Kia Forte Reviews

Here's the best part: they're replacing it with a 161 horsepower unit. I'm losing 12 horsepower and 9 lb ft of torque. I'm just supposed to be ok with my car having a way less powerful engine, when I bought it based on the fact it was rather quick. Not to mention, my alarm no longer works and my window switch is broken. I didn't drop it off like that. The dealer, nor Kia care. They gave me a new engine that sucks, and isn't even the same engine I had. It's a totally different GDi. Abysmal. I'm lucky in the fact the car was always maintained at a Kia dealership, and this is precisely why I do that. In case something like this happens, I've got proof directly on the Carfax.

The water from the trunk had traveled underneath the back seat onto the carpeting in the back seat floorboard and underneath the driver's side carpets. Mold has formed throughout the car and the SMELL is awful. Rust spots have began forming in the trunk on the painted surfaces that are visible (and not visible areas I am certain). Mold has been growing underneath the carpeted mat and rubber mat over the spare tire within the trunk. The dealership actuallty made the leak so much WORSE by not repairing it correctly. They stated the leak was the result of a 'factory defect' but the 'recommended repair' did not stop the leak, and in fact made it worse, FLOODING my car 2 days in a row during rainy weather. There was over 2 gallons of water that had to be shop vacced out of the floor of my car immediately after the repairs were made.

The local dealership has had my car for over 2 months now and the repairs and the removal of all mold and ruined carpeting still have not been addressed. The service manager at Dean McCrary Mazda does not communicate and rarely responds. This is truly very disappointing as the dealership has effectively RUINED my car due to a faulty repair, which they blame on a 'manufacturer's defect'. I have also been touch with KIA CORPORATE, who blames the dealership for the damages that are a result of the leaking, and states poor workmanship on their part. I do NOT RECOMMEND PURCHASING ANY KIA, especially the KIA FORTE!

I have looked online and there are numerous complaints about the leak in the trunk of multiple Kia Forte models. Corporate will not take responsibility and the local dealership is trying to blame corporate, so I am caught in the middle with nothing being resolved regarding my flooded vehicle that has now been ruined by mold & water damage. Kia does NOT stand by their products, do not purchase a KIA, nor does DDean McCrary Mazda in Mobile, AL!!!!

When I called them back, the person who had called me refused to call me back and I was told by someone else she made a mistake and it would not be covered. Luckily my dealership stepped up and covered the cost of the mold removal and cleaned my car. April of 2019 the car started using oil. Took it to the dealer and as told to do an oil consumption test. Took it back after the test, was told that I needed a new engine.

Luckily it is covered under the warranty and they are covering the cost of a rental car. However the engine is on international back order. It may be in at the first of July. I took it to the dealer for every oil change (on time) and every repair or maintenance check. The engine should not have gone bad at 59000 miles. I will not be buying another Kia. I don't want to risk getting another car with Engine problems and or any other problems. I have to say that the Service Department in Clarksville Indiana is great. They have gone above and beyond to make things right. Too bad Kia Motors does not have the same dedication to their vehicles.

I continued, I looked in the rearview mirror and smoke just billowing. No warning lights on the dash, the car was still driving. Once I got off the freeway and got parked then engine light came on and the smoke was coming from both exhausts. Called the dealership. They automatically asked if it was an Optima. They were surprised to hear it was the Koup. After the dealership having it for over a month to replace the turbo. A bolt that that holds the turbo had spun off. The engine light is still on. A code that reads Over Advanced Cam is still coming up. They did replace the display and was determined that it was faulty. Very disappointed and many more details that can't be covered here.

I have contacted Kia Motors USA to start a file on the vehicle because I just have a sneaky suspicion that I will only have more issues with the vehicle. My main concern is that something major will happen once the warranty has expired and I'll be stuck paying for a major repair. My advice is buy another more reliable vehicle. Good Luck if you buy the 2018 Kia Forte.

Reached out to Kia and they aren't willing to help in ANY WAY. I work for Kelley blue book and thought I was getting a good car. However after this happened I look online and see the 2012 was the worst year for these cars and tons of people have had to have their engines replaced outta nowhere after a 100k miles. NEVER will buy another KIA again! These are horrible and so is their customer service!

This is just a programming decision that was made by someone that may not have understood the climate. It should not be an impossible task to fix this issue as it's just programming. I was repeatedly told that is how the the car was designed in Korea. What they won't tell me is how to safely warm up my car without leaving the doors unlocked or sitting in it.

2 - Exhaust makes noise. When I stop my car metal starts to cool down and make noise. They changed the catalyser and exhaust but still the same. Kia says it is because of Manada tires like that. It is normal. 3 cruise control fails. Doesn’t work very often. 3 - Windows makes noise when I close them. They crash to the frame. Kia says this is normal. 4 - ABS fails. Sometimes tires are getting blocked. Kia says they can’t find a problem with ABS.

I went Kia service many times. Every time my car is getting worse. I am having too many ridicules explanation. I think they don’t care about me and in purpose they make car worse. I will go another service but I can’t. Because my car will be out of guarantee. This is my third Kia. I always gave advice to everyone. But now I tell every one; NEVER BUY KIA.

Hands free calling VIA Bluetooth! Power wind, slapstick shifter! The seats are very comfortable, Gas is inexpensive fill up. From empty under for around 30.00 us dollars and get an average of 450 miles to a full tank for around 25 city MPGs and 30 Highway MPGs. But some of the plastic molding inside the car has fallen off and better installment would fix that. I have gotten several flat tires on this vehicle and it did not come with a spare tire just some fix a flat and tire pump you plug into the lighter. Very slow and annoying being stuck on side of road trying to refill the flat with that crap. Stop being cheap and put a spare in the trunk.

Now note, RS sent me a text of tow company with their number, I called and went straight to voicemail. Well, that 30 mins comes and goes, call back, the young man explains that if they get another company who knows how long and he was going to reach out to them, while I'm on the phone, new eta, another 30 mins. Well, it's starting to get dark - 8 rolls around, I call back hysterical - I'm on the side of one of the busiest freeways in the US - the young lady gets another company, guess what, eta over an hour. Tow company finally showed up at 9:15! 9:15!

