SPD offers free steering wheel locks to Kia, Hyundai owners

The Springfield Police Department is distributing free steering wheel clubs, or locks, to Kia and Hyundai owners following the frequent theft of these vehicles.

Residents of Springfield and the surrounding communities may pick up a free club from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Springfield Police Department at 321 E. Chestnut Expressway. Residents should bring proof of ownership, including car insurance, registration or a title.

Frequent thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles manufactured between 20112021 began in 2022 following the "Kia Challenge," a TikTok trend that displayed how these vehicles could be stolen using a screwdriver and standard USB cable. TikTok users who hoped on the trend became known as the "Kia Boys."

What vehicles qualify for a free steering wheel club?

Kia

h 2011-2021 Forte

h 2021-2022 K5

h 2011-2020 Optima

h 2011-2021 Rio

h 2011-2021 Sedona

h 2021-2022 Seltos

h 2010-2022 Soul

h 2011-2022 Sorento

h 2011-2022 Sportage

Hyundai

h 2011-2022 Accent

h 2011-2022 Elantra

h 2013-2017 Elantra GT

h 2013-2014 Elantra Coupe

h 2011-2012 Elantra Touring

h 2011-2014 Genesis Coupe

h 2018-2022 Kona

h 2020-2021 Palisade

h 2011-2012, 2019-2022 Santa Fe

h 2013-2018, 2019 Santa Fe; Santa Fe XL

h 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport

h 2011-2019 Sonata

h 2011-2022 Tucson h 2012-2017, 2019-2021 Veloster h 2020-2021 Venue h 2011-2012 Veracruz

Previously, the Springfield Police Department only offered free locks to Springfield residents.

Vehicle owners may be eligible for part of multi-million dollar settlement

Earlier this year, Seattle-based law firm Hagens Berman announced that anyone who bought or leased a Kia or Hyundai made between 2011-2022 may be eligible to claim a piece of a $145 million settlement, according to USA Today reporting. Folks should have been contacted by March 4 if they were eligible.

It won't be until later this year that the settlement would be paid out, though, as the court's final hearing is scheduled for July 15, according to USA Today.

The lawsuit brought by Hagens Berman claimed that Kia and Hyundai allowed their vehicles to be "more susceptible to theft by failing to install immobilizers in the affected models."

An immobilizer is an anti-theft device that is commonly installed within modern cars that prevents a car to be started without a smart key, which transmits a special code to the vehicle.

Hyundai, Kia provide anti-theft software upgrades

Since the popularity of the "Kia Challenge," Kia and Hyundai have both been offering free anti-theft software upgrades to car owners and leasers.

Hyundai drivers may schedule an appointment for an update installment at a nearby dealership on the Hyundai website at hyundaiantitheft.com. Kia drivers can determine their eligibility for anti-theft support on the Kia website at customercare.kiausa.com/ SWLD.

Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com .