikTok BS! I was so pissed off! Felt very betrayed as well! 5 yrs I was with them! But yeah, I would definitely get it!
 
#23 ·
I had it installed and I didn't have to sign anything at all. Nothing was explained to me about damage that could result in it being installed. It also was not mentioned that it was voluntary. I also got the free club awhile back. My attitude has always been that if there's a recall, get it done, no cost to me and builds on the value of the car. If there is damage to the steering column if someone tries to steal it as a result of the recall, I'm not paying for the repairs. I got no disclosures.
 
#24 ·
I have a 2013 Kia Soul and the club is quite visible to anyone thinking of stealing it. More visible than a sticker on the windshield. These kids are not pros, they will not likely be willing to waste time removing the club if they brought the tools to do so. I have motion activated lights and cameras so hopefully that is deterrent enough. I am not sure, but I heard a rumor that the fix disables the key ring light I have on the car now.
 
#26 ·
My Kia is at the dealership now having the recall done. We'll be getting it back today or tomorrow.
 
owns 1967 Ford Falcon Futura Sports Coupe
#31 ·
Got our Soul back today after the recall. they did a nice job and yes the key ring light is no more.
 
owns 1967 Ford Falcon Futura Sports Coupe
#34 ·
Do you remember what color the key ring light was? trying to get something similar for ghost key install.

Red
 
owns 1967 Ford Falcon Futura Sports Coupe
  • Like
Reactions: Flatsole
#35 ·
Yesterday in my mail I got a lawyer's notification " NOTICE OF PROPOSED CLASS SETELMENT". I is directed to us "If you have purchased or leased "(specifically -us) one of the Kia vehicles (Kia Souls 2011-2022) that was manufactured without an engine immobilized, you may be from a class action settlement." This is for people who want cash for losses arising from the theft or attempted theft. Including for those who bought a steering wheel lock or any anti-theft device.
You can get information at www.kiatheftsettlement.com
Me and my 2019 Soul has been lucky so far.
The other Kia cars covering this info include Forte, K5, Optima, Rio, Sedona, Seltos, Sorento, and Sportage.
 
#36 ·
Yesterday in my mail I got a lawyer's notification " NOTICE OF PROPOSED CLASS SETELMENT". I is directed to us "If you have purchased or leased "(specifically -us) one of the Kia vehicles (Kia Souls 2011-2022) that was manufactured without an engine immobilized, you may be from a class action settlement." This is for people who want cash for losses arising from the theft or attempted theft. Including for those who bought a steering wheel lock or any anti-theft device.
You can get information at www.kiatheftsettlement.com
Me and my 2019 Soul has been lucky so far.
The other Kia cars covering this info include Forte, K5, Optima, Rio, Sedona, Seltos, Sorento, and Sportage.
Letter is from a Law Group looking for an easy settlement cash grab.
I am hoping Kia/Hyundai llstop the PR settlements and let one of these go to trial.

Kia/Hyundai did not leave off any legally required security parts.
Kia/Hyundai did not leave off any customer purchased security parts.
Customers who did not buy desired security parts with Kia/Hyundai purchase, could/should have purchased desired aftermarket security parts.