This review is a two way street - 1 of the 4 reps I dealt with saw the urgency - the tow company, answer the dang phone, they had my #. Discussing this with RS - this is just unacceptable. I didn't pitch a fit for a spare because they ASSURED their Roadside Assistance would be there if something happens. Well, it did and they weren't there. Then, oh yes, then - only have 13,000 miles on car - the dealership I was towed to claims I must of ran over something - the blow out was inside passenger tire, inside wall - no other damage, this mystery object didn't touch anything else under car. They wouldn't let me see the tire either. This fight isn't over.

I have contacted Kia corporate (Complaint # ** and **) and got the runaround that the is out of warranty and that I am out of luck. They are missing the point. This should not be happening with a car that is 4 years old. We own a 2011 Kia Forte without this issue. Considering that Kia had a class action lawsuit for this very issue and that they still have a response of "you are out of luck" tells me that I am not going to buy another Kia or Hyundai (same company). Do yourself a favor and do not buy pearl white of anything Kia makes as you will probably end up in the same boat.

Funny how all of our other vehicles were returned in similar condition but since we leased another it was ok. I strongly feel like this was not "excessive damage". The car isn't worth what you want because people aren't buying them! The sales manager at the dealership admitted it. Who wants to pay for a pile of trash? Anything to make an extra buck. They are thieves and sell people garbage.

We have had this car in and out of the dealership repair for over a year. Finally this year a technician from Kia came, felt what it did on the bumps and said it was normal for this model. I can assure you that it is NOT normal for ANY car to leave its lane while driving. This is a HUGE SAFETY ISSUE not only to the driver, but anyone else that is on the road when this happens! The dealership has replaced the rear struts, we've gotten new tires (which we paid for... the tires were worn so bad and in such an odd way in not even a year of owning the car), had alignments done, the list goes on... the repair department cannot find what is causing this.

From the very beginning the dealership was dishonest. 1st they offered a 0% deal (which is why we chose this car in the first place), when we were ready to sign the deal suddenly was not available. I could go on about the dishonesty we experience with this dealership, but my MAIN focus here is the SAFETY ISSUE of the vehicle leaving its lane while driving. If anyone else has experienced this PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!! I have contacted the State of Wisconsin on this matter and am in the process of filing a complaint with them and the BBB against both Kia and the dealership.

So the electric shop fix the bad ground on the relay or the brake switch so things cool until a month later it just cuts off on me at the light and won't start back. Now I do have a sound system so I'm thinking it's the battery so I try and jump it and it won't start. No sign of it being the battery so I tow it to the dealership. They say it's the battery and starter and it's $900.00 so bring the car home, charge the battery up and the car starts right up. Which I believe it started up because the system reset after the battery been out for a period of time so I take it to autozone to have the battery and alternator check. The battery is no good which I think I messed up so I purchase a battery and a oil change kit.

This was on thanksgiving. Go home, changed the oil. My second time changing the oil since I had it and the engine starts knocking. I only have 19044 miles and the manufacturer denied me because I only had one receipt. I do oil changes myself. I never thought to keep up with the receipt. Also Kia says I should have changed the oil 3 times by now every 50000 but the book says 7500. Monday morning I will be contacting a lawyer. By the way you can look at the dumb stuff I invested in the car like the tint etc. Why wouldn't I do my oil change regularly? Thanks for reading my situation with Kia. Don't waste your money.

"Coincidentally" and yes I'm being sarcastic since now I'm 2000 miles out of warranty, they NOW tell me a list of things that need to be fixed including by the way my wipers that proves they are deceptive since I had them changed a month previous. Anyway I fix what they tell me which was expensive and after a 5 hour wait I'm handed back my car with no vacuum. They would NOT give me a loaner. They also did not apologize. So fast forward 2 days and I'm ready to go to work and my battery dies plus the EPS light is now on and they tell me it's going to cost a few thousand dollars most likely. The car doesn't even have 70,000 miles on it yet. What I don't understand is how an entire steering box or whatever it's called has to be replaced after 3 years and nothing is under warranty even the drive belt that I had to get fixed when a couple of months before it was not even flagged as a problem.

The steering issue was also not flagged as a problem until conveniently for them I take it in for an oil change and now there are multiple issues. I feel as though they messed with my car on purpose. I know it sounds paranoid but it was perfect until it went there for an oil change. I only bought that horrific car because of their so-called amazing warranty. DECEPTIVE!!! I am already talking to a lawyer as of yesterday and he's waiting to see what happens at my next appointment. They are also very very rude and when I tell them I need a car to drive to work, the man Xavier says "don't you have another one"? NO XAVIER I DO NOT HAVE ANOTHER ONE. I am a single mother with one car. I used to drive an Infiniti and I thought I would go a more sensible route with a great warranty with Kia. What a joke!!! I wish I'd stayed with Infiniti. Their customer service was amazing and flawless. I feel very unsafe with this car and my lawyer knows this too.

After reading all of these reviews I feel even worse and it seems like they are not being held responsible. These are my first issues with this car and I even paid extra for a better warranty and the warranty has covered NOTHING AT ALL. How dare they get away with this and their engines failing and putting people's lives at risk??? This is disgusting! I was going to give this car to my daughter for college. That will NEVER happen now. I urge all of you to sue them as I am about to. That at least gives me some hope. Never again Kia.

I doubt any buyer will be interested in a vehicle that sounds like it's going to fall apart, regardless of whether it's actually going to fall apart. Further, how am I supposed to determine if/when the noise develops into something that is actually unsafe or affecting operations? Unfortunately, the defect is not covered under warranty, which only covers defects that impair the car's operations; a repair for this will run $400-600, according to the dealership. I really regret buying from Kia (car was paid in full at time of purchase) and I will certainly not purchase from them again. I invested money with the expectation that the car would provide about 10 years of service without causing any significant problems. As of late, I can't imagine driving this car around for another 5 or so years while hearing that awful noise. What a disappointing waste of money and a distressing driving experience.

