Complain about a product or service

Kia

Common Kia Problems • Brakes • Stalling • Sudden acceleration • Transmission • Collision Damage • Just everything! --- • Hyundai Offers $85 Million to Settle Horsepower Suit • Kia Aces J.D. Powers Survey • Horsepower Overstated

Kia's parent company, Hyundai, admits it overstated the horsepower on certain Kia and Hyundai models. Oh, but don't worry, the CEO said, people don't buy these cars for their power anyway. that's an understatement.

In fact, there are so many problems with Kias it's hard to know where to start. Most cars have one or two problems that tend to be dominant -- Ford's 3.8l V-6 engine, to pick an infamous example. But with Kia, pretty much everything seems to go wrong.

More recently, Hyundai and Kia raised eyebrows when they finished unexpectedly high in the J.D. Powers Initial Quality Survey. The Powers Survey is highly regarded but perhaps "initial" quality isn't the problem? Check the complaints listed to the right and judge for yourself.

Micah of Cabot AR (05/07/08)
I have a 2006 Kia Rio. My wife had a wreck on Febuary of 2008. She was hit at approximately 35 to 40 miles an hour in the front passenger side of vehicle and the airbags did not deploy. thankfully she only suffered a broken wrist and bruised ribs. I had a wreck in same vehicle on April 24th, 2008. I hydroplaned and ran up under an eighteen wheeler and was struck by the back tires of the big rig which sent me into a spin till I slammed into a retaining wall facing oncoming traffic where I was helpless to leave vehicle till troopers arrived. I was also struck in the front passenger side fender just behind the wheel. I was traveling at 60 miles per hour at the time of the crash and my airbags did not deploy. I suffered an injury to my left leg.

Heather of Pocono Lake PA (04/29/08)
I have a 2000 Kia Sportage EX 4WD. This thing has been giving me problems since I bought it. First the check engine light comes on for no reason at all. The car sputters and almost stalls out numerous times. I could be driving along at 55mph and my RPM's will drop, jerking me violently. Then the engine light will shut off and you can not detect a thing. Second all my power windows stopped working. The drivers side works once in a great while with a screaming sound. Third and most of all dangerous and important. I have gone through 4 sets of spindle and hubs in the past year. My bearings constantly break causing my whole spindle and hub to malfunction. I was on the way home the other night with my 2 year old with me and my car suddenly swirved to the left for no reason. It did this a few times even after I slowed. then my brakes went completely out because of this. Thank god I made it home by the skin of my teeth. I called the dealership and they told me that these trucks have a lot of these problems so they came out with a knuckle kit which is a replacement of all the axles, spindles, bearings, etc (exept hubs).. Now this kit is $700, which means that the truck isn't even worth that much or to put the money into it. Now why would they make a replacement kit if there was nothing wrong with them??? Obviously it is a manufacturing problem and they should be the one's responsible for fixing it because of the saftey precautions. There is no type of recall on this what so ever.. I wish I knew what to do. I can't afford this but I am dumping $150 four times a year to temporarly fix this.. I hate this truck!!!

Frank of Winters CA (04/22/08)
We bought a new 2004 Kia Rio car for my wife to commute to work. She pulled away from a stop and the motor quit. We had the car towed to the dealership. They told us the timing belt broke causing the valves to drop into the engine which in turn caused serious damage to the block.(new engine-$6500). After their so called investigation, they said the 100,000 mile warranty would not cover the damages. Our car had approximately 86,000 miles. There reason they said was because we did not have a 60,000 mile check up. I faithfully took the car in for regular oil chages approximately every 3000 miles. We had 2- services done to the car. The second service was done at 58,500 miles. They claim this service was for a past missed service, which I was unaware of. At this time I was not told the time belt was an issue. If they would have, I would of had them check it. (I believe they want to charge me another $600.00 for the so-called timing belt service). The car has been back for oil changes after the second service. I was not told any of those times that it was imperative to check the timing belt. The next service schedule according the book was to be at 90,000 mile. (it did not make it). The book also says that in california the timing belt is garrantied for 105,000 miles. I called The Kia consumer affairs hot line-no help or call back. We did not even get anything in writing as to why the claim was denied other than the verbal. Obviously Kia had not intention to ever honor they claimed 10-year 100,000 mile warranty. I paid the car off at time of purchase, They got there money and I now got a no good piece of shit car. Frank Carrion

Katherine of Whitestone NY (04/21/08)
I leased a 2008 KIA Sedona and traded in my 2004 Subaru Outback with the agreement that they will pay the rest of the loan for the Subaru. After several phone calls they have not paid the rest of the loan yet and my bank is charging me for a late fee and also they will ruin my credit.

Monica of San Bernardino CA (04/21/08)
My kia had a new battery put in because it would not charge and somehow damaged the previous one,My brakes arent worn yet they squeak and take too long too stop brake must be all the way down before a stop,a\c stop blowing now its blowing only hot air, Car shakes at all times noisy and drives very rough motor mount and tranny mount need be replaced,driver door handle replaced because door would not open from outside .Dash raised up and warped

Anna of West Warwick RI (04/16/08)
I bought a 07'Kia Spectra from a dealer in MA that closed. Had the car 6months and the paint on the hood and many other places is chipping & peeling off the car. The dealer had to call a Kia Rep who looked at the car and said he decides what is or isn't covered. Car is 6months old looks polka dotted. He turned around and told me it was the way I drive. I still have my old car, not a spot on it. I did research and it seems many of the RED spectra 5's are having the same problem and people are being told the same story, its their driving. So far he hasn't called me back with a final answer and that was March 20th 2008 when he looked at the car and took pictures. ALl the reviews I have read say Kia doesn't honor the warranty for anything,since the car was bought in MA I will try to enforce the Lemon Law.

Karen of Powell MO (04/09/08)
I have a 2005 kia sportage, I have had problems with the car pulling and something loose in the front end from the beginning they have check it said nothing wrong with my car, at one point they said they had to replace strutts, so they did. it wasn't long until it was doing the same thing again so i have taking it back several times for them to check, they said nothing is wrong with it. i took it back again the other day and now they find $700.00 dollars wrong with it but of course my warranty is up.They also have no records of me ever bringing it in for them to check, they argue with me and say that i did not bring it in, which my nephew is the one that took it done there for me two times.dealing with kia has been very frustrating most of the time no one would call back. I have had other things looked at also my cruise control was not working, they were suppose to of fixed it now it works part time, there is some sort of greasy substance that comes out from under the hood onto the car and when i have taken it in I'm pretty sure all they do is wash grease off my car, never fixing the problem

Jack of Warwick RI (04/06/08)
The engine blew in the car and the warranty was for 10 years or 100,000 miles. The car is at 98000.00 miles and they said the warranty wouldn't cover it because we didn't change the timing belt at 60,000 miles. We were not aware that we had to change the timing belt if there was no issue with the timing belt. They also told us that the timing belt is in great condition so that was not the reason that the engine blew. We never received anything in writing stating why the claim was denied.

I have been without a car and renting cars and I just had to buy another car and they would not take this car as a trade. I still owe the loan on the prior car and now I am stuck with 2 loans and one car doesn't work.

Lalanya of Jacksonville NC (03/15/08)
We bought our 2005 Kia Sorento in May of 2005 with only 21 miles on it. Within the first year the transmission had to be replaced two time and the shifting (manual transmisson) was not the same after the second time they put a transmission in it. I took it back 2 or 3 times and told them that there was something wrong with the shifting and was told each time that there was nothing wrong. I let it go because there was nothing I could do.

So from May of 2005 to now (March 2008) here is the list of things that have gone wrong with this vehicle. Replaced two transmissions, new battery (left me stranded 4 times...took it to Kia who said nothing was wrong with it), replaced the head light on the drivers side twice now, the dome light work every once in awhile, the drivers side speaker goes out several time a month, have had to replace the horn, still waiting to have the float in the gas tank replaced because about the time the gas gauge hits a hair under a quarter tank the gauge arm drops and says I'm on empty, the back drivers side door opens so hard like it is rusted shut and now last week I had to have the clutch plate replaced ($280 part).

I called Kia from the place where I ended up when the clutch went out and aksed if the clutch was under waranty and was told that the clutch and all its working parts only had a 12 thousand mile/12 month waranty. I was then told that he could get a tow truck to me for $66 but it wouldn't be able to get me for 45 minutes or so. I asked him if I was going to get a loaner car because all we have is the Kia and a Motor cycle and I have a job and kids I need a running vehicle for. I was told We don't do loaner cars, sorry!

I Looked in my rear view mirror and seen three tow trucks and a repair shop behind me so I walked over there and asked if they could tow me to the Kia dealer. They told me yes for $55 but asked what the problem was. I told them it was the clutch. They asked if it was under waranty and I said no. They said they could save me money on labor and would come across the street and move the Kia for nothing. At this point after so may bad experiences with Kia I said ok. This home town auto repair shop told me what they thought the problem was and called me later that day and told me they had been wrong and would not be charging me for the work because they had misdiagnosed the clutch.

They told me what the problem was and I would have had it back the same day except that I had to go order the clutch assembly from KIA...you can't get parts from anyone BUT Kia. They did get it overnighted to me, for a $16 fee (on top of the $280 for the part). When I got the Kia back from this home town repair shop, the mechanic told me this...I have been doing this (being a mechanic) for a few Decades and I can't prove it but I beleive when Kia put your last transmission in they damaged the clutch plate. The mechanic gave me the old parts and showed me (not that it wasn't obvious) the damage to the clutch plate. He also said that the rest of the clutches working parts looked almost new.

We went with the Kia because of the GREAT WARANTY AND GREAT SERVICE WE WERE PROMISED. NONE of which has been true!!!! We have had nothing but problems with the Kia and their Great Customer Service SUCKS!!!! I am disgusted with this company and everything they Pretend to stand for. It's nothing but LIES!!!! Guess we should have went with our first instinct and gotten the Saturn, GM rarely lets you down!!!! If I could go back and make them take the Kia back I would GLADLY take back my 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix!!!!

Lynn of Georgetown TX (03/11/08)
After less than 5 months of purchasing the KIA Sportage 05 the would turn off as I was driving it. When I am at a stop or slowing to a stop the sportage will turn off. I've had the car repaired 3 times within a total of 30 days and they have replace the same part.

Amanda of Caddo Mills TX (03/11/08)
We went there because are transmision went out they had put us another one in there but they did it so fast that because they were so worried about there score card that they did not put enough transmosion fluis in it i got home and the transmision was so hot . It was smoking out of the dip stick. I took it back and told that i need a new transmision they said that they will not replace it they were so rude to us . They treated us like we were so stupied . They said that it is are problem because they forgot to put in the fluid . I will never go back to that place again.

Mike of Markleysburg PA (03/08/08)
i have a 2001 kia sportage and gas tank is leaking

Judy of Mountville PA (03/07/08)
Purchased a Kia Sportage new in 1999, have had very little problems til now. Had the timing belt changed, water pump replaced and transmission flushed...now it hesitates when I accelerate from a stop when warm and twice yesterday stalled once when backing out of a parking space, the other backing into my parking space at home. This morning took back to garage who did the earlier work, and no hesitation...I am totally frustrated!! AND SO IS MY MECHANIC!!!

Rhonda of Gray GA (03/05/08)
I drove my 2007 Kia with appx.50 miles off the showroom floor on February 18th 2008 and on February 20th my car would not crank. Brian Tiller came to retrieve my car himself with top-notch customer service. He left me with a loaner car (Optima) and returned my car on the 25th of February. We offered to wash the loaner car but Brian Tiller refused to let us. Once again top notch customer service. I live in Jones County which is a farming county so all the roads are dirt therefore the car was indeed dirty underneath. The following week, my car would not crank once again, the following week after that which is now on the 4th of March would not crank, so my husband called Brian Tiller and he told his representative that the one stipulation of coming to get the car was for the loaner they left me to be clean when they picked it up, they now refuse to bring me a loaner per Wayne Gordy, but we could come get one ourselves from the dealership if we liked. It is unacceptable for my brand new car not to run, but it is even more unacceptable for them to be angry with me for complaining about it. If I could talk to the factory I would, I want a new car that actually runs. This is the worst customer service I have ever received in my life. Someone needs to get back with me immediately.

