Green Bay police, car dealerships offer free anti-theft upgrades to vulnerable Kias and Hyundais on Nov. 15

Rebecca Loroff, Green Bay Press-Gazette
·2 min read

GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Police Department in partnership with local car dealerships is offering a free anti-theft software upgrade for some makes and models of Kias and Hyundais, the Green Bay Police Department said Thursday.

Technicians from Bergstrom Hyundai of Green Bay and Dorsch Kia will be available to install this upgrade from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 15 at Leicht Memorial Park, 128 Dousman St. No appointment is necessary, but the process of installing the upgrade is expected to take about 30 to 45 minutes.

The Green Bay Police Department will also hand out window stickers to people who get the upgrade as well as free steering wheel locks on a first-come, first-served basis.

Some makes and models of Kias and Hyundais have been targeted over the past year due to a TikTok video showing a vulnerability in these cars' ignition systems. In Green Bay alone, police said they have opened investigations into the theft or attempted theft of 182 Kia and Hyundai vehicles out of 265 total auto thefts, which is 69% of total car thefts reported in the city this year.

Here are the makes and models of Kias and Hyundais eligible for the free upgrade

Affected Hyundai models:

  • 2018-2022 Accent

  • 2011-2022 Elantra

  • 2013-2020 Elantra GT

  • 2013-2014 Genesis Coupe

  • 2018-2022 Kona

  • 2020-2021 Palisade

  • 2013-2022 Santa Fe

  • 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport

  • 2019 Santa Fe XL

  • 2011-2019 Sonota

  • 2011-2022 Tucson

  • 2012-2017 and 2019-2021 Veloster

  • 2020-2021 Venue

Affected Kia models:

  • 2011-2022 Forte

  • 2021-2022 K5

  • 2011-2020 Optima

  • 2011-2021 Rio

  • 2011-2021 Sedona

  • 2021-2022 Seltos

  • 2011-2022 Sorento

  • 2010-2022 Soul

  • 2011-2022 Sportage

Generally, the affected vehicles have an ignition system with a key, not a push-button, police said.

You can also find out if your car is affected by providing your Vehicle Identification Number at ksupport.kiausa.com for Kias or hyundaiantitheft.com for Hyundais.

Rebecca Loroff is a breaking and trending news reporter for northeastern Wisconsin. Contact her with story tips and feedback at rloroff@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Kias, Hyundais can get free anti-theft upgrade Nov. 15 in Green Bay