Kia is now the second automaker to disable their wireless telematics system, Kia Connect, on its model year 2022 and newer vehicles sold in Massachusetts to comply with the state's right-to-repair law.
The action stems from the legal challenge to Massachusetts' expanded right-to-repair law.
When the Massachusetts right-to-repair law was voted in favor of in November 2020, any OEM that sold a vehicle in the state would require a standardized, open access platform. This has since become effective starting with 2022 model year vehicles.
Kia is following Subaru's course of action as they did the same thing in November 2021. Subaru disabled their telematics system, Starlink, on all vehicles in Massachusetts.
According to a press release from Kia, their wireless feature, Kia Connect, "may currently not be available for model year 2022 and newer vehicles sold or purchased in Massachusetts”.