I have no way to leave my work, go get lunch, go pick my two small children up from school. I have to spend extra gas money for my husband to leave his truck somewhere and come get me and my children. This is ridiculous.

Mark of Dixmont ME (03/03/08)
I purchased a 99 Kia Sportage in August of 07, the person I purchased it from must have been overjoyed to part with this POS. It was fine for the first couple of weeks, and then the Kia started to spit and sputter. The engine would surge at idle, and then act like it was going to stall. the engine light came on and stayed on. The starter was on its way out also, so I contact a local Kia dealership and scheduled a service repair for the starter and a diagnostic for the surging. I paid $75 for to diagnose the surging and they told me, they didn't know what was wrong. Winter came and it was time to use the 4WD, well of course now I know the hubs on these vehicles are worthless, this is known issue as well. I ended up replacing them with manual lock hubs. Oh and by the way, my oil pan is seeping right through. The metal is rotten right through, just like the gas tanks do on these vehicles. As the winter progresses, I still have the spitting and sputtering until one day, the thing just stalls and won't start. I did some research and learned of the common ground issues people are having with these vehicles. In this case, the 15amp main fuse was blown, so I replaced it, thinking maybe it was a one time deal. This fuse has blown several times over the course of the winter. This past Saturday, the car simply quit while I was going down the road with my three kids, in the middle of a blizzard. Even replacing the fuse did not work, as it kept blowing, so I had to jump it with a piece of wire. Today I called my local dealership again and they tell me I need to pay another $75 so they can run the diagnostic. I referred back to my last service call, where they found nothing was wrong, yet they charged me anyways. I explained that this is a known issue, as I can find many other postings about the ground issues and the stalling and blown fuses. They gave me the Kia customer care number, which I then called. I spoke with a customer care rep. at Kia named Randy at extension 45295. I was told they no nothing about this problem and that it was my responsibility to pay for any diagnostics or repair on the vehicle. I explained how so many other people are having the same issues and they should come good for it. Randy was more than rude and told me the vehicle is out of warranty that was that. I dont know anything about it, but there should be a class action lawsuit against Kia Motors, they know these issues are present yet they refuse to do anything about it. My kids sat in a cold car, in the middle of a snow storm, while I rigged up a wire to jump the main fuse. If you dont want to risk your kid's lives, dont by a Kia, period. These vehicles are not safe, the company does not own up to its known issues and quite frankly, everyone I know would agree they are all junk. My brother in law just purchased an 07 Sephia, it has been at the dealership 7 times for various problems.

Graylen of Union City GA (02/12/08)
 I purchased a bran new 02/KIA/RIO/ SEDAN at KIA of Union City Georgia. As a good consumer, I took my car in for each schedule mileage service. I also had everything including the oil change done in order to preserve the years of my car. According to KIAs records, I have not neglected me car.

While my car was still under warranty, I purchased an extended warranty from Century Warranty (Contract Number 37986759 Phone numbers 866-732-8503 & 954-429-2146) because I could not afford to buy a new car, and I had planned to keep my car for long time. On December 05 2007, I took my car in to KIA of Union City Georgia because it was overheating. The Manager David told me that I needed a new thermostat. When I was told how much it would cost to install the thermostat, I informed the service person that I had a new one installed a few months ago when KIA replaced my radiator and replaced a gasket on the motor. So the thermostat was installed with no cost to me. I returned to the dealership that same day when I saw that the tempter gage was close to the heat side again. I was told by the technician that was normal.

On December 18 2007, I took the car back in because it was overheating. I was told by the technician that the settings on the defrost, air vent, and my crack windshield was causing the car to overheat. The technician adjusted the gage and told me to keep them on that exact setting. On January 09 2008, I had AAA toll my car to KIA of Union City Georgia because it was overheating, and I was afraid to drive it. At this time, the manager David reminded me what the technician had told me. He had a technician examine my car and told me that I might think about getting a new water pump. He said that it was not leaking but making rumbling sounds. I immediately stated that I wanted them to put a new water pump in the car. I gave them the information for Century Warranty so that they could call and get the work pre-approved. I waited along time before David finally told me that he would not waste anymore of my time, and he would call me once he had gotten in touch with Century Warranty.

On January 25th, 2008, I took my car back to KIA of Union City Georgia because it was overheating. After David had the technician examine my car, I was told that I needed a new water pump. I asked David what was taking them so long to approve the water pump. He stated that every time he called, he got a voicemail. So I called Century Warranty myself, on my cell phone, and was able to get a hold of someone right away. At this time, David stated that he had also gotten in touch with them also.

They had approved the repair. He stated that he had to order the part and would contact me as soon as the water pump came in. On January 30th, I had AAA toll my car back to KIA of Union City Georgia because my car started overheating again and stalled on me. On January 31st, I called KIA to see whether or not my water pump had come in. I was told yes, and that Century Warranty would pay for a renter car for one day while the water pump was being installed. When I called back to see whether or not my car was ready, David told me that my car was not yet ready. I told him I was taking to renter car back. He assured me that the car would be ready on Friday February 1st.

I informed David that I was going home to South Bend Indiana in order to attend my uncles funeral. David stated that the car would be waiting for me when I returned. On Monday February 4th, I called to inform one of the service people that I was coming in to put up my car. She hesitated for a second, then she put the technician on the phone. He informed me that the motor was blown. He also stated that I should have parked the car when I found out that the water pump was leaking. I told him that David, the manager, never told me that the water pump was leaking. I also informed him that every time I brought that car in, David never told me that I need to park the car. I also informed him that I never neglected my car. When I called back, David told me that I needed a new motor, and a representative from Century Warranty was coming out to examine the car before they would approve the repairs. David also told me that Century Warranty told him that I could rent a car while waiting for the representative to come out and examine my car, and the company would reimburse me. I do not have the money to rent a car for a day not alone a week or two.

So I have been driving my mothers car while waiting for the repair of my car. On February 06 2008, I called to see whether or not the representative from Century Warranty had come out to look at my car. David informed me that the representative from Century Warranty, name is Mr. Woodcock, had come out to look at the motor. David told me that he requested for the motor to be torn down. David stated that he had to have my approval before he could do this. He stated that if Century Warranty did not approve the repairs to my car, that I would be responsible for the $500.00 cost to do so. I was between a rock and a hard place. If I did not approve to have my motor torn down, Century Warranty would not pay for the repairs.

On Friday February 11, 2008, I called David at KIA and asked him what was going on with my car. He stated that the motor had been torn down, and the problem with the motor was the calendar head, and that he would send it out, to a tool shop on Monday February 11 2008 to determine what was wrong with it. He also told me that he would call Century Warranty and inform them what he was going to do. I informed him that I need to find something out as soon as possible because my mother needed her car back. Monday February 11, 2008, I called KIA a few time to see what the status of my car was. I was told that David was attending a funeral and would not be in today. I was also told by the service person that the motor was not torn down yet. I was also told that it took a lot of man hours, and KIA had other cars to work on, and the technician would work on my car in between other repairs.

I called back today to talk with the technician. He informed me that when representative from Century Warranty Mr. Woodcock examine my motor that he stated that the water pump had been leaking for along time. Mr. Woodcock wanted the motor torn down to find out what was the problem and whether had not I had been responsible for the damage due to neglect. I asked him why the leak had not been caught before, after the many times I had brought the car in when it was overheating.

The technician informed me that water had been elaborated before it hit the ground. So it was impossible for them to know. The technician also told me that I should have parked the car when I first noticed that it was overheating. He stated that anybody with common sense would have known better. When I explain that the manager David never told me to park the car.

The technician stated that I could not hold David accountable because it was not his job to tell me to park the car. He also stated that the reason Mr. Woodcock wanted the motor torn down was to determine what was wrong with the motor and my responsibility for the damages due to neglect. The technician also informed me that it would take him a few more days to tear down the motor and a couple of more day for the tool shop to determine what is wrong with my motor. I firmly believe that KIA is the one who is responsible and caused the damage due to neglect.

I have been taken advantage of and given the runaround. Through this experience, KIA never called me once and only returned my calls once. I believe that I should not be held responsible for the repairs of my car. As a matter of fact, KIA should give me a new car because the car must be a lemon because I had to even have the transmission replaced. I also want KIA to pay for me to get a renter car. My mom needs her car back. Again, I have been very faithful to KIA and have never neglected my car.

This problem needs to be resolved as soon as possible.

Rachel of Conway PA (02/05/08)
i HAVE A 2002 Kia sportage with only 40,000 miles on it. This is my second sportage, and I should have known better after my first one was wrecked. I had a head on collision in my first 2002 Sportage and the air bags did not deploy. Luckily nobody was hurt. My first one was covered under warranty, and after 1 year of owning it, my 4 wheel drive did not work. I paid 350.00 out of pocket for the repairs when it was still under warranty. Now in my second Kia Sportage the 4 wheel drive just quit working. Warranty expired 3 months ago. I also started smelling terrible gas fumes this week, and gas spits out when I pump it. My check engine light also comes on and goes off after about a week. Taking it to garage tomorrow, but they seem to always fix what is not wrong and charge you before they find the actual problem. This car is very well maintained with oil changes, and flushes. My first Kia also had electrical problems, but 3 things were fixed before they actually fixed the real problem. I was also charged for the first things because that was supposedly not covered under warranty. I will be selling this and never buying a kia again.

Terry of Wichita KS (02/05/08)
Took our lemon (No lemon laws in KS) Kia Sedona back in trade for a new '07 Kia Rondo. $6,300 trade in (salesman Cooper called it a buy back but Mgr. said after the dispute We don't buy back, it was a trade in.) Bringing the Rondo to $11,472(?). That was correct. But, the agreed to pay our Sedona loan off at Intrust Bank. So, when I get the first bill from Hyunda financing (a day after the due date!) it says $21,424(?). What they did was take our Sedona in trade but added the buy back into the Hyunda financing terms. Thus giving us nothing to show for the Sedona towards the Rondo. Actually as it all adds up, we are paying Steven Kia $9,600.00 to TAKE BACK our Sedona. And we end up paying more than FULL price fro the Rondo. The finance assistant said We have to get our money back somehow. No, the Sedona was a straight buyback and they added it, not subtracted it to the Hyunda financing. My wife an I went in and I had her convinced that what they did was wrong. By the time we got out, I was ejected from the office and she was calling me foolish and herself stupid and shaking hands with the enemy. I doubted we had a chance because she signed off on the original paperwork and that is what the ass. mgr. defaulted to You signed the agreement to have the loan added in. I don't think this was done in good faith and they know how to get their money back and take our old Sedona for free.

Wendy of Beloit WI (01/30/08)
I bought my car from a used car dealer near my house and everything was fine. I have owned it for nine months now and it only has 41,000 miles on it so it is within the 60,000 mile warranty. Well today my transmission blew and they are saying that because the person who owned it before I did had not had the transmission flushed at 30,000 miles like the manual says they will not honor the warranty. I try to tell them that I was not even the owner of it at the time the flush needed to be done but they did not car. Apparently I was supposed to just know when I bought it that the previous owner had not maintained the car. Kia will do anything in it's power to not honor their warrantees. They finally agreed to pay for parts but not labor. I am a college student who went there thinking that everything would be covered but I was wrong.