(Note: To be fair, the only other problem that I've had is with the ignition. At one point, the car was not registering that it was in park and would not release the key from the ignition when parked. I had to leave the key in the ignition for a couple of days while Kia ordered a part to correct this problem (at no charge). The car also makes vibrating noises in the cabin sometimes but this is only a minor nuisance.)

Looked at the dash, now along with the tire light, power steering light was on. I thought...hmmm. Maybe because the tire pressure was low, it's now affecting the steering. Drove the remaining 7 or so miles to work. Parked the car, called the dealership and explained what happened. They said "bring it in, we'll fix it right away." Brought it there after work. After waiting two hours, service man came out and said "Sorry, we're going to have to give you a loaner, we don't know what's wrong with it". Imagine my shock, that a brand new car with only 26 miles on it, that I literally bought the day before, is already giving me problems. I couldn't believe it...and it only gets worse from here. Next day, wait all day to hear something. Nothing. I call, they say, "We don't know, waiting to hear from Kia." Next day, nothing. I call again. Same response. Third day. Now I'm getting upset.

I contact the salesman. I ask "what's happening? What is so wrong with this brand new car that it takes 3 days to fix?"...crickets...I get a call from the sales manager. He says "I want you to be 100% satisfied." I say "I'm zero percent satisfied." He says "Kia corporate is going to call you," and that he'll call me Monday. Guess what? Yup, nothing. No call from corporate. No call from him. This is now a week later. No car. No answers. So I call corporate myself. Lady was nice at first. I said just give me a different car. It's a lemon. After that, she says, check your manual, it tells you how to go about claiming your car is a lemon. (How can I check the manual of a car I don't have?)

I couldn't talk too long at the time because I was at work, and I wanted some kind of resolution. I asked her, "can you please call me back at 3:10?" Sure she says. Guess what? Yup. Nothing. This is how this company will treat you too if God forbid, anything goes wrong with your car. I believe I've been more than patient. I've given them ample opportunity to, at the very least, respond to me. Please, save yourself the hassle. Don't buy a Kia.

Now three weeks after the deal, I received a Statement from KIA Motor Finance for $2.40, NO EXPLANATION! I paid it, and as I Sat and thought about the large picture... I thought Wow!!! What if after each KIA owner sells/trades in their KIA's, and KIA bills each one of us for $2.40, and we just pay it because the amount is so low and just want to be done with entire process. Just think of the money KIA Motor Finance rakes in!!! I've turned them into the BBB. I'm also still getting calls to trade in my lease, constant calls about the extended warranty, etc... The bullying just won't stop. Take my advice... Don't finance with KIA Motor Finance ever!!!

They call me back later in the day to tell me they don't know if it's covered under warranty. Mind you the vehicle is five months old and under 5000 miles. The dealership gives me the number for Kia Motors of USA. I speak to a customer service representative only to have a case number. Two weeks later and four phone calls and they still haven't determined if they are going to warranty the pump. Now the parts department told me the pump is only 40.00. But Kia would rather have a customer in limbo with questions on whether they made the right decision on purchasing a vehicle from them and possibly be a repeat customer than to make the customer have peace of mind that they have the manufacturer who stands behind their product.

A side note as well; the cost of roadside assistance to have the vehicle towed to the dealership for a slow leak would far exceed the cost of the pump to have it replaced. So at this point due to the length of time it's taking for them to determine if they are going to warranty a part that shouldn't have failed prematurely, has left a bad taste in my mouth. I do not think at this point I will purchase another Kia. Still waiting for an answer from them. I am riding around with a bicycle pump in my vehicle as a safety net and will turn the car in off of lease with the faulty pump. I will not buy another pump or Kia if it's not covered under warranty.

Fast forward 2 years. I start getting a grinding noise in first gear. I come to a complete stop, clutch in, shifter into first gear, lift clutch peddle and the grind start, sometimes the shifter pops out of gear, sometime it grinds and then seats itself. Now I'm not a mechanic but I do know a little about cars. I towed the car into the dealer... I first called the dealer that I bought the car from and the same dealer that replaced the clutch. This was on the last week of September/15. They informed me that the earliest time they could look at the car was the 28th of October.

I took the car to another dealership, Plaza Kia located in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. The tech (not mechanics anymore) test drove the car, and could not hear the grind, or the pop. Well I went for a drive with him and the occurred and he said it was a clutch problem. I said to him "That sounds like a first gear syncro to me." Nope that's a throwout bearing issue. "Well why doesn't it happen in any other gear?" Well it just getting stuck in first... Wow.

Quote $1800.00, too expensive, need second opinion. Took it to my mechanic, did not say anything to him other than the small grinding noise in first gear. He starts the car drive around the block, come back and says is gear syncros. "You sure?" "If it was a clutch, noise would be in every gear." Back to Kia, (hell) spoke to service manager Frank. Explained to Frank what another mechanic said and he tells me he will look into it. This was the week of 25 Sept 2015. He tells me he won't be able to fix the car till the week of the Sept 28/15. Ok I'm happy. Well that week, I call Frank and he say give him some time because Kia is not going to put in a new transmission, but rather they will put in a re-build, Ok say I.

Another week pass and still no work done. Frank is away because his mommy has cataracts, and I don't have a car or an answer to what is going on. The service department freezes when this guy's not there. Finally Frank calls me and say Kia needs to investigate how the tranny went. 2 week and now they want to investigate. Ok says I, investigate. Frank texts me that there is a 210.00 tear down cost, if it's a clutch issue I pay the 2100.00, if it in fact a tranny issue, they refund the money and do the warranty work. Again, I say do the tear down and charge me the 210.00.

