Lost Connection: Kia Tech Gets Shut Down in 1 State Most of the cars they make are very reliable and don’t require much maintenance outside of general oil changes and checks. In addition, models like models boast promising safety ratings and come decked out with plenty of Kia technology. Owners can also take advantage of Kia Connect, a service that provides drivers with control over their smart devices.
We all make more comfort and safety in our cars, but not every driver will be able to use this service. According to recently, there is a controversial law that makes automakers ashamed to provide connected services in Massachusetts.
With the app, you can check the battery level and the estimated recharge time. A specific promise of a Wi-Fi hotspot included with connected services. The Kia Access app will also give you regular maintenance reminders.
Every new Kia comes with five years of free connected services. After that, it costs about $6-20 per year, depending on how many features you want.
Kia conflicts with the local “Right to Repair” law on Kia technology
Reports indicate that Kia Connected services have been disabled in Massachusetts due to Right to Repair Act revisions. He says this applies to every car of model year 2022 and older. The features will likely not be reactivated again until the automakers can reach an agreement with MA Attorney General Maura Healy.
These new terms require all car manufacturers to share data from connected services on an open-access platform. However, he tells us, the reviews were blocked thanks to a lawsuit. In the lawsuit, Kia says such a platform does not exist, and therefore cannot be implemented.
It’s not just Kia that’s against the law: it’s the entire alliance of automotive innovation against the master’s attorney general. Members believe that the revised law would conflict with the Data Access Act. They believe that vehicle remote contact information should remain private and only accessible to authorized technicians employed by the automakers.
The right to repair will allow MA drivers to service a Kia car and any independent car shop. Activists for the right to repair argue that repairing your car at an agency is, on average, 36% more expensive. The law will make vehicle maintenance affordable and accessible.
For example, drivers can have their cars repaired at a local mechanic rather than driving several miles to the dealership. Gatekeeper repairs exclusively to dealerships may negatively affect the business prospects of independent repair shops.
Subaru withdraws its connected services
According to Kia, Kia isn’t the only automaker willing to take tough action on the lawsuit. Massachusetts drivers also cannot use Subaru’s STARLINK Connected Services at this time. STARLINK offers many of the same features as Kia Connected Services, along with 24-hour roadside assistance.
Subaru was in fact the first automaker to rescind such services in November 2021. With the lawsuit still in limbo and the MA attorney general continuing to pressure certain automakers, more brands may take similar action