Christopher of Matawan NJ (01/29/08)
My 2003 Kia sorrento was a great truck until it hit 90,000 miles or so.Since then it has been a total nightmare.Stalling,stalling and oh yeah more stalling.First Loman Kia of Woodbridge NJ said it needed catalytic converters.Just $2300.00.I had the work done at a Minekie in Howell for $1300.00 great.Well the truck stalled and wouldn't restart after picking it up.If the dealer says it needs catalytic converters,and I had them replaced, why should it still be stalling?Oh yeah I know,because Kia's are a totally disposable car.Do not fix them, when they break, take them to the salvage yard.The dealers cant fix them at all.

Jeannette of Trenton NJ (01/26/08)
I purchased a 2003 Kia Spectra hatchback in August 2005. Ever since I bought this car, it has been one problem after another. One main problem is the Check Engine light always on. I ignore it thinking its just a glitch, as it comes and goes. Well, for the past 2 months, the Check Engine light has been on and my automatic car has been running like a manual, it didnt grip gears correctly. Very recently, I was parked at a parking lot, and instead of going reverse, it went forward! I almost hit a fence! When I finally got it to the Kia Dealer, they told me that its a bad transmission (well duh) and it may not be covered under warranty because I didnt have a 30,000 mile transmission flush, or a 60,000 transmission flush. How was I supposed to know this? Oh I was supposed to read the owner's manual and its written there in bold print! Once again, I was never told this when I purchased the car, nor has Kia ever sent me any notifications of what I should do to maintain my car! So now, Im stuck without a car, since Kia doesnt offer complimentary rental cars for their customers! As soon as this transmission is fixed, I AM NOT going to purchase another Kia! I will trade it in, for less than its worth, but Id rather do that then keep having problems with this car! DO NOT get a Kia if you want a reliable car. It is not worth the stress and hassle!

Mary of St. Paul MN (01/26/08)
Our 4 wheel drive does not work, the dealer told us they have had many problems with the 4 wheel drive on the KIA Sportages. Ours is a 2000. We asked why they do not have a recall on them, there was no reply from them. They told us they have updated and changed the front ends many times due to the parts are rusting out and are changing the way they are made. We asked if they had a recall on them and they said no, but they could fix it for $1700. Later at another KIA dealer we found out they do fix them if you ask about it if you still are under warranty. Well by that time we had 44,000 miles on it and it was 6 years old, so we would not benefit from it. We had even notified the KIA dealers main headquarters by E-mail and got no response at the beginning of our problems. I would never buy or recommend a KIA product to anyone. It just seems they do not care

Adrian of Jamaica NY (01/21/08)
I am currently experiencing problems with the transmission on my 2002 Kia Sedona. During street and highway driving my transmission roughly changes gears and the RPM goes up to approximately 6,000 rpms. In addition, the engine appears to jerk during gear shifts. I purchased my car 2006 (under two years ago) and it the mileage is currently less than 100,000 miles. Kia warranty states that they cover their vehicles for up to 10-year/100,000-miles. When I contacted Kia Motors of America they refused to cover my vehicle under the warranty.

Brad of Lake Elsinore CA (01/21/08)
Bought a 2002 Kia Optima SE V6 2.7L new back in 2002. Had been in for transmission sensor recalls a couple times. Had asked about the brakes which 'pulse' when applied lightly or heavily, and applied at highway speeds nearly shake the front end apart. I fear for my life. Have been told ABS are like that, have had brake jobs, alignments, and major front end work like struts and stuff, but the problem not only persists, it's gotten worse. It feels like a deathtrap, but not to worry, now it won't run at all. Have to take off the intake manifold to change plugs and wires (what a brilliant design).

Evelyn of Chicago IL (01/21/08)
I have a 2003 Kia Spectra that is now on its 3rd set of calipers and 4th set of brakes. It appears that this model has a design flaw in the brake system. I can't even get Kia to look at the car because they do not respond to requests for service. There is a 4 to 5 hour wait in line on a first come first serve basis and the shops hours are inconvenient (That is if you are in line at 6:30 a.m.) I am so over this car. Do not buy a Kia unless you want a truly disposable car.

Laurie of Cuyler NY (01/20/08)
I was driving home from work on the afternoon of 16 March 2007, when a driver of another SUV failed to stop at their stop sign (road conditions were not a factor), placing herself in the path of my vehicle. For myself there were 3 seperate solid impacts which would change my life forever. My first impact was head on at aprox. 45-55 mph, at which my frontal airbags failed to deploy.

My second impact was to my driver side, sending my head thru my driver's door window. And my third and final impact was to my rear end. At no point in this accident did my safety air bags deploy, rather they abondoned me in my most needed moment. The accident involved 3 SUV vehicles, where the offending driver who had caused the accident was protected by both her front and side airbags, yet I stood alone, abandoned by the safety features which would have made a significant difference to the out-come of my well-being. When I had purchased my Kia Sorento there were many factors which determined my purchase. I was expecting my very first grandchild, making safety #1 in the matter of importance.

Well, Kia Motors is out there boasting of their 5 star rating, yet when it came down to reality I might as well have purchased a vehicle with no airbags. It's sadly one of the largest false securities in sales pitches. They tell you, that you have all these safety features, but can't demonstrate nor prove it. For all you truly know, behind that airbag panel is nothing more than empty space. I trusted in the word of the Kia Motor Corporation, and ultimately they failed me. Do they care? Acually they only care to sell me another $27,000.00, of empty promises. Since my accident that's all they've been trying to do.

One might think they would have offered to simply replace the vehicle I loss. I know Kia didn't blow that stop sign, but their vehicle failed to protect me as their sales statement promises. They say, the only way to prove that the airbags will deploy is by running it into a pole. I respond with, so do it, because my well-being, my life, the lives of my passengers...is what I value. This accident has taken from me something which i'll never have again, being the quality of my life.

Bob of Montague NJ (01/16/08)
My 2006 Kia Sportage is on the verge of receiving its THIRD transmission. It's as if the transmission cannot make up it's mind if it wants to be in 3rd or 4th gear, so it locks itself into 3rd gear and revs the engine up to about 6,000 rpm - this all after making a loud, ghastly 'thunk' that sounds as if the tranny fell out of the car. No dealership has been able to figure out the problem, so their advice is to just replace the tranny. Whenever I call a transmission shop that is not aligned with Kia, they can only mutter a sincere 'I'm sorry for you' and tell you why they don't attempt to fix Kia transmissions.

Teresa of Phoenix AZ (01/02/08)
I bought my 1999 Kia Sportage 7 months ago before the timing belt snapped tearing all my valves and busting my head, Fidelity warranty won't pay saying it's not covered in my Gold Plus Warranty, Kia won't do anything for me.

Etta of Staten Island NY (12/03/07)
In 2003 I purchased a brand new Kia Sedona from Manfredi. I am a elderly handicapped woman (completly paralyzed on the left side) and I need my vehicle to maintain my independence. I currently only have 15000 miles on the car, however I have never been able to enjoy my car. I have to get my car boosted almost everytime I use it, and most electical funtions do not work correctly. I have never had my vehicle serviced anywhere but Manfredi and everytime I service it another problem begins. Now my car is leaking some fluid. These cut offs are dangerous to me and others. Please help me. I am old and cannot speak well, but it seems like they are laughing at me and destroying my car. It is very difficult for me to do my day to day chores without these problems. I paid top dollar for this car and should be able to enjoy it and get my moneys worth, instead I have been harrassed and ripped off. Please help me.

Angela of Pocola OK (11/08/07)
We purchased a 99 kia sephia. Ever since we have had this vehicle we have had nothing but problems. Everytime I have to have it fixed, the dealership is quick to let me know that they do make them better than they used to. The problems we contiously have with our car, many other people with 99 kia sephia's seem to experience the exact problems. We have had many problems with the fuses since we have owned the vehicle. When you search these things on the internet, you will find many people with the exact problems. Specifically at this time the main 30 amp fuse is blown. The first time this fuse had blown it cost us $50 in towing fees and $130 to have it repaired.

Luann of Springfield CO (11/05/07)
To make this short, my 2006 Kia Rio quit on me on Oct. 18th on a highway, had it towed to the Kia dealership to get it repaired. It has been nothing but a nightmare , Kia has refused to pay for the repairs, the car has less than 16,000 miles on it and is still under warranty! They are trying to blame it on me saying that I didn't change the oil, blah blah blah.

I own the car sad to say or I would just return it to Kia and let them have the lemon car they sold me in the first place. Unfortunately I will have to pay for the repairs but I am going to trade it off as soon as it is fixed. Sad that hard working Americans have to put up with that kind of thing, I will never purchase another Kia vehicle ever again, nor will I trust any warranty from any car maker, they should tell you the warranty is no good when they are breathing down your neck to purchase the car instead of making it sound so wonderful!! Thank you.

Hercules of Arlington TX (11/01/07)
Just like to mention that, no one should believe the ads they are seeing on tv or their website.

They mention 199 per month, if you have a job, and 0 down. Now I don't know what kind of job you need, but I will tell you my finance option was not even in the ballpark of 199. I don't know if they purposely lure you in with this ad and then do a bait and switch. But not only did I not get the vehicle I was going in for, but they got me making the same payments on a very low end vehicle on their lot, as what I was paying on my vet. Needing something cheaper on gas, was the only consideration for going smaller, the ad was a huge factor in going Kia.

Needless to say, I do have the Kia they pushed on me, but I wont have it for long. I will keep it for a year or two, and when I dump it off, it will be as a trade in for another GM product. I have always had good and fair dealings with my GM dealer, which is why I have been purchasing GM products for the 30 years I have been buying cars.

Customer loyalty used to be a great thing for a dealer, recommendations and all. Whatever scam they seem to be running, seems to work, as I have noticed with others who post here. They make their sale, but I am sure they are losing repeat customers, in their decision to make their profits in the short term, over future profits they could have made in referrals and repeat business.

Al of Leander TX (10/30/07)
Worse Warranty I've ever had. Clutch went out at 71,000 miles. Service will not take care of it or will not offer suggestions. It is the third time we have been there in year and half. The warranty has paid for nothing. It took 24hrs to get a hold of service, also.

Anne of South Daytona FL (10/10/07)
I purchased the 2006 Kia Spectra EX at the end of June, 2006 -- since that time it has been in the shop for rear end problems (two times), front end problems (two times), bad tires, and finally water swooshing around behind the dash (two times)....this past time, my car was in the dealership for almost two weeks...I was given an Enterprise rental vehicle to drive (surprisingly) and according to the Service Dept., Kia Factory people made them go thru five or more procedures to determine where the water was coming from...they have replaced the heater core twice since then and the noise is still there, swoosh, swoosh, and the problem is not fixed...now in addition, the noise is coming back in the front on the driver's side, and in the rear end as well....

I was told on Friday, October 5, 2007, that I had to take my car that the Kia Factory people had determined that this was just a problem common to this particular type of vehicle...the Service Manager knew I was not going to accept that garbage and I refused to sign the service form....I have been lied to by this dealership, I have been treated with disrespect and all they are interested in is if I want to trade it in on a higher priced vehicle at a higher payment...I have been taken, so to speak, and to top the whole scenario off when I did drive the rattletrap 2006 Spectra that is in my name and sounds like a Mack truck with less than 11,000 miles on it, my steering was rigid and hard, the windshield washer fluid had been drained and goodness knows what other fluids were not replenished in it...so back in went to the dealer on Monday, October 8, and I was told that the fluids were as they were supposed to be...NOT.....and on top of that, my son noticed that all four of my tires had less air in them then when I took it to the dealer...at least five to six pounds less...