Day later Frank texts me again and want to talk to my mechanic and how he came up with the solution that it was the tranny and not a clutch. I text him my mechanic's number. Hours later I get a call from the Kia tech (Dino) telling me that it's a clutch problem. I asked him if he tore down the tranny and he said he didn't have to. I explain the text message that Frank sent me, and he would not listen. Needless to say now I'm pissed and he says I need to stay calm. I try to get him to tear down the tranny and I'll pay the 210.00 but he say take the car to another dealer. Just like that. The tech tells me to get out.

The service manager, is in the bathroom changing his tampon, 'cause he's too much of a mouse to come to the phone and explain this to me like a professional. Well what choice do I have, I call CAA to pick up the car and take it to my mechanic. I don't understand, I agreed to 210.00 investigating fee but they don't want to do it, so now I have to fix a problem that's under warranty. Stay away from this company!

Currently the vehicle is at the dealer with "technicians" itching their heads looking for an cause and repair. I think the repair is to fix the electronic steering so it is bullet proof. I have a 2010 Optima. It was this vehicle that made the daughter purchase KIA. It is a shame that in this day and age steering control simply shuts down and the driver left to wrestle the vehicle to the side of the road.

The entire cost as of now (if they don't find an issue with the tranny being damaged too!) is all of $70! And they won't pick it up like they're supposed to be. We are livid so can anyone tell me if they has a similar problem with the plug BC this was not done by anyone - this is a defect and they should be held responsible not to mention that they weren't even listening to my points yet they were texting me pictures telling me the threads are still perfect so it HAS TO BE A SABOTAGE! SOMEONE PLEASE HELP US OUT!

I traded it in for a new 2012 White Kia Optima SX (less than 10 when bought). I owned it for a year and a half before things started to go wrong... My seats seized in place, the cloth (although VERY well taken care of) looked like it was in a car 20 years old..and then....THE PAINT. I had taken it to a car wash where they hand washed my car. While in the waiting room one of the gentleman had mentioned all the rust spots all over my paint...my...WHAT? Rust spots?...The car is a year and a half old... ALL OVER MY WHAT..MY PAINT?! They even mentioned it almost seemed to be embedded in the paint!

Went to the dealership..informed them of my issues. Although the paint was still under warranty they told me I would have to "get it sanded to bare and get it repainted.".."Me?" I questioned..I was shocked they wouldn't use the warranty. They never took responsibility for the seat seizing (about 15k at trade in).

In March of 2013 They convinced me to upgrade to a "Fully loaded" NEW 2013 Kia Optima (less than 5 miles at beginning of lease)...but it was a lease. Feeling confident "If I have more issues..I'm only in it for 3 years." Drove it for a year and a month... Over time I began having rips in my "Premium Leather" seats..right in the middle of the 2 front seats. Keep in mind I don't wear chains, zippers, anything abrasive. My steering wheel also started peeling apart. I wore no rings and got it replaced only for them to tell me "We will not replace this again if it happens a second time". I was now nervous to have a torn steering wheel again. Multiple times my sunroof got stuck open, or got stuck closed. Multiple times my head unit turned on and off stayed on or stayed off. Noticed after a few months my gas mileage was ridiculously crappy for what they told me it would be about 15 mpg city and less than 20 highway (I even had it checked and told me there were no issues!).

Frustrated, went to my Dealer and told them all these issues. They Mentioned since I was now in a lease could work out a Key for Key deal and had me pick out a vehicle on the lot. Which I fell in love with and gave them "the benefit of the doubt"..I was naive and should have halted my butt right there (less than 13k miles at turn in).

Drove my BRAND NEW (0 miles) 2014 KIA FORTE KOUP Turbo off the lot! I felt all my bad luck was behind me. UNTIL THE NEXT DAY. My passenger side seat was stuck in the "open" position and would not lock backward. I brought it to the dealer and the man jammed it in place so hard I thought he broke it more. I then brought it home, a few months went by and I noticed the lumbar button did not work. Asked for them to check it at the oil change but they did not "get an extra moment to check it" -_- Really thanks!

Now after 7 months noticed a SEVERE tear in the passenger side seat belt (at 6500 miles!). Around the same time had gotten pulled over by an officer telling me I did not have my tail lights on. When indeed I did I told him I would drive the car home. Next day they were back on. Then noticed they were off again. Then saw they were on.

Finally After the holidays made a service appointment. A week before bringing it in for service had the front seat belt buckle give me a difficult time locking in. Finally getting locked in drove down my street and it opened while the vehicle was in motion. I locked it in and a few minutes later did the same thing, called them to have it checked as well and stopped driving my vehicle.

While moving my car in my driveway 4 days before service I noticed my drivers side seat belt was clearly beginning to tear as well in the same manner. Called and told them I wanted to get it checked ASAP and had it in the same day. After about 40 minutes sitting in service had asked them if they fixed the issues. They replied "No we have to get approval to get all this stuff fixed". I told them I do not feel safe driving a vehicle with no tail lights and messed up seatbelts. They told me they had no "loaners" and to ask the sales dept to borrow a car. With a stern answer "NO" I was given no choice but to drive the car home, with spazzy tail lights and messed up seat belts.

Now in General I am now nervous of this vehicle as a whole. What other Safety equipment may fail? I will soon be an aunt and am planning on being able to be with my niece once my sister returns to work. I don't feel safe putting my niece in a vehicle which 2 seatbelts have already failed. Nobody feels safe with me driving this vehicle any longer, even if my belts get fixed in fear there is other faulty equipment which is meant to save my life. I voiced my concerns with the Consumer Dept who replied to me "We are not mind readers. We can't tell what other safety equipment may fail during an accident." Really? -_- I must be in the twilight zone because it just sounds like kia wants me to get hurt. I'm surely never getting another kia!

The next time I got in my car after my long drive, my radio would not power on. We immediately checked all fuses, no problems. Took it to the dealership. The man did not even look at my car, pop the hood or anything and said I needed a new radio for $250. I have 70,000 miles now, and the radio warranty expired at 36000. I passed. I took it to an electronic specialist who had a hard time fixing the problem before I could leave back for Texas. I had to drive 14 hours with a boombox in my passenger seat. They said that my radio was stuck on 'standby' mode and needs to be reset. Not sure what to do.

