From what I know it’s being offered right now for Gen 3 and Gen 2 will be coming soon.
Kia Soul 2014 no anti-theft software update to be offered?
I received a letter for my 2017 Kia Forte for the anti-theft software update, wondered when the software will be available for my Soul, checked the website Customer Care Center (kiausa.com)
by putting in my VIN # and it says "
Our records indicate that your vehicle is equipped with a steel key and "turn to start" ignition system that has been targeted for theft by the social media challenge.
While no car can be made theft proof, Kia is developing an action plan to provide a free STEERING WHEEL LOCK directly to certain Kia vehicle owners free of charge, subject to supply availability, limit 1 per vehicle for a limited time.
These devices can help deter a theft attempt and your vehicle will be eligible for this offer. You will be notified by mail when supplies are available sometime in the near future.
The current estimated date of availability : June, 2023"
So, Soul only get a steering wheel lock? No software update offered.
by putting in my VIN # and it says "
Our records indicate that your vehicle is equipped with a steel key and "turn to start" ignition system that has been targeted for theft by the social media challenge.
While no car can be made theft proof, Kia is developing an action plan to provide a free STEERING WHEEL LOCK directly to certain Kia vehicle owners free of charge, subject to supply availability, limit 1 per vehicle for a limited time.
These devices can help deter a theft attempt and your vehicle will be eligible for this offer. You will be notified by mail when supplies are available sometime in the near future.
The current estimated date of availability : June, 2023"
So, Soul only get a steering wheel lock? No software update offered.
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
That seems contrary to their public statement:I received a letter for my 2017 Kia Forte for the anti-theft software update, wondered when the software will be available for my Soul, checked the website Customer Care Center (kiausa.com)
by putting in my VIN # and it says "
Our records indicate that your vehicle is equipped with a steel key and "turn to start" ignition system that has been targeted for theft by the social media challenge.
While no car can be made theft proof, Kia is developing an action plan to provide a free STEERING WHEEL LOCK directly to certain Kia vehicle owners free of charge, subject to supply availability, limit 1 per vehicle for a limited time.
These devices can help deter a theft attempt and your vehicle will be eligible for this offer. You will be notified by mail when supplies are available sometime in the near future.
The current estimated date of availability : June, 2023"
So, Soul only get a steering wheel lock? No software update offered.
KIA officials told FOX5 that drivers who have a 2011-2021 vehicle with a steel key to start the car are eligible for the software upgrade. Motorists with a key fob do not have to upgrade their software, according to Kia.
Apr 18, 2023
Not the first person to be confused by Kia's use of "not available" when they may mean "not available yet."
I guess we will find out in June.
I guess we will find out in June.
Good point Flatsole. You'd think KIA could take advantage by actually using those words on their VIN check website. It would help bring peace of mind to the approximately 1 million Gen 1 and 2 Soul owners.Not the first person to be confused by Kia's use of "not available" when they may mean "not available yet."
I guess we will find out in June.
https://ksupport.kiausa.com/ConsumerAffairs/SWLD
I got my letter in the mail Saturday, have 10:30 dealer service appointment tomorrow (Gen 3 [2020] Soul).
I received a letter for my 2017 Kia Forte for the anti-theft software update, wondered when the software will be available for my Soul, checked the website Customer Care Center (kiausa.com)
by putting in my VIN # and it says "
Our records indicate that your vehicle is equipped with a steel key and "turn to start" ignition system that has been targeted for theft by the social media challenge.
While no car can be made theft proof, Kia is developing an action plan to provide a free STEERING WHEEL LOCK directly to certain Kia vehicle owners free of charge, subject to supply availability, limit 1 per vehicle for a limited time.
These devices can help deter a theft attempt and your vehicle will be eligible for this offer. You will be notified by mail when supplies are available sometime in the near future.
The current estimated date of availability : June, 2023"
So, Soul only get a steering wheel lock? No software update offered.
I received a letter for my 2017 Kia Forte for the anti-theft software update, wondered when the software will be available for my Soul, checked the website Customer Care Center (kiausa.com)
by putting in my VIN # and it says "
Our records indicate that your vehicle is equipped with a steel key and "turn to start" ignition system that has been targeted for theft by the social media challenge.
While no car can be made theft proof, Kia is developing an action plan to provide a free STEERING WHEEL LOCK directly to certain Kia vehicle owners free of charge, subject to supply availability, limit 1 per vehicle for a limited time.
These devices can help deter a theft attempt and your vehicle will be eligible for this offer. You will be notified by mail when supplies are available sometime in the near future.
The current estimated date of availability : June, 2023"
So, Soul only get a steering wheel lock? No software update offered.
I have a 2018 Soul ! and there is no software to update since it does not have an immobilizer. The dealership always stopped short of clarifying this when I asked multiple times. Yes, steel key with a turn ignition. Today, I had a hidden kill switch installed and they gave me a bunch of Viper stickers. Cost of kill switch was $200. I am looking forward to my non-Kia car when it is right for my wallet. This solution may help.
Another thing to add: I also have a self purchased Club ( steering wheel lock) and it seems that one could simply cut the steering wheel if they really want the car. Could this be correct?
It doesn't sound like you have a grasp on what the software update being rolled out by Kia does. The update is definitely for vehicles without an immobilizer. Essentially if you lock the car doors with the remote on your key, it prevents the vehicle from starting until it is unlocked with the remote.I have a 2018 Soul ! and there is no software to update since it does not have an immobilizer. The dealership always stopped short of clarifying this when I asked multiple times.
Whether that software will be offered for 2019 and older Souls is another question. But it is for, and only for cars that don't have an immobilizer/ chipped key.
This is 100% correct. Although I still think it should discourage casual would be joyriders.Another thing to add: I also have a self purchased Club ( steering wheel lock) and it seems that one could simply cut the steering wheel if they really want the car. Could this be correct?
Thank you for clarifying. I am very nervous because I park in high risk areas due yo my job. I felt that I had to do something instead of waiting for Kia. I feel a lot better having a kill switch as I do not have the margin to work through a car theft at this point.
You can check eligibilty for the anti-theft software update (by entering your car VIN) at Kia Customer Care Center Anti-Theft.Thank you for clarifying. I am very nervous because I park in high risk areas due yo my job. I felt that I had to do something instead of waiting for Kia. I feel a lot better having a kill switch as I do not have the margin to work through a car theft at this point.
Resultant message may or may not be 100% accurate as Kia's left hand may not completely be in sync with Kia's right hand. Forum member rhysol wrote of checking his VIN and being incorrectly told - if my memory serves - his 2019 (manual trans) Soul already had an immobilizer (and thus didn't need the update).
Was the $200 for parts AND installation?...Today, I had a hidden kill switch installed and they gave me a bunch of Viper stickers. Cost of kill switch was $200...
YesWas the $200 for parts AND installation?
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
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