I feel like I have a target painted on me when I drive the car and that the dealership is not at all concerned about my safety or anyone else who might be riding with me....as a result of this mess and the fact that basically I am being told my car is fixed to the best of Kia's ability and I literally HAD to remove the vehicle from their property, I have filed Lemon Law paperwork in the State of Florida, copied same to the Attorney General and forwarded a copy to the owner of the Daytona Auto Mall Complex on I-95 in Daytona Beach...I think the rest of the car-buying public in the Central Florida area needs to know about the unreliable Kia products and the dealership in general...I am also filing a complaint with the BBB in Florida and have spoken to an attorney and have plans to contact the Problem Solvers on the local Central Florida TV stations.

Bridget of Chippewa Falls WI (10/05/07)
I purchased my 2006 Kia Spectra in April 2006. While I have had few problems with the car (which has been taken care of by the dealership) there is one problem that continues to annoy me whenever I fill my tank. It is the gas mileage. I have only 12,800 miles on the car and can only get 28 miles to the gallon. I purchased this car after investigating other vehicles and this car had one of the best gas rates (40+ mpg).

Well I have not seen 40 let alone 30. I took the car back to the dealership and they hooked up a machine to it, filled it, drove it 60 miles, and filled it again. They came back with 45 mpg. Well I was surprised. They told me the route they took so after I was done I went to the same gas station, filled up, drove the same 60 miles, went back to the same gas station filled up and came out with 30 mpg. I wonder where the 15 mpg went.

I drive over 60 miles per day to school. With the way gas prices are I thought this would be a good car. I traded in a 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan that got 25 mpg. I should of kept the van, at least it had more room for a family of five. I cannot get rid of the Spectra because I owe to much on it for a trade in. So I am stuck. I thought you would like to know about a very, very, very unhappy customer who will never purchase a Kia again.

Jesse of Albuquerque NM (10/03/07)
We purchased a new 2006 Kia Sedona minivan from Cottonwood Kia. Immediately, we began having mechanical difficulty. Within a month the transmission had to be replaced. Shortly thereafter, the fuel pump was replaced. Twice the intake air system failed. The tire pressure system failed - while driving home from having a tire rotation. The horn has failed, had to be replaced, and at present the wrong horn is installed in the vehicle. We are back to transmission problems with the shift lock failing which prevents shifting.

This seems to be an excessive amount of mechanical issues for a NEW vehicle in the course of little more than a year. As we have dealt with these issues, Christy Romero, service manager, stated that we purchased one of the Sedona vans from a shipment that is plagued with problems. She called the vans lemons. It was her desire to replace the vehicle with another from the lot. Similar comments were made by the mechanic in the garage. The sales person also did everything he could to trade out this lemon for another vehicle on the lot. All three of these individuals were not successful because the manger, Steve, did not want to lose any money on a trade and Kia would pay the dealership for time and materials to continue to replace parts. Steve made it very clear that a satisfied customer was not his priority, but the financial bottom line of the dealership and his commissions. As we continued to return the vehicle with problems, Steve would not speak to us and even began leaving the dealership when we arrived. We have had discussions with a lady named Paula who stated that she would fix this, but she has done nothing to our knowledge once we leave the dealership. Complaints have been filed with Kia Corporation and the dealership without resolution. Within a few months of our purchase the dealership was sold to Garcia Automotive Group and these individuals, except for Paula, were replaced and customer service has declined further. T
o add further injury, part of the sales agreement was that the dealership would provide discounted ($750 value) routine service like oil changes. Upon Garcia's purchase, the discount card was dishonored. The staff of Cottonwood Kia (those who remained during the transition) did not inform customers of the change in the discount program until after a purchase was made. They stated that they hoped that customers would not notice that the discount did not appear on the invoice. Learning of the purchase by Garcia was disheartening because of previous dealings with Garcia. Further, this purchase created a monopoly on Kia sales and service in Albuquerque metro area since Garcia owns both dealerships. Because of this, we cannot simply go to a competitor for better service. When we purchased our vehicle, we also purchased the extended warranty. The following quote was taken from Kia's current website: Kia has a lot of confidence in the quality and endurance of all its new vehicles.

So much confidence, in fact, we offer the industry-leading Kia 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program. Kias 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program covers repairs made to precise Kia standards and requirements. You can rest easy knowing your vehicle is in the skilled hands of Kia trained service technicians at your authorized Kia Dealer. The guiding principles are easily stated: provide high-quality, high-value vehicles at prices well below the competition and back them up with The Kia 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program and a customer-first policy. First where is the quality when the vehicle must have a new transmission before its first oil change? Second, where is the trained service technicians when parts are ordered incorrectly (wrong parts installed) and they have problems diagnosing the failed parts.

This vehicle has spent about 1/4 if its life in the Cottonwood Kia repair shop. Its longest stint was three continuous weeks. It was in the shop over a month within the first six weeks. Twice during these shop visits, Cottonwood Kia provided a loaner minivan. Each of these vehicles had mechanical issues as well. The other times we were provided a rental vehicle through the exclusive agreement with Enterprise rental. An issue is that GE Auto Warranty, who pays for the rentals, is that they insist on renting the cheapest and smallest vehicle. According to the sales staff when we purchased the Sedona and the extended warranty, we are supposed to get a comparable vehicle. Yet when the need arises they insist on putting five individuals, two of which are in car seats, in a compact car. Only once has a comparable vehicle been provided.

They have called Enterprise to find out what the cheapest vehicle is and stated that is the max they will pay. Rather than observe the contract they stated a maximum value of $30 while the warranty contract states $35 per day is allowed. Sometimes, it has been necessary to take our two smallest children to the waiting area and wait on them to diagnose the problem or install a part. This area is always dirty and the toys provided are broken. Several of them pose great safety risk (small parts that come loose).

At present the Kia Sedona is in the shop again - transmission. I requested a rental vehicle and was denied on the grounds that it would not be paid for over a weekend. I went to Enterprise to see if I could arrange something, but was turned away by lack of customer service by Enterprise. I complained at Cottonwood Kia and they stated the Enterprise is know for bad service.

As I am reviewing my files and history I have looked at the New Mexico Attorney Generals website. I found the following quote: A used vehicle is defined as a vehicle that has been sold and taken possession of by one or more retail buyers and has been driven over 200 miles total, or a vehicle that has ever been registered with the Motor Vehicle Department. This appears to imply misrepresentation on the part of Cottonwood Kia. They sold a vehicle with substantially more than 200 miles (514) as NEW rather than USED. As I look at the Attorney Generals website the vehicle qualified as a lemon under the used vehicle lemon law and a replacement vehicle was requested and denied to us. Garcia Automotive Group has been contacted without response.

Sandra of Parsons WV (09/29/07)
2005 Kia Sorento, owned vehicle one week, wouldn't start this continued on and off for about one year. Rotors shot at 20,000 miles, it now has 27,000 check engine lite has come on again this has occurred numerous times. We are being told that it is miss firing on three of the six cylinders. I could go on and on just don't buy a Kia is my advice. It seems most of the dealers try to pull a fast one and give the story about them not having serviced the vehicle. Well they have serviced this Sorento and honestly I don't think it matters much they just don't stand behind the warranty. yes you have to read between the lines of this so called great 10year/100,000 warranty. Needless to say we are not happy with the Kia vehicles, the gas mileage stinks and the trade in value its a joke. Think we best stick with the Toyota, gm, ford, or something besides the Kia. unhappy customer!!!!

Peggy of Manteno IL (09/24/07)
I had originally purchased my kia sportage from this dealership back in 2000. I had my car towed in for heater core replacement. They had redone the wiring also-then when we picked up the vehicle it was smoking-again took it back and the service department stated they messed up the wiring.they did however have my vehcile for over a week. 2 weeks after I have been driving my vehicle I have no dash board lights or tail lights.This sounds like an electrical problem to me. I don't know how a mechanic who is suppose to be asi certified- and charging me 1,400.00 for the repair of my car- is qualified. This dealership needs to be looked into. I brought the car back on Mon sept 24, 2007 and they stated it was nothing they had done. You can bet after this experience I will never buy another Kia . This dealership should not be a kia representative since they have no idea about what they are doing.All I am asking that my car should not have problems after I spent 1,400.00 to repair it. I will never take it back to that dealership again.The dealership stated they wanted another 300.00 to fix it. Their crazy.I do not think this dealership should represent kia.I do not feel my vehicle has been repaired properly.

Stephanie of Austin TX (09/24/07)
On Friday, Sept. 21, 2007 My husband was involved in a wreck while driving my Kia Sorento. He wasn't hurt, but damages are bad. The front of the car is pushed back. The air bags did not deploy and I am real concerned as to what happened. Please have someone call me.

Joseph of Tishomingo MS (08/29/07)
My wife and I bought a new 2006 Kia Sorento in November of 2006. It is only 9 monthes old and has only 20,000 miles. At the present time the windsheild wipers do not work properly and the door locks do not work at all. I had taken it to Kia Service at Pat Peck Kia in Gulfport Mississippi on 3 occations to try to get these malfuctions corrected. The service department kept my Kia for 5 days the first time, 3 days the second time and 2 days the last time. These problems have not been repaired at this point. On the problem with the wipers, I was told that they have never experianced this problem. The Kia Service tech sumbmitted question about the wiper problem to the nation wide Kia tech hot line and recieved an email back from them saying Good Luck. The service department said that they have replaced numerous components to the wipes and can not figure out what to do to fix it. Now the other problem. When I picked up my Kia Sorento the first time that trhey try to repair the wipers, my door locks were not working anymore. I did not have problem with the door locks until they worked on the wipers. At the present I am trying to figure out what my next course of action will be. Any suggestions/

Mike of Wappingers Falls NY (08/28/07)
Kia 2005 bad transmission, bad cv joints, bad brakes at 18,000 miles. Kia headquarters knows how to take the low cost intially and eventually you will add up to paying for a good car like a Honda or Toyota. Know wonder they are above others in reliabiltiy.

K of Clarksburg WV (08/27/07)
Two years and 28K miles after I purchased my 2005 KIA Sportage, it has been in the service department twice for the same problem. The engine revs and runs fast and missed and chokes while driving. At stoplights and stopsigns or intersections, it stalls. After approximately 30-40 miles of driving, when I bring it to a stop the motor completely dies, the steering freezes up and I have to put it in park and restart it to park it or get it the heck out of harm's way. This car scares me to death. I keep thinking every time the motor revs up it's going to burst into flames, as I have read online that other KIA Sportages have done. It's unsafe.

Robert of Chandler AZ (08/21/07)
Our 2005 Kia Sedona was running fine except the brakes were making some noise. We took it in to Tempe Kia for the 60,000 mile check up. Total check up cost including timing belt change and brake job exceeded $1400, almost 10% of the original cost of the vehicle.

We drove it less than 300 miles and the car virtually froze-up. Left front wheel would turn, but right wheel slid along. And this would reverse. My wife was driving at the time. She parked the car. My son babied the car into Tempe Kia- starting and stopping based on temperature gauge, engine was running hot. It took about 2 hours to cover approximately 3 miles.

Tempe Kia's response to her call was bring it in. They diagnosed the crank pulley bolt backed out and said it was a KIA design fault they had seen before. They said the defect had caused other problems and although covered by warrantee, they would need to keep the car a week. 7 days later they called to say the car was done. I picked it up the next day 8/15/07. I drove the van to work, home, and to the airport. It was parked at the airport 4 1/2 days. While driving home from airport check engine light was illuminated.

The next morning, which was Monday, we arranged alternative transportation to go to work. We called Tempe Kia and they said bring it in. Today 8/21/07 the van is back at Tempe KIA. We went less than 60 miles this time. While turning vehicle in for another assessment. I informed service consultant that the illuminated light had prompted me to check the engine oil and they had returned the car with insufficient oil. The only note he made on his comment sheet in accepting the e vehicle was tires appeared worn.

The tires have been completely replaced, but the promblems of 8/8/07 had put stange wear due what was a kind of dragging the vehicle did from one side to the other while attempting to bring it in.