Today they called and said no, there was picture that the dealership sent to them showing sludge and they wouldn't fix it but have a nice year. Also before I was having problems with the car I tried to trade it at Kia in Union City and they informed me that carfax came back that I had 2 wrecks, I have only had one unless before I bought it someone else had a wreck in it.

Move to Aug. of this year, problems starts again. I have over 30 videos of the different time that I was able to record the problem (were many more but not safe to work a video and drive). The dealership had the car for 2 days---I had to call them for an update 2 days after drop-off even though they promised me a call the very next day. They now claim that there is still nothing wrong with the car and that they can make it fog over if they put the blowers on feet but the windows clear up ASAP when moved to defrost. I told them that was not the issue. They do not feel it necessary to watch all the video of how/when we are experiencing the problem. Two other mechanics have looked at the videos and stated this is not right and there is a problem (not at KIA).

I asked if it was or could be the switch not blocking/moving air where it should as I get air out vents that are closed. Kia stated there is nothing wrong and will not rip the dash off to look. I was told, "You got new pads and carpet, what else do you want?" The car is not safe and needs to be replaced!!! Will not buy from KIA ever again!!! Sad because my first lease was a SOUL and I loved it! I so wish video could be uploaded on here.

The first 4 days they had it, the guy called me every day telling me all test come back fine, nothing wrong so far but when they drive it, its smoky. Then on day 5, he said radiator leaking. Its under warranty. That next Monday a woman called, said my head gasket was blown. It was not under warranty and I need to pay $1760 plus tax. I was shocked. I called Kia main corp, only to be treated like I'm trash and did not take care of my car. My car looked as if I just bought it. They clearly saw I was OCD. At 2500 miles, I had engine flush and again at 4000. I did not need to but I wanted my car to be as healthy as can be. They clearly saw this but still making me pay my total out door $2314.

What did I get, new engine? Wow, this is nuts. 18 days later still no car. I will say this. My tech I'm working with got me a loaner and tires in back. I had just got new in front but being single mom, hubby died in car accident, I couldn't afford 4 tires so he got me 2 for back. I've read many post on here and other and all have bottom line they don't want to honor warranty. I'm creating class action lawsuit with the help of my lawyer friend. If anyone wants to join, I'll send you the paperwork. Reply with email.

I called Kia, was given a case # only be told 2 days later that the district manager would NOT reimburse me for the parts cost since it was considered routine maintenance and that I used aftermarket windshield washer fluid. First of all, the manual does not state that you have to use a certain washer fluid (I used the regular blue fluid you get everywhere). I have had many cars and never had this problem, I've had junky cars that basically nothing worked except the washer nozzles!

They said there was sludge in the oil pan which makes no sense given the fact that we did the oil changes routinely and gave them copies of our logs and receipts from the times we did take it elsewhere to be changed. They cannot tell us why exactly the motor seized and why it did so suddenly. I even have that in writing yet they say they won't honor the warranty. They want $5700 to replace the motor. I feel like we have been totally lied to and taken advantage of and I will take this to every person I can to get it resolved.

For the first 2 weeks it ran great and then the truck started to have stalling issues. First a couple of times in my driveway after starting it and once parked at a restaurant, then at traffic lights - it always started back up again. Then I started to have problems with the air conditioner. It would often blow warm/ hot air and blow high and low on it's own.

At 3 weeks old, I brought it back to the dealer for the first time in Nyack, which is about 40 miles from where I live because the truck was so new my local dealer down the road from my work would not touch it. They gave me a loaner and kept it for 2 days. The mechanic could not simulate the problems and nothing showed on the computer. When I went to pick it up I was in the dealership, quite upset and a sales man asked what was wrong. I started to tell him. They rushed me out so the other potential customers would not hear me. But, this salesman went and got the car, started it, turned the air on high and radio and it stalled. He brought it back to the mechanic and 10 minutes later they both drove it back. I was told not to put the air on high and radio on for a few minutes after I start the car. Take it home, put some good gas in it and get it on the highway to work out the kinks. I had not choice but to take it. I left there crying because I was upset that they let me leave after they did get it to simulate.

One week later, 2 days before I was supposed to take it on vacation, with my 87 year old Mom in the car, the car was running very loud and nothing but extremely hot air blowing from the AC. We were at a pharmacy drive thru and a terrible sound started coming from the passenger side. We drove a few blocks home and I pulled in the drive way. I then smelled a very strong smell of anti freeze. I went out to look and the drive way was full of antifreeze - the truck had 800 miles on it. I had it towed back to KIA of West Nyack; the next day they did give me a little KIA Forte to take on vacation, a 400 mile drive. I bought a SUV for this purpose, but had to take a little box car. They had the truck for 6 days.

After that it felt ok for a few weeks, then a month later the air conditioner started to blow high and low all by itself again and just felt like a very hard drive. The truck never had a good coasting feeling. It always felt like it pulled back. You really had to push in the gas pedal to give it gas. It just had a very hard shifting feeling. Then one day getting on a highway, I tried to merge into traffic and the car just coasted no matter how hard I stepped on the gas. I pulled into a driveway, shut the car then started it again and it happened again. After that time I was able to get home. I called KIA again and spoke to someone. He suggested that maybe I had the shifter in low gear or something - I doubted it, but kept driving it. A week later while trying to merge onto a highway again, the same thing happened. Trying to merge and I couldn't get the car to speed, I kept pumping the pedal and coasted on the side until I could get in and went right home. The car went back to KIA. They kept it for 2 days. The mechanic took it home with him. He could not simulate the problem and I was told the car runs excellent, it is doing what it is supposed to do.

After all of the above the truck ran good for almost a year. Just before I was to go on vacation last month I brought the truck for an oil change and regular service this time to the KIA by my work. I was having a problem with a strong acidic smell coming from the vent, like vinegar. I was told it needed a new cabin filter and flush and they did that.

Last month on vacation, 400 miles from home, I was driving up a hill and the truck was really loud and drove extremely sluggish. I was pushing the pedal all the way down. It felt like it wasn't getting gas. I made a left and then stopped at a stop sign to make another left and the car stalled. It started back up again and I continued to drive. I drove a couple of miles, stopped at another light and it stalled again. Being so far from home and being in the White Mountains of NH, I started to panic. I called KIA from there and explained what was happening, I brought the truck back in once I got back home. But, the rest of my vacation was ruined because I barely drove the car, just stayed in town. I was a nervous wreck driving it home, but I made it home safely.

They kept the truck over night. They could not simulate the problem and the computer did not show anything. The truck runs impeccable. It is doing everything that it is supposed to do. Also, the strong acidic smell came back, but they did not do anything with it this time.

Three weeks later I leave work and run some errands, come home and unpack my truck. Two hours later I go in the truck to take my Mom somewhere and the truck is completely dead. I am at a total loss of what could be happening. I had the truck towed back to the dealer. They called me and said the battery was dead and they jump started it. He asked if I had left a phone plugged in, a light on or maybe the glove compartment wasn't shut correctly. Now, being that this is a KIA svc. station, they know very well that when you push the button to shut the truck, after about 30 second the entire truck shuts down, nothing stays on. And even if something like the glove compartment was left open would that drain an entire battery in 2 hours? The truck is currently at the dealer now. They want to release it today and I am petrified to pick it up. I'd prefer to keep the loaner and have someone there keep this as their own until it acts up again.

KIA corporate is aware of all of the above. I am constantly told by KIA Corporate and KIA svc. that if something happens just call KIA Roadside. It's so easy for them to say that, it took 2 hrs. for them to come to my house. I keep telling them that I take care of an 88 year old mother with health problems, what will I do if she is in the truck. We do not pack insulin and a care package every time we have to go somewhere. I also vacation in the White Mountains. There is often no cell svc. What will I do if I break down in a remote area. I understand that things happen, maybe an accident or something when you are on the road, but to constantly worry about breaking down because the truck you paid 30K for to feel confident doesn't work should not happen. And I hate that I am always told that it runs great.

I am sick to my stomach over this and my anxiety is through the roof. I am petrified that something will happen to me in this truck one day. I will be contacting an attorney to find out my options.

They were kind enough to offer her more than $6,000 less than what she paid for them to buy it back or just keep driving it. I know that cars depreciate after being driven off the lot but I think it was inappropriate for a salesman to say to a 21 year old customer that unfortunately when you put that much down on a vehicle, you can't get that back. Kia still has the car, now since July 5, 2013 (23 days), of course no courtesy car, and our lemon law attorney continues to work with us - but nothing yet resolved. Any suggestions or comments, please post!

Once they found out that it had been serviced, they called me back and let me know that the engine was gone! It's unbelievable, a brand new car, engine shot and even though I had purchased a bumper to bumper warranty, this did not cover any replacement vehicle, any rental, etc., so we have been without a car going on 4 weeks now and after much complaining, Kia finally agreed to 5 days of a rental car. I then spoke to the general manager who informed me that they did everything they needed to do. I will have to keep paying for a car that I do not want. They don't have to provide any kind of replacement car and now they are saying that because I got my oil changed at Walmart that this could have possibly damaged the car! Very unfortunately, I have to keep dealing with them and keep a car that I do not want! I still have not received the car back. They are having to put a new engine in the car. I never expected this from a brand new car!

The next day, the corporate came out and said, "Yes, the clutch's gone, burnt up and no warranty. Kia will not cover this. You can pay for it." As a consumer of a car that is not even 30 days old nor has he made his 1st car payment, we filed a formal complaint, picked up the car yesterday, wrote a check for a 30-day old car for $2,300.00 and we'll have to pay $200 for 5-day rental car. As of today, the car drives completely different than when purchased. The clutch is totally different, meaning something was wrong with the clutch to begin with. I happen to own a 2011 Kia Forte and my mom owns a 2010 Kia Optima. I will never ever buy or recommend a Kia.

I just spoke to Joseph ** (800-225-3193 ext **) at Kia Consumer Affairs department. He could care less about what happened. He tried to preach me about clutches and that yes, you can absolutely burn one up in 2 weeks. He also said they pride themselves on customer service. I asked for his boss and he said he has a boss named Maria **, but I cannot contact her directly. She will call me back. I said wow! He said, in so many words, that I should read the warranty. I told him it might be nice that when purchasing a Kia 6 speed, you tell the consumer that clutches are not covered under warranty because I would not have bought the car. We bought the car for a fantastic warranty, I guess not!

Kia is horrible. I told him that I wrote to the CEO and the VP of sales and VP of corporate service. He said he would reply. I said, "I don't want to hear from you." He said, "When was the last time a CEO called you back?" I said thank you for nothing, I am telling everyone not to buy a KIA. I am so angry. I really thought this would be handled differently. I am seeking an attorney for sure on this one. I will not give up until I am reimbursed and as soon as I can get rid of this car, we are going to!

The technician said receipts would be needed to prove I had regular oil changes due to them thinking it is either a valve or a ring in the engine that is bad. My thought is, the manual states that 7,500 miles is the correct interval to change your engine oil and being that my car has only 25,000, that is only a total of 3 oil changes that should have been performed by this time and my car has had that many at the designated times. The technician said that if they drop the pan and an unordinary amount of sludge is present, then it will be my responsibility to pay for the repair. I cannot control how much sludge is in the pan; howeve, I do feel the company is trying to get out of fixing this car. At 25,000 miles, a damaged valve, or ring should not be present in this vehicle and I am wondering if anyone else has any similar experiences.