Regina of Wing AL (08/03/07)
I bought this car in 2004 used I had it about 2 months I had trouble with it running right it kept cutting out on me and the check engine light came on I took it to be serveced they replaaced the sparkplugs and wires it worked about a month I took it back Had to replace them again I had to do this a total of 6 times in 2 years this car had 3 recals on it I found out 2 years after purchase I was hoping that maybe the recalls might be what was wronge with the car but, befor I could get it to them The car quite one more time in the middle of the interstate while I was taking it to have the recalls done I had to get the car pulled to the Kia place where they told me the timing chain had broke why didn't the diagnostic test show this all the time it was being checked? This car was not worth what I payed for it at all it only had 54,000 miles on it when I bought it at the end of its life it had 103,000 on it what gives?

Maybeline of New Haven CT (08/02/07)
I own a 1998 Kia sportage and at this present time I am unable to use my vehicle do to corrosion of my gas tank.Since I purchased my vehicle I always smelled gas, also when I fill up my gas tank it will only last for two days. As of Monday 7/30/07 my vehicle was towed to Monro Muffler & brakes services @Branford, C.T.I am unable to use my vehicle because it is UNSAFE.

Deanna of Bennett CO (08/01/07)
At 86500 miles, I noticed a small oil leak in my 2004 Sorrento. I took it into the Dealer for repair under Warranty. They said it was rear main seal, but Kia Factory Rep. was denying the Warranty due to oil change intervals (8000 miles rather than the 7500 recommended). After three new rear main seals, they told me that I needed a new engine block, as essentially my crankshaft had shifted so much that they could no longer fit it tight enough to the transmission. They felt as though this was a defect from the factory. But again, Kia Factory Rep, Cor Valistar, denied the Warranty. I called Customer Relations, where Terri told me that one of the factors considered in Warranty is how good of a customer you are, and since I don't have my regular maintenance done at the dealership, I wasn't that loyal of a customer. However, they did agree that if I paid for a total tear-down of the engine, the would re-evaluate the parts. My service rep., and other mechanics told me that no way could the factory rep. seen anything additional after a tear down, and this was just a way to show that he did what he could, but simply would not approve the Warranty. I declined to pay for the tear-down, and was forced to trade my vehicle in, at a considerable loss, as it was not driveable, for a new vehicle.

Lloyd of Bruce Mines, Canada (07/28/07)
i own a 2000 sportage.recetly smelled gas.world car sault ste marie ontario,canada said it was a problem created by kia in placeing metal screws on top of gas tank which when expossed to salt will rust.to fix it would require 1300.00 bucks!! have to pay for their mistakes!going back to toyota.in all the 30 cars i have owned not one needed a gas tank replacemet.

Maynard of Lake Park MN (07/23/07)
Sorento 04 regarding the rims.We have complaint to Kia & the dealer about the rims they are all pitted, no shine,looks like they are about 50 yrs old. they tell us they need to be buffed out every day. we have seen many sorento and their rims look nice, don't look like ours. they looked like this about the 1st week we had the vehicle.wheels look crabby. Not happy with KIA. You need to be able to read between the lines as their warranty doesn't cover alot of things. hope you can help

Wanda of Lake Park MN (07/23/07)
SEDONA 04 Transmission went out (without any warning)on 7-2-07 milage 96269.We were not told we had to have the transmission flushed(as we have bought many new cars this is something that we never did) Does Kia not make their transmissions to last longer than what it did. We paid a lot of money for this car and it should have lasted a lot longer I think. When we called Kia on 7/6 to ask is our transmission was covered under warranty and they said that there was not a problem and it would be. After they got the car into the shop for the repair, we were told that because we didn't change the fluid every 30,000 miles or so they wont cover it. I feel they should have told us before and we would have changed the fluid.we feel the transmission should have lasted longer then 96269 miles. we are not pulling anything just normal driving.we feel that after so many milesthe kia is not with standing normal use. Why would a transmission go out at 96269 miles, they are not made tough. Maybe we have a bad one or was our van used as a test vehicle to see how many miles we could get out of the transmission. We own 2 kia's a 04 sedona and 04 sorento. NOT HAPPY WITH KIA Hope you can help.

Maureen of Uxbridge MA (07/19/07)
I own a 2005 Kia Sedona. AT 10k miles the brakes were thumping and I brought it to a Kia dealership and they told me my rotors were warped and they replaced them under warranty. At 35k miles I started experiencing the same thing, brought it back to the dealership, they were warped again, they replaced them under warranty. At that point I also had the dealership put on new brake pads. Now at 62K miles, guess what - brakes are thumpy again. When I called the dealership, I was told they would not be considered under warranty because the car had over 60k miles. After a lengthy conversation with the service department associate, the outcome was they say that it could be just the result of normal wear and tear after 25k miles and also that I had the other 2 times replace for free, so I haven't had to pay for anything yet.....

Then I called Kia Motors directly and the consumer relations department representative basically told me that yes, out of 60k miles it is not a covered item and that he agreed that 25k miles is not unusual to have to replace rotors. I asked him why did they replace them under warranty last time then????? He also told me that the part is warrantied for one year - guess what, it was one year and one month, so I lose!!! I don't have a problem paying to replace rotors when the wear and tear is within a normal expectation of time, but I have owned a Mercury, a Volkswagon, and several Mazdas and have NEVER had to replace/resurface the rotors before 40-50k miles.

My girlfriend owns a 2004 Sedona and she has also had her rotors replaced twice and is need of replacement again. The thing that kills me is the first two times it happened, I was talking to the man in the service department and he told me it was somewhat common because the van is so heavy. Now all the sudden, it is normal wear and tear. I will never buy another KIA because they don't stand behind their product. Buyer beware.

Tim  of Altoona PA (07/18/07)
I own a 2000 Kia Sportage. It has had nothing but problems from the time we purchased it. Every time there is a problem it is not covered by warranty. Mysteriously, All the problems we have had are widely known by Kia and Kia Owners. You can find every problem on the net in a forum somewhere. I know you can't have a vehicle forever without things going wrong but these things are safety issues. For example the gas tank just rotted away with rust. The shop we took it to said it is a good thing we didn't smoke because the vapors from the tank would have been a potential explosion waiting to happen. I purchased this vehicle for my daughter and I am afraid to let her drive it anymore. I have had to replace the exhaust system, brakes and rotors so many times I have lost count and the auto locking hubs fro the 4x4 are defective from the factory and known by the dealership as a problem. I am fed up. I know i got a lemon but when is enough enough. They should take care of known problems with recalls and stand behind their product.

Aimee of Westland MI (07/18/07)
I purchased a 2000 Kia Sportage brand new. I have been having problems with the blower motor and resister. I had to replace both parts within a year and a half. At a total cost of $429.88. I had driven the car less than 10,000 miles. The parts are only under warranty for 1 year, imagine that. I requested from kia that I should at least get a discount on faulty parts. Ezekial at consumer affairs was astounded at my audacity, and told me that was not going to happen. I know that this is not as bad as some letters you have recieved. But I just want it out there that Kia does not stand by there products or parts.

Julie of Gravette AR (07/15/07)
I bought my 2000 kia sportage in california at a kia dealership in 2003. I had to bring it in because the rear window motor was not working properly. It took the visits and all day to find out the parts were not in. The next time my car died while taking my husband to work at three in the morning on a hill. they replaced the alternator the next repair was a temperature censor, then we replaced the timing belt. It now sits in the garage acting like it wants to start. Instead the hold light comes on the check engine light comes on and stays on all the time. Everything goes off if I stop on the brake peddle. Then the alarm went off and I could not turn it off with the remote I had to disconect the battery. I have it towed to the reair shop and the charge me enormous fees and say it is fixed . Six months later it sits in the garage not starting again. I dont think they know what is wrong they just tinker till it starts and charge outrageous fees.

Crystal of Newport News VA (07/07/07)
I bought a brand new 2001 Kia Sportage in 2001. Straight off the lot. I had it serviced regularly and was taking excellent care of it. I am in the Navy and it was the first car I had ever bought on my own, so I was meticulous with it. Six months after driving it off the lot, the air bag light came on. I called the dealership from which I bought it and they told me to bring it in. We discovered apparently that it was a sensor, but it wasn't covered under my 100,000 mile warranty. Neither was the transmission, the master cylinder, etc. Eventually the piece of crap ended up at my parents house, where my Mom drove it and took care of it while I was on deployment. While she was driving down the street, the blinker fell off. Yup, just fell off. Hanging by a wire. She almost got hit by the other vehicles. Other wonderful things have happened too, like it doesn't like going into reverse, the side mirror fell off, and it makes funny noises. It's only 6 years old, for crying out loud. It's paid off now, but I've owned another car for the last two years, and it's been great. Not one problem yet (knock on wood). And the warranty I bought would cover it anyway. Good luck to those of you who still have to drive one of those things. It's only a matter of time before Kia gets sued or something.

Alison of Ozark AR (07/07/07)
My 2006 Kia Sedona van with 25,000 miles malfunctioned and would not stop. I was merging on to I 540 at the 412 exit in Springdale, Arkansas. I did not have the speed control turned on. The van accelerated and then would not stop accelerating. I tapped the brake, put on the brakes hard, downshifted, and it would not stop. This went on for a mile in heavy traffic. We passed within two inches of a semi. It was horrible. Finally, I was able to get it into a grassy lot where I ran over a sign and down into a ditch and stopped it. I have four witnesses, including two police officers who saw that the brakes were smoking very much but there were no skid marks on the pavement. This was because the motor was still turning the wheels (duh). So obviously, there was something wrong with it. But the local Kia dealer says there is nothing wrong with it. Kia Motors America Customer Service says that the dealers are our eyes and ears and we have to go with what they say.

I o

Carletta of Sierra Vista AZ (07/01/07)
i bought my 2001 KIA Sportage used 2years ago. It still had about 10000 miles left on the warranty. The first year I had to replace the clutch fan as it was not covered. Last year it suddenly started dying on me with no warning. Sometimes it would start easily and some times it will not start at all. This can be dangerous when it stalls at times when I can not get over and off the road. My mechanic has looked at it and fixed several things but to no avail. The problem is intermittent but seems worse as the weather gets warmer. Who knows, just about the time I think I have a common denominator, it changes. At one time i thought it only happened when I had less than 1/2 tank of gas but now it happens when it is full. The check engine light comes on and goes off at will. My mechanic tells me that he could start changing things one at a time but that it might get pretty expensive and not do the job. There is no error message when he tests it. How can cars that stall in traffic randomly not be a safety issue that requires a safety recall. I have read many stories on this site about the same issue but not one that has had any solution. I think about selling it but how can I sell such a lemon to another human being and even if I did, I could not get enough money to purchase a replacement vehicle.

Donna of Drexel Hill PA (06/27/07)
I have been constantly getting repairs done to my 1999 Kia Sportage. My mechanic made many numerous repairs. After the car was inspected and passed, I was doing 65 mph on the Altantic City Expressway when my car made two bang noises then just died. My mechanic looked at it and said that the motor is dead and he cant see any reason why it happened.

Carrie of Queen Creek AZ (06/26/07)
I purchased a 2006 Kia Sorento on November of 2006. On January 22, 2007, I was in a very serious car accident. My side curtain airbag did NOT deploy to which I sustained a concusion and fractured my right thumb. I was airvacted from the scene to Scottsdale Trama Hospital. I am self-employed and had to miss 3 weeks of work. I am having to deal with this accident myself. Meaning, keeping close track of all the bills that come in the mail to dealing with these insurance companies. Not to mention, my business and trying to keep my head above water. When all said and done, the accident has cost over 50 thousand (more than what the value of the car). I asked Kia to just test the sensors for my airbags at no charge, just to ease my mind of the safety of the vehicle and was denied. I thought of all things, they wouldn't mind, but as a consumer I can't get over how much hype vehicles get until something like this happens.

Luanne of Altamonte Springs FL (06/24/07)
My 2001 Kia Rio has has a recurring problem for several years, it stops running while I'm driving. Scares the hell out of me, I'm positively terrified of this car. I had it in for service numerous times, with the problem not being found. The last time it was serviced was nine months ago, at which time the spark plugs were burned (for the 3rd time in several short months) so they were replaced in conjunction with the coil that goes to the spark plugs. I thought the problem was fixed because the car didn't drop dead on me again -- until two days ago that is. Also it rides and idles extremely high, very very rough. I was told by the dealer it couldn't be adjusted any better than that but the car like jumps up and down while sitting at lights. NOW THAT THE CAR IS TURNING ITSELF OFF AGAIN WHILE I DRIVE MY WARRANTEE IS EXPIRED SO WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO??? THIS ISN'T FAIR, THIS CAR IS GOING TO KILL ME AND NO ONE CARES.

Jerdmie of Jamestown ND (06/20/07)
On December 8th, 2003 I was driving a KIA RIO, had a head-on collision, the air-bag & seat-belt didn't function. I was immediately in a 2&1/2 month comma, when I woke up I was told I have 2 FRACTURED FEAMERS, 2 SHATTERED KNEECAPS,A BROKEN ANCEL AND A TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). I am the father of 4 wonderful young-ones, the two boys are ages 3&9, the two girls are ages 5&7. There mother says I died in the accident and we are in the process of getting a divorce.(be cause I guess I'm not the man she married If you want to talk my phone # is (701)-252-1532

Rebecca of Cleveland OH (06/08/07)
I have a 2006 KIA Sportage that stalls without warning. Today makes the 5th trip to the dealer for this problem. They do give me a rental, but that's the only good experience i'm having with them. The first 2 times they claimed to have found the problem and I'm good to go. Now they can't duplicate the problem even after driving the piece-of-crap car for the weekend. I have picked up this car after they can't find anything wrong only to have it stall an hour later. The last visit I went almost a week with no problems. Now after stalling almost everyday this week, once 5 times in a day, it's back in the shop. And I'm willing to bet they will call me on Monday with didn't stall for us. This car is a danger to me and my family and I've been given no choice but to file a lemon law claim through the BBB.

Diane of The Villages FL (05/02/07)
I have a 2004 Kia Sedona with 51,000 miles and the transmission went. Supposedly, it has a 100,000 mile warranty but I was told that it was not covered because I only did normal maintenance on the vehicle and not the so called severe maintenace. I was told that it wasn't covered because I live in a severe maintenance area. When I bought the vehicle I was never told that I was in a severe area and that I would have to do anything different than normal maintenance. I only have this van in FL from Oct to May and then I drive it north to NH. We have always done all of the oil changes when it was suppose to be done and had the transmission fluids checked at about 40,000 miles and everything was fine. I truly believe that they put loopholes in their warranty package so that they do not have to be responsible for anything to go wrong.

Tina of Wichita KS (05/01/07)
My car has 97,000 miles on it. The a/c quit working a year ago and now the transmission will not drive in drive/overdrive

I still owe many thousands of dollars and the car is junk

Beverly of Auburn GA (04/26/07)
Purchased 2005 Kia Sorento new in September '05. Had maintenance done on vehicle based on their Preferred Maintenance Guide. At 42,000 miles we began to hear a grinding noise coming from the rear. We took it to our normal service station and he said that they thought the rear end had gone out and the warranty would cover it. We took it to the Kia of Athens and they said that the bearings had gone out and the whole rear end had to be replaced. The warranty will not cover it because we were supposed to have the rear differential fluid changed at 30,000 miles. We pointed out that this isn't listed in the brochure that they gave us when we purchased the car. Their reply was that it is listed in the owner's manual and that we should have read it. First of all - why would bearings go out on a car at 42,000 miles? Second, who ever heard of needing to change the rear differential fluid at 30,000 miles? And why didn't they list this in their service guide. This is now costing us over $1,500 to repair. DON'T BUY A KIA!!!!!!

Lisa of Taunton MA (04/26/07)
Traded a 2000 ford explorer for a 1999 Kia Sportage (due to gas prices)after 5 months and a flat tire I found out the frame was cracked and was told that it had been like that it wasnt something that could have happened within the 5 months of my owning the car. This guy took total advantage of me. Knowing I needed reliable transportation dut to my son being handicapped and having to take him to numerous appointments. When I questioned him on his knowing of the frame, his respone was Did you think the car was going to last forever? He knew the crack was there prior i could tell by his response. As of today my car is at his shop and he is having a welder look at. So by him doing that without his looking at it then he knew about this. What should or can I do? I appreciate your time and hope to hear back from you.

Harriet of Cornelius NC (04/23/07)
My Airbag light has come on five times since I have moved down to this area in the end of September of 2006. The car was also in twice for service in NY where I purchased the car for the same reason at 2000 Auto Sales Inc. dba Smith Haven Dodge Isuzu located at 794 Jericho Turnpike, St James NY 11780 I am so sick of the incovenience and the incompatent service. My vehicle is almost out of warranty and now that is going to be my problem? I really need help. I purchased this car new March of 2003. There is almost 49,000 miles on the car. In the manual it says to contact dealer as soon as this light comes on as it can be trouble. I do not think that this is a safe way to handle this problem. I refuse to be inconvenienced anymore without a vehicle and loss of my time. It is worth money too.

Thomas of Mechanicsville VA (04/22/07)
Bought a brand new 2005 sedona in Oct 2006. The original dealership, Victory Kia, quit selling Kia's in Nov 2006. They told me to go to Patrick Kia for service. Patrick Kia is about 25 miles further away. Anyway, the vehicle began ticking very loudly but intermittantly. Patrick Kia said they cannot do anthing about it. Victory Kia says they are out of the picture.

Anna of San Antonio TX (04/18/07)
I have 1999 Kia Sportage. It was bought in 2005..It work great and now i would say a couple of months (alot of months) have started having problems. Mostly stalling and the check engine light comes on. My husband has put spark plugs .it was ok and now i am stop everywhere. I love it but i dont love it when i am stuck...it just stops.. When i was going to school it stop. when before i was working stop.I dont have a job right now but i am schedule for interviews so i am going to look some job opportunitys..there has to be adefect with this types of cars. I dont want to buy me another vehicle because with what money????.A guy at a Auto Zone said it was the sensor but i dont want to be investing money if i will have problems at i have read other people that are having problems even thought they have had the sensor and etc.. what is going on KIA

John of Rock Hill SC (04/16/07)
Ok..I had struts replaced and both front tire because of abnormal inside tire wear at 23,000 miles. I was ticked! They did give me a free alignment! Yea! Now today 4/16/07 at 31,000 miles my vehicle is in for the 30K service..(strut mounts are being replaced)the tech advisor calls and says my front tires need to be replaced for the same abnormal inside tire wear. I want to know if anyone else is seeing this issue? Outcome? Lemon law? Other boards to post on? Etc..? I have called Kia and opened a consumer complaint and have a case number. Please help if you can. PS. I still have the first set of abnormal tires in my garage!

Teresa of Martinsburg WV (04/13/07)
This isn't a complaint. I may be jinxing myself. I purchased a 2000 kia sportage used in 2001. I have had your basic problems with it like all vehicles i've owned. Hagerstown Kia has given me great service. About two years after I had the car the 4 WD had problems. Keep in mind I bought this from Hagerstown Ford used. I took it to Ford for service they informed me that it was still under factory warranty and sent me to Kia they fixed the whole thing for about 3,ooo dollars and it cost me nothing. They were kind enough to call me several times and send mail reminders about the different mileage checkups. They had a seatbelt latching problem and I received a recall notice from main Kia office. They were replaced for free.Like I said I probably jinxed myself but I was shocked to read these horror stories.

Mindy of Portageville NY (03/20/07)
I purchased a used 2002 Kia from Dorschell on Jan. 23,2007. The dealer certified that this car is a good quality used car. It stall, eats gas like a SUV, has poor control. Carfax tells me it has a branded title Dorschel says no. I want out of this car. They did not reveal the car was in a carash. As a matter of fact the salesman specifically stated it had not been(witness with me at the time) Well it was in a crash 4/24/04 in Monroe Co.

I wanted to bring the car back but Dorschel told me they could not do that. Their radio ad for Kias states we have cars starting at 4995. When i asked them for a comparable car they stated they had none. i paid 6995 for this piece of junk. They are deceptive plus rude. Told me I was asking for too much. They could not finance me again. I simply am requesting the same respect now that I have a problem as the day I unfortunaley walked into that place to buy a car.

Caroline of Spring Lake NC (03/14/07)
I bought a 1996 kia sportage three years ago...the engine shook horribly the abs and break lights stayed on the entire time....my seat belts didnt work worth a crap....several times the car would just shut off while driving down the highway...all this started within the last 6 months....but yet when i took it in the mechanics would say everything was ok with the car....Yesterday i was at work,my boyfriend and my daughter went to the store......an hour after they got back from the store while noone was in or around the car....My car just burst into flames and burnt up ....i work 3 blocks from my house and by the time i got home..my car was fried.....there was no saving it....the investigator said it was due to an electrical malfunction...THAT I NEVER KNEW I HAD!!!!

Jeffrey of Ozone Park NY (03/13/07)
On Saturday my wife and I decited to go look at cars at the Kia dealer, we leased the Kia Sorento LX (Black)we got the car home at about 8:30pm.

6pm on Sunday the car was burning and leaking fluid we only had the car for 22 hours, my wife was going to bring the car back on Monday to be detailed and alarm system instaled so when she got there At 11:10am she explained the problem to them and and left the car, they had the car for 5 hours when they brought It back to her they told her It was fine, these people had my car for 5 hours and did nothing but Install the alarm, the glue was still all over the car they never washed it.

And also adding miles on my car when they know It's a lease the car came back with about 50 miles on It. Monday night when my wife got the car back she went to pick our son up and stopped at the store the car was overheating and now was not driving the same It felt like the transmission was slipping she called the dealer and he tried to tell her to let it cool and try to drive It again she told him no, It's not drivable he said he was sending a towtruck we waited from about 6:30pm till 9pm till my wife called road side her self they told her the dealer never requested a tow for that car so she called him again and he told her It was coming that he requested a flatbed. we waited more hours and the tow truck never came.

This problem would have been solved If they would have checked the car, now I have a brand new car sitting In front of my house that I can't drive and they don't care because they already got there money

Added milage to my leased vehicle. car is not driveable

Dori of Carmel NY (03/12/07)
I purchased a 2003 Kia Sedona minivan in October of 2002. Every time I brought the van in for service there was a problem. I have replaced multile axels, 2 alternators , a new battery every year, a power steering pump, belt and pulley. Numerous tows and a host of other problems. The first few times things were covered under warranty. 15 miles after my warranty expired all the hoses that run under the car were rotted and cracked and needed to be replaced. They were never checked at time of service. I am a mother of 4 who operates a day care as a way of living.

One time when I brought my car in they told me it was not safe to drive. Now not only do I have to pay for repairs but I have to pay for car rentals because I swear they have a deal with the rental compant. I would make an appointment to have the car fixed even an oil change and it would turn into a 1-2 day project. Sometimes the rental was worse than the repair. I have contacted Kia who the people are rude and uncaring.

I guess its true you get what you pay for. People aks me all the time how I like my car and I tell them I hate it dont ever do it. Service stiks and parts are expensive. I spent $18,000 and almost $10,000 in repairs this is no bargain, but be careful about their great warranty. 15 miles after expiring the car is falling apart and there is nothing to be done.

I feel taken !

Am stuck I cannot afford a new van so I keep pouring money into this one. I no longer use the dealer I now have my own certified mechanic who documents every thing that he fixes. I do not need a rental when he does the job and he is close to my home. He gives us a ride when we need it. I don't know what else to say other that no one should ever buy a kia.