"I have bought numerous new cars but never have been treated with the lies and disregard I've dealt with since I've been dealing with Kia service and consumer assistance. I have a minor problem, which luckily it is minor since I've seen how some people have been treated with more severe issues by reading Consumercomplaints/Kia. If I would have seen that, I probably would have reconsidered before I bought my Forte Koup. Anyhow, I've been trying to get a resolution to my problem to no avail, and my problem is nothing more than a brake light lens that has become detached from the factory installed spoiler. I first noticed the problem one month ago (5/3/2010) on my way to work when looking through my rear view mirror. I could see the lens hanging at an angle not flush with the spoiler. When I arrived at work, I inspected it further to see that it had broken free on one side.

"I then called Rock River Kia and the person who answered told me it wasn't something that was under warranty since it didn't leave the lot that way. If this was the case, what good is Kia's warranty since defects of workmanship usually don't arise until after delivery? Since I work next to an automotive repair shop, I asked the proprietor what he could do to fix the lens. He balked at first and told me to continue complaining until the dealer rectified my issue. I told him I just wanted it to look natural and he appeased me by telling me he could use automotive adhesive to keep the lens in place. This solution worked for a couple weeks until a wave of hot weather hit which was enough for the lens to detach again as if either the lens itself warped or the spoiler created the warp.

"Anyhow, I called Rock River Kia again, this time talking to Brian in service (5/24/10) which he tells me to bring it down for a look. When I get there, he told me it can't be warranted since I tried to fix it! I told him the only reason I tried fixing it was I got resistance from the initial call earlier in the month and a cheap simple fix wasn't working. He then says he's not sure whether the lens could be purchased separately or if the entire spoiler would have to be replaced and if it is a matter of the lens he could 'sneak it in'. If, however it's a matter of needing an entire spoiler, I'd have to pay. It seems I missed the 'sneak it in' phrase in the warranty. Shame on me for not reading it more thoroughly.

"Anyhow, customer satisfaction didn't seem to be a priority as much as keeping the service department profitable in my estimation. I was irate on how this transpired and Brian told me he'd have to get approval from the district manager. Thinking that customers are a priority in these tough economic times, I would have thought I'd get a phone call within a couple of days; however, that never happened. Brian could have cared less for me or my problem. The next thought I had was to call KIA's Consumer Assistance Center. However reasonable the person I talked to was, he did not address my issue and only one day had passed since I met with Brian. When 5 days passed, I decided to call the Assistance Center again. This time, the girl I talked to was short with me and lied saying she would get with me in three days. By her rude demeanor, I knew this wasn't going to happen. She too could care less about the Kia customer who happens to support her by buying the cars that keep her employed.

"After 8 days and not a call from Kia's service representative Brian, I decided to call Rock River Kia and talked to the service manager, Don ** on 6/1/2012. However nice Don was, he isn't a good liar. He told me Brian was on top of the job and ordered the part I needed. Later in the conversation, he told me they're not sure whether it's a lens I need or an entire spoiler. If Brian ordered the part, wouldn't they know what exactly was ordered? Six days later, I called Brian back and he told me he's waiting on word from the district manager and he will call me when that word arrives. In other words, "don't call us, we'll call you" was the impression he gave me. If I don't get a resolution to this within 24 hours, I will submit my concern to Lisa Madigan, Illinois Attorney General's Office as well as the slew of complaints listed on Consumercomplaints.com regarding the treatment consumers have received from their experience with Kia."

I'm certain this letter was enough to get Kia moving because the next afternoon, my issue was resolved as I heard from both the dealer and Consumer Affairs. Granted mine was only a minor repair, I'm sure they didn't want to deal with a slew of major repairs, and I would have made it clear there are many who are having major problems with their Kia's to the AG's office as this forum points out.

I was very happy, we test drove a Forte and I was pleased. We did some paperwork and when he approached me with the monthly payments, they were $500. I explained it was too high, we agreed on $410.00 a month max. Well one of the other managers told him no, that the lowest he could go would be $478 a month. Saying that, I started to tear up because he said he did all he could. He already discounted as much as he could and could not do or give me anymore. So I replied, are you sure? What about used? He replied, "you can't get used" and he told me to have a good day. That was the end of the conversation. Saying all that I work for a hospital (to him that didn't matter), I have been there for 5 years (that didn't matter), I have a perfect pay history (that didn't matter), I'm trying to restore my credit and not do more damage.

As of July 2011, my son who is 25 was diagnosed with cancer. He spent 15 hours in surgery to clean him out and to have a reliable car for work and doctor visits is important (again, that was no concern to him). I am the only breadwinner in my household; my son depends on me as he needs oxygen and medications. It would have been too much to pay $478 a month. I feel as though I am being punished for buying my first Kia, which the salesperson was very awesome and told me I was not married to it, I would only have to date it for about 2 years. I was very grateful Kia helped me to get my car, but now they won't help.

I feel very humiliated in how he addressed me, talked to me and then finished our conversation. The original salesperson was all for doing everything to help me, but then this other salesperson who said he was the manager could do nothing for me and to have a nice day. I did not approach them, I was just getting my Kia serviced. They came to me. I don't even know if my complaint will be heard or not, but I am humiliated and feel that it was not about me but all about the money. Has anyone else been through this with Kia? I wish I would have known how they were before I made my choice to go with Kia.

He received the okay to replace the windshield, which he did on 8/30/11. The replacement was no different than the original. The Kia customer satisfaction manager, at the district level, would not go any further. He stated that all of the make and model forte 5 doors like mine, had a "degree of distortion", and the windshields came that way from the factory. His conclusion was, they had done all they could do to fix the problem. I talked to the regional office and they said the same. So it is my Kia, my problem. An aftermarket windshield, with no distortions, will cost $350. I think Kia should pay to replace my windshield on my new KIA. It is very distracting, and causes strain to my eyes, to have to continually try to focus as I am driving. I like the car, but the windshield has got to be replaced. I believe it is wrong that I pay for the windshield on my new car! The eye strain can't be good for me and the distraction while I am driving is dangerous. I cannot believe other Kia customers have not complained about this issue.