Alice of Highland MI (03/11/07)
I bought a brand new KIA Sedona 08/31/05. At 5,150 miles the check engine light came on. Apparently there was a multi cylinder misfire and the spark plugs were misfiring. The thermostat was sticking open and the plugs were excessively fuel fouled.

They replaced the thermostat and the spark plugs. At that time, I mentioned that when I put on my brakes at times I could hear a low moan sound. They never checked it out. At 12,796 miles the check engine light came on again - - same problem as before. I also mentioned the low moan of the brakes - - nothing done and nothing documented. At 14,738 miles at the time of the oil changed I also mentioned the moan - - nothing documented and nothing done. At 16,875 miles I took the van in because there was a clunking noise from the rear and I also complained about the low moan when I applied the brakes.

They had to replace the tie rod. They also told me they checked the brakes and that everything - - including the low moan was fixed - -the broken tie rod was causing the problem. At 20,246 miles I took my van in for an oil change and paid for the special 20,000 mile check-up which was to include a brake inspection. I told them again about the moan when I put on the brakes and that it was getting worse. Nothing was done. At 24,062 I took the van in because when I put on the brakes the van was not stopping very well and jerking all over the place.

They told me my front brakes were bad. I went ballistic and asked them why they went so soon -- I have never had to replace my brakes on any car or truck I owned with so little miles. I don't ride my brakes, I deliberately take routes to and from work that have me in little stop and start traffic.

They told me I rode my brakes and that the van weighed more than my cars and trucks and that is why the brakes went out so soon. I was also told by a new guy at the service desk that at the 20,246 mile check they did not check my brakes (a service I paid for) and that no one test drove my vehicle as I requested the previous time and that no one had been documenting my complaints of the low moan. (Interestingly when I went took my car in the next time, this guy was nowhere to be seen).

When I went in to pick up my van and had to pay $249.95 for the new brakes I let the service manager have an earfull and told him that I felt I had a faulty brake system and that I expected them to own up to it. He told me it was my driving habits that ruined the brakes and that everything was fixed. Well, low and behold, shortly after I left the shop, once again I heard that same low moan. I took my van in at 27,061 miles -- now the rotors had grooves in them and the brakes pads were crumbled up. I again went ballistic and told them something was ruining my brakes and that, unless they took care of it, this was going to continue.

They said that only the brake pads were bad and they corrected the problem. I have talked with brake servicemen from other companies and a friend has talked to engineers with one of the big three, and the consensus is that I have a faulty brake system and more than likely the calipers are sticking. Of course, when I mention this to the dealership, they will deny it. So now I have to worry everytime I drive this hunk of junk that my calipers are going to go out and then I will have an even bigger bill.

I have had to pay out, what for me is a large sum of money, for brake repairs that I feel should not have been needed in a car with so little milleage. I bought this van because I am single and I needed something that I could haul things around in and also so that I could start taking driving vacations to see family and friends.

My old car had 250,000 miles on it and I was afraid to go anywhere any distance with it. I bought the van to alleviate those fears and start living again. I am now afraid to drive any distance with it for fear either the spark plugs will become fouled with fuel, the tie-rod will break and/or the brake system will go out. I am also afraid I will be left with a huge repair bill that I cannot afford. I can't trade it in, they won't give me the money I need to buy a new one and who am I going to sell it to? One look at the repair history and no one will want it, and if they did, they surely wouldn't pay the price I asked. Once the warranty expires on this van, what am I going to do? I can see that this is just the start of many more problems.

Steven of Moreno Valley CA (03/10/07)
In mid January, my 2003 KIA Sorrento, started to hesitate within the engine, and the check engine light came on. So the next day I took it to my mechanic, and he said I had a cylinder misfiring, and I should take it to the dealer because I was still under warranty.

So I took it to Shaver Kia, where I had purchased the vehicle, and because the warranty says that I have to take it back to where I had purchased it. So I took it to Shaver, the next morning. Got there at around 10:30 am, yet no one even talked to me until around 11:30am. So I finally talked to someone and I had to leave the car there.

 I did not hear from them until about 10:30 the next morning. They said that I had to have the 30,000 mile maintenance performed, and that will solve the problem, my vehicle had around 53,000 miles on it at the time, and I already at those things done. But they said I have to do it or they would not go any further, which of course was not covered under the warrant, costing over 500.00.

I refused, and took the car back, but reluctantly had my mechanic do the same thing that they wanted me to do, at alot less money, but using KIA parts. I had the spark plugs replaced, fuel filter replaced. Check engine light still came on. My mechanic then advised me to change the ignition coil, which I did, still the check engine light still came back on.

My mechanic then did a compression test on the #4 cylinder, and found that it was below standards. So I took it back to Shaver KIA on a wednesday in February. I told them what I had done to the vehicle, and finally agreed that it should be under warranty. I dropped it off on the morning of Feb 21st. I did hear from them around 4 pm, to ask for permission for a 4 hour engine teardown, I told them yes, since it was under warranty and I wasn't paying for it, I just wanted it fixed.

I did not hear from them on Thursday or Friday, and they are closed on weekends, so I called them on Monday, then they said it should be ready by Tuesday morning, and that they would call me. Tuesday morning comes and goes and no one calls me. So again, I call them around 2:30 pm.

They said it shoud be ready in 2 to 3 hours. So 6:00 rolls around and I realised that they have not called me. So again, I call them and of course the service department is closed and they have all gone home for the night. Obviously, I was upset, so I asked for a manager, and the only thing he did was arrange for the shuttle driver to pick me up the next day so I can get my car.

So on Wednesday, Feb 28, I finally arrive at Shaver around noon, and pick up my car. It was running fine for about two hours, then around 2:00 pm the check engine light comes back on and I feel a vibration coming from the engine. So I call Shaver again and told them, they said bring it in the next morning, we will have a spot open for you. So I arrive around 8:30 am, and had to wait until 9:45am for them to tell I will have to leave it. So I left the car there again on March 1. Them saying that they would call me to tell me what is up with the car. Again two hours go by and no one has called. So I called them, and then they said I would have to leave the car for a day or two.

Friday comes around I asked when it was going to be ready, he said that they have to stop working on my car, when other cars come in. This I could not believe. So I asked to talk to the service manager, of course she was not around, and left a message for her to call me, which she never did. So monday rolls around and no one has called me. At this point I am really getting frustrated, so I called the KIA customer care line, which I thought I could at least expedite things. I told them about what was going on and he told me he would call me after he had talked to him, this was about 9:30am on Monday, March 5. he never called me back all day, and so I called him at about 4:00 pm of course he was gone for the day.

So I called back the next morning, come to find out that he never even tried to call the dealer on Monday. So Tuesday at around 4:00 pm they call me and tell me that they finally got Candace to call them back and told me something I could of done on my own if only she had called me back, they said that they needed my permission to do another 4 hour tear down.

I asked them if that was all they are going to do, they said, yes. I said I could have done that. they said well why didn't you? I said because they never return my calls. He said What do you want us to do? I said find out what is taking so long and get them to show some sense of urgency, he said we don't do that. So anyway my care was at the dealer for 4 days without anything being done on it.

So I finally talked to the service advisor, Harry and he asked about the 4 hour tear down, I said go ahead, but make sure you call me to give status on it, he said no problem. This was Tuesday, March 6, it is now Saturday March 10, and not only do I not have my car, but no one had even called me with any heads up on it.

I have to walk or take the bus everywhere I go, I am stuck waiting for them to call.

Christopher of East Providence RI (03/09/07)
THIS IS LENGTHY BUT PLEASE STICK WITH ME HERE! My 2004 Kia Sedona has 24,000 miles on it and is still in the 3 year 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper part of the warranty (the car has an additional warranty of 10 years, 100,000 miles).

In early December, the check engine light came on and the car immediately lost power. My daughter limped it back home from about a mile away. AAA towed it the next day to Albert Kia in Rehoboth. MA. We had purchased the car there in 2004 but it was a Herb Chambers’ dealership at that time. Please note: The car was due for another oil change as we had already traveled more than 3,000 miles since the last one.

This will be an important factor later on. In any case, about 3 days later, the service manager from Albert Kia called and said the car had a blown engine and that it would be replaced under warranty. However, we needed to bring in all the oil change records because we had never had the car serviced there and they had no record that the car was properly maintained.

We went to our mechanic and he ran all the oil change and service records for the car. Within 2 days, these were brought to Albert Kia and we were told that the engine would be ordered and the car ready in about a week. Once the week passed, we called the dealership to see how things were going. Mr. Albert informed my daughter that the entire service department was let go and he was closing his business. I called Kia USA and informed them as to what had happened. Later that day, the rep from Kia USA told me that they were going to tow my car to Balise Kia in Warwick, RI. By days’ end, the car was at Balise.

Two days later, Scott, the service manager at Balise, called to tell me that he and the district manager had looked at the car and it was determined that it had 5 liters too much oil in it (that’s the equivalent of an additional oil change). Basically, he’s telling me that we drove the car over 3,000 miles with 10 quarts of oil in it. Ask any mechanic – that’s impossible. Scott said that there was a partial quart of oil under the front seat. I had no knowledge of the oil but my daughter informed that this was an old quart of oil that she had when she drove her old clunker. She kept it…just in case…under the front seat. I also mentioned to Scott that a blown head gasket would make it look like there was too much oil because in those instances the oil mixes with the water. Scott said the oil looked too thick for that to be the case.

Note: In a later call, I asked Mr. Albert if he could locate his former service manager as the diagnosis he made was never entered into the computer system – so there was no proof of his original diagnosis. Mr. Albert said he would try and about 5 hours later he called me back to report he had had no success in reaching the service manager.

I told Scott that the service manager at Albert Kia had already diagnosed the car and reported a blown engine – never once mentioning anything about too much oil or any other abuse to the car. We were told the engine would be ordered and the job performed under warranty. Scott said the district manager had made the determination and that there was nothing he could do for me. I called Kia USA again and spoke with the rep. She said that she would bump the case up to a higher authority. I asked her if I could speak with the DM directly before she did that. She basically said that the DM’s don’t typically speak directly with the customers. That, she said, was the purpose of her job. I demanded to speak to the DM before the case was bumped up. She called the DM (with me on the line) and it went to voice mail. She left my name and number (I could hear the entire conversation). So, I waited 5 days for this DM to call back before calling Kia USA again. The rep now said my case was bumped upstairs. I explained that I clearly had wanted to speak with the DM before this happened but it happened anyway. I was told that I would be contacted within 72 hours for my side of the story. Within the 72 hours, Jeff from Kia USA called and informed me that he had my case. After a brief review of the entire story, Jeff asked me to fax over the service records to him.

He said once he had those, he’d see what he could do. I had the service records re-printed once again from the mechanic and faxed them over to Jeff the next morning. That was on January 9th, 2007. I called January 16th to make sure the papers were there and to see what progress had been made. When I called the number and extension Jeff had given me, it went to voice mail for a gentleman named Andrew. I pressed “0� for the operator, as I thought I had been connected to the wrong extension. It was the right extension. Turns out that Jeff is no longer with the company. The operator said to leave the message with Andrew. She said that if Andrew was the new case worker he’d call. If not, he’d call anyway to let me know who’s working on the case now.

Russell Stuart from KIA USA called back to say he was the new case worker. He had reviewed the case but was trying to find out where Jeff had placed the copies of the service records. I re-faxed those over to him to save the time and effort it would take to locate these for the third time. Russell Stuart called back later in the week to tell me the decision was final and that Kia would not cover any part of the repair. The repair would rest on me. The DM, he said, has refused to reverse his decision. The first thing we checked when the car failed was the oil. I can assure you that it did not have 10 quarts of oil in it when it was towed away by AAA that December morning.

My daughter drove the car over 3,000 miles since the last oil change. So if the oil change garage had actually made the mistake of not draining the oil when doing the last oil change (and leaving 10 quarts in there), the general opinion of several mechanics I’ve spoken to is that we would have had oil all over the place within the first few days (not 6 months later). All this a mute point however because the car left us topped off at 5 quarts – not 10. I questioned Russell about the previous diagnosis from Albert Kia of a blown engine and he said “maybe the service department was let go because they were incompetent�. To my understanding, the whole dealership folded up due to money problems. So now Russell and Kia are dismissing the original diagnosis as one of incompetence. Russell said, “Mr. Brosco, I’m not saying that you under-maintained your vehicle – I’m saying that you OVER-MAINTAINED your vehicle. I asked if I could take this to an unbiased mechanic, one who would have nothing to gain by the decision (like a AAA certified mechanic).

I was told that if anyone other than a Kia dealer looked into the engine, the warranty would be void. I was offered the opportunity to take this vehicle to another Kia dealer, but with the same DM, what would be the point. I went to Balise Kia to have the car towed by AAA from that dealership to a family mechanic. The first thing I did, upon seeing the car for the first time in over a month, was ask Scott, the Balise service manager, for a garage rag. I immediately went out to the parking lot and checked the oil. Much to my amazement, the oil was BARELY over the fill line. Where were these 5 extra quarts/liters? I went back inside and told Scott that the oil was barely over the fill line.

He told me that I needed to start the car before checking the oil. I immediately knew that I was speaking with someone who clearly knew nothing about cars. As the car was being placed on the flatbed of the tow truck, the Kia DM miraculously showed up and came out to the parking lot. This was the first time I had met him face-to-face or spoken directly to him. I asked where this extra 5 liters of oil was. He said that he never said that. I told him that Russell at Kia USA said that the extra oil was the problem with the car.

The DM checked the oil, noted that it was barely over the fill line and again said that he never said that the car had 5 liters of extra oil in it and that he’d call Russell to set the record straight. The DM removed the oil cap, looked at the underside and said here’s your problem. “See all this sludge on the back of this cap?� “This car has never had an oil change.� So now we go from over-maintained to under-maintained. I asked if the sludge on the back of the cap was the result of a blown head gasket and what we were looking at was the result of oil mixing with radiator fluid. The DM said he thought not. I said, “If that’s the case, where’s all the fluid in the radiator overflow container?� It was almost empty. The DM got mad and said to one of the mechanics, “Take the car into the shop. We’re going to remove the front valve cover.� The DM told me that if the underside of the valve cover had the same sludge on it as the oil filler cap did, he’s not covering anything. The car was taken into the shop and the valve cover was removed. Once removed, I was called into the service bay and shown the results.

The underside of the valve cover had a thick, almost pudding-like buildup on the underside – but it was only on the left half of the cover. The other half looked pretty normal. I questioned why the sludge was on just one half. The DM said it was possibly the result of the engine being mounted in the car one inch lower on the left and favoring that corner. Sounded like total bull to me. I then repeated that the sludge, to me, looked like the result of oil mixing with radiator fluid.

At this time, my son (an ASE Certified Master Technician) was also on the phone speaking with the DM at the same time and hearing the conversation that all 3 of us were having. My son made the point that if the car had never had an oil change in the 24,000 miles of ownership, it would not look like this. In fact the DM even said to the both of us that “If I knew nothing about this vehicle and saw this valve cover, I would have told you that the car had been driven 80,000 to 100,000 miles without ever having an oil change.� He also seemed to be hinting that we may have turned back the odometer. This angered me greatly. I asked the DM to view the oil filter, which he did.

I asked if that was the original oil filter. He said it was not. So, I said to the DM, ok let’s use your reasoning and say we under-maintained the car. Kia expects the oil to be changed every 5,000 miles. So let’s say that we drove the car 5,000 miles and had the oil changed, as validated by the fact that the car does not have the original oil filter in it. The new oil would have been good to 10,000 miles. The car currently has 24,000 miles on it. Are you saying that the sludge I’m witnessing on this valve cover gasket is the result of driving with old oil for a mere 14,000 miles? The DM said no. That he had NEVER witnessed that much sludge on a car with 24,000 miles on it – still hinting that we may have turned back the odometer. I asked him if the tires on the care were the originals. He said they were. Which proved the car’s mileage was, indeed, correct. So…with all that, the DM took digital photos of the valve cover and samples of the sludge to send to a lab for analysis. He said if the tests come back and there is something other than oil in this sludge, I will stand corrected and repair the car. Indeed a few days later, I was called and told the decision stood. The lab showed that nothing was mixed in the sludge. It was merely oil. A week later, the car was towed to my son’s garage.

It should be noted that Balise Kia went out of business, as well, a week after my car left their dealership. When my son looked at the car, a few days later, the first thing he did was run the car and let it warm up for about 20 minutes. Previous to this, the car had not been left to run for more than a minute since the “check engine� light first appeared. Upon warming up and taking the car into the service bay, my son removed the oil filler cap and surer than hell – the underside of the cap was the same color as the radiator fluid – a strong indication of a blown head gasket (my original diagnosis that was dismissed by the DM). In addition, the computer showed that the 2nd and 4th cylinders were skipping. In addition, these two cylinders are on the front of the motor – all the way on the left which is EXACTLY where we saw all the sludge build-up on the underside of the valve cover AND directly underneath the oil filler cap (explaining why there was this pudding-like sludge on the filler cap).

My son also found a Kia issued technical service bulletin stating that some 2004 Sedona models with the 3.5 liter engine had a defect that left a score mark at the #6 cylinder on the head, resulting in head gasket failure. My vehicle was built 4 weeks after Kia said they corrected the problem so Kia (who never even mentioned this service bulletin)will not lend any credence to this theory either. If my son takes apart the engine and finds the exact scoring at the #6 cylinder as described in the technical service bulletin, he will have voided the warranty. If a Kia dealer does the work, the same DM will be involved and he'll likely still refuse to cover the warranty work because we will have made a mockery of his original decision or he'll claim that the ar was made outside the service bulletin dates. In either case, I'm not going to be covered.

This is a vehicle that was well maintained at my son’s garage. He changes our oil for free so there’s no reason for us to skip oil changes on ANY of the cars we own (4 in total and the Kia is the only one giving us problems). It only has 24,000 miles on it and has been very reliable up to this point. The 3 year/36,000 mile warranty is still in effect, as well as the 10 year/100,000 mile and we’re just getting a run around. Let’s also not forget that the original dealership diagnosed the car and said it had a blown engine. It should also be noted that in all of this I have never been handed one piece of paperwork from either dealership. NOTHING. We haven’t been asked to sign anything.

There is NO PAPERWORK trail on any of this. Sure seems strange based on my experience with other manufacturers/dealers.

Ruth of Cleves OH (03/08/07)
I have a 2000 Kia Sportage and the gas tank has to be replaced due to the leak mentioned as being investigated on this site. I have to pay for this expensive repair out of pocket.

My local Kia dealership sold 13 gas tanks in 2006 and 2 so far this year for the same problem. If they know about this, why is there not a recall? The tank, sending unit and fuel pump are all priced separately for a total of more than $800 excluding labor.

This is a very hazardous safety issue - one that you think would prompt QUICK action on the part of the manufacturer to avoid poor word of mouth advertisement not to mention human injury which cannot be measured in dollars and cents. You can be sure I will be going up the chain of command within Kia to get a satisfactory answer to this issue.

Julie of Westland MI (03/04/07)
My 2001 Kia spectra started to randomly start in June 2006 no matter if the car was cold/hot. Some days it starts everytime, other days are a nightmare. I've found by turning the key in the ignition after it fails to start (it turns over just fine) and leaving it like that for 5 minutes it then usually starts.

I have taken this car to Kia for repair 3 times. I was told each time that the problem did not happen for them and they told me to bring it back when it does....The final time I brought it back I told them in advance that I needed this fixed...I stop at a store or gas station and I don't risk turning the car off because of this problem. Sometimes it has taken 15-20 minutes for the car to start when the problem arises.

I told Kia I need a reliable car and they could keep it until it is fixed as long as they give me something else to drive which they refused for which I think is more than fair. They did not offer any suggestions for this problem (until I told them what I thought of their service) nor did they even try to troubleshoot it.

The manager there actually said to me since I did not know what was wrong with it how were they suppose to know...I replied I don't fix cars for a living, that's their job.

Timothy of Hesperia CA (03/03/07)

I bought the new front struts at 20,000 miles and 2 new window motors for power windows, 9 new tires for front end, new brakes and rotors every 8,000 miles. There are cosmetic problems with the interior. The cheap windshield glass cracked all the way across with just a little nick. None of these problems are covered under there warranty!

Rigel of Broken Arrow OK (03/02/07)
I own a 2006 Kia Sedona EX, which was purshased 7/06. Ran fine, until 3 weeks ago, it just wouldn't start. Had it towed to the dealership. It started fine there. After multiple attempts, the mechanics were able to duplicate the problem.

They said they fixed it by checking something in the fuse box, and sent it home. 20 days later, the same thing happened: wouldn't start. Lights work, and makes all normal noises as if to start, but does not start, only makes a clicking sound in the fuse box. Had it towed again (this is twice in one month that we have been stranded and needed a tow on a new vehicle), and once again, it started fine for the mechanic. They claim they are unable to duplicate the problem and wanted to send it home.

After doing some research online, there are many owners of this vehicle complaining about the same exact problem, of their 2006 Kia Sedona EX not starting intermittedly. The Kia dealership claims they can do nothing to explore the cause of the not starting if they can not duplicate the problem (despite being able to duplicate it 20 days ago).

Thus far, there has been no physical damage, but both times it has not started, we have been in a safe location. It has only been an inconvenience up to now...and hopefully it only remains as such.

Jose of Canoga Park CA (03/02/07)
I bought a new '05 KIA Spectra and this car has giving me many problems. The first time it went in for repairs was jus at 2500 miles, electrical problem, the shop kept the car for two weeks because they had to remove the whole front panel to locate the malfunction part or circuit. Just 10,000 miles later, the airbag light came on and there was a recall job done to the thing. 6000 more miles and all the previous problems came back with a revenge, engine light, stalling engine, radio problems when the A/C was on, dead battery.

This time the dealership made many repirs on the car. Today 03/02/07 all those problem came back and on Monday will take the box of chocolates (Forest Gump) to the dealer.

Pamela of Goodlettsville TN (02/27/07)
I bought a new 2006 Kia Rio, with 6 miles on it in August 2006. Now, it's February 2007, 9,000 miles later and it broke down on the side of the road, on a Sunday when their service dept was closed. It had to be towed in to the dealership and I was given a replacement vehicle (not a rental car, but a Certified Pre-Owned on their lot, that they are trying to cell) to drive.

Monday afternoon my husband and I were told it was a cylinder, head and valve problem and it would be a few days before it would be fixed since parts had the ordered. The keys to the replacement vehicle were taken away from me since it was not from a rental car company and I was told that not having transportation was not their problem.

Here is it Tuesday and I am stuck at home, without a car to get to work and no one at that dealership will do ANYTHING to get me a car. I called another Kia dealership here in Nashville and told them the problem to see what they would. I was told by that owner, that 2006 Rio's had a factory defect with these cylinders, and all customers are to be put into a rental car and that was already approved through Kia headquaters.

Too bad Plant Kia does not follow this procedure whatsoever. And shouldn't have this information been told to me by the service department that has my car now? They said not one word to us about this. Funny how a different dealership, that had absolutly nothing to do with my deal, funding, or ownership of my Rio, would step up the plate.

So far I have missed a day of work, with a strong probability that there will be a couple more days to follow. I financed close to $18,000.00 for a