I filed a complaint over the phone that same night and was called on October 4 by Shamaar and asked to return the call. I have done this three times and left my number, and to this day, have not received a return call. I have updated my complaint on the Kia Motors website and have received no response. I even filed a second complaint that is not showing on the Kia Motors website. I understand that there is a reason for a warranty, but I hope you understand that when you purchase a new car, you expect not to have a major part of the engine replaced within less than 6 months of owning it.

I made arrangements to take my car in for service on October 7, but because I did not get the car there until 11:30, the dealership would not have time to work on it they said and would not approve a rental car for a weekend. I contacted the service advisor by email on 10/10 to make arrangements to take the car in again and did not hear from him again until 10/12 when he said he would like for me to bring the car in on 10/14. I asked if he had received my email and he said he had been extremely busy and his Kia technician was in training and he did not have a chance to read it or have a glimpse over it.

Don't buy a Kia, they are junk cars.

I took the car to another tire dealership still thinking it was the tire, but was told and saw that the Kia wheel was cracked. On September 15, 2011, I went to the Martin Kia Dealership in Bowling Green, KY and asked if my warranty would cover it since I have only had the car for one year and three months with 39,000 miles. I was told by the Kia service department that I had hit something in the road and cracked the wheel.

I don't know a lot about cars, but I do know that I would have hit something pretty hard to crack the wheel. He said it could have been a pot hole. I said I hope not because I have three other wheels that are now at risk. Due to what he said was my fault, they would not cover the wheel. When I asked about a new wheel, it was going to be $385. I can't afford that amount. I asked if I could find a used one, he replied no and was done helping me.

I had to go get a used wheel for $220 and I have been driving on a spare tire for almost a week waiting for it to arrive. I feel like Kia should have covered the wheel and taken care of me due to me having a warranty. I have told people over the past year and three months that I have owned the car, that I loved the car and would recommend it to anyone. My feelings toward Kia have changed. I am now upset that they will not fulfill their obligations to the warranty.

Two months later (after many calls to check on the update), I was told the dealer would not re-paint and that Kia Motors is standing on the fact that it is "road abrasion" due to the treatment Pennsylvania puts on their road. Road abrasion does not reach up to the door panel! I filed a claim with Kia Motors Consumer Affairs. I finally got a district manager to meet me at the dealers to look at the paint damage. She looked at the paint chipping of the door panel side, which by now was rusting, and authorized the re-painting with the agreement that I would pay for mud flaps and the clear coating (which I did).

After I picked up the car (only looking at the driver's side when I picked it up), I left it sit in the garage for three days. On the fourth day, my husband wanted to see the paint job and here they only painted the left side. The mud flaps were all installed but the district manager only authorized re-painting of the left side because that was the only side she looked at.

When I called Kia Motors Consumer Affairs again, they stated that they only re-painted that side because it was the only side I showed her and it was a "good will" gesture and wasn't covered by warranty so therefore the right side will not be re-painted. On July 28, 2011, I received an invoice from the dealer showing the re-painting authorization for only the left side. But instead of a price, it showed "Warranty". I have owned two other Kias and none of the paint has chipped on the bottom panels. Kia and the dealer refuses to admit that the paint is inferior and to correct the situation.

Last Sunday, 19th July 2010, I texted her on the status. No response! No surprise because I have to usually make an effort to visit the showroom to look for the salesperson for an update for my new car. So, I made a trip on Monday, 20th July 2010. As usual, I called her before I popped into the showroom. As usual, she did not pick up the phone. I showed up in the show room, she was in the midst of finding something for a new car release for another customer. She quickly told me to wait for her. I told her that I don't need her since she had been decommitted so many rounds. I meant she has no longer has any credibility to me, not the delivery. So, I demanded to see her immediate superior, Ms A. She told me that her immediate superior was out for lunch and on her way back to the office. Once she arrived, she will talk to me.

I was patiently waiting for her immediate superior to return from lunch. When she returned to the office, she walked straight to her office, without noticing a customer was waiting for her. I, then, informed another salesman at the counter that I was waiting for Ms A. for an answer on my new car delivery. The salesman entered her office and spoke to her. Then, he returned and asked me to enter her office. This is completely ridiculous! Do you need to speak to the chef at a restaurant and get the chef to serve you? It is the same concept. Ms. A., a branch manager, has no idea who is customer and who is supplier. She refused to meet me at the lobby. After not wasting so much time, I had decided to leave the sales office. I was completely mad! I went to text the saleslady, Ms J., again and told her that her superior did not speak to me and demanded her to get her immediate superior to call me. As usual, no response, no phone call!

Just a few hours ago, I took my effort and continued to follow up by calling the saleslady again. You know what happened? I dialed seven calls, the 3rd call was picked up and cut off immediately. I attempted one more round. The call was picked up but answered by a guy. The guy told me that Ms J. left her phone for charging. Man, how could a sales just left her cellphone and went off without it! She is a salesperson. In this IT edge, how could a salesperson without a cell? It will be just like a car without wheels! That is completely crap! Anyway, I left a message to the guy and demanded the guy to pass on the message so that she could call me! As usual, no responses thereafter!

After six weeks of booking, if Kia cannot deliver, please inform the customer honestly! I worked with many Koreans before. They are very serious about delivery. Unfortunately, the Koreans working in Kia Motors are not interested to deliver on time and like to de-commit on deliveries of their cars to their customers. When you have a chance to visit Korea, you will have many chances to see their factory slogan, "World class supplier", "No 1 supplier for so and so"...these are all **! I would love to hear that these two employees be given a disciplinary warning letter to tell lies to their customers and never deliver quality delivery commitment! If I were the sales head, both of them must be taken out from the team to maintain the quality reputation of Kia Motors in Malaysia. They should also provide a public apology to me!

Now, I wish the public could provide me a contact in Korea for this complaint. It's the trust and professional ethics that disappointed me! Both of these ladies dressed well but act like a wolf--tell lies all the time! Felt like in the trap! They took the commission and are unwilling to work professionally! This is completely sad and shameful! So that my voice can be effectively heard and royalty can be awarded to me! I would appreciate any source of contact, the higher the better in their management staff! Thank you!