- Report: #1174137
Complaint Review: Kia Motors America - Nationwide
Reported By:
DeadSportage -
Ripped Off By Kia, Other,
Submitted:
Updated:
-
Author Not Confirmed
Why?
Kia Motors America
Nationwide, USA
Phone:
1 (800) 333-4542
Web:
www.kia.com
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Business Rating:
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Kia Motors America Engine failure lemon detonation misrepresented towing capacity Irvine California
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I leased a 2012 Kia Sportage in January of 2012. At it's first oil change, I complained to my dealer, that I heard a rattling sound from the engine. I let them know I suspected either detonation noise, or turbo rattle. The dealer did not keep the car long, and said the sound was normal. They also mentioned that Kia would not pay to diagnose it, because it was running.
About 2,000 miles later, while pulling an empty 1,700lb trailer, I lost a lot of engine power. I took the car to a different dealer, who would possibly do a better job diagnosing the car. That dealer found that all 4 spark plugs were melted/blown apart. Their solution was to replace the spark plugs, and not do any diagnostics. They also said because the spark plug replacement fixed the issue, Kia would not pay for any further diagnostics.
about 1,500 miles later, 6 months into the lease, I hooked my 1,155lb, tiny 8' pop up camper to it, to go camping. The Sportage made it about 5 miles, and lost all power. I was forced to pull over on the side of the freeway, and have the vehicle towed back to the dealer.
This time, I waited several hours, while the dealer diagnosed it. The engine was blown. Again, it destroyed the spark plugs. But this time, it melted a hole through one of the exhaust valves on cylinder 3. Kia denied warranty, claiming that I towed more than the vehicle was rated to. All of the documentation on the vehicle stated that the vehicle was rated to tow 2,000lbs. Kia didn't care.
We attempted to arbitrate with Kia, but their only solution was for me to admit fault, and no longer tow with the car. I purchased it for the sole purpose of towing my camper, so that was not a solution. Kia delayed our lawsuit for over a year and a half. I ended up having to put an engine in the Sportage myself, because of a loophole Kia put in their warranty. They are able to decide what is and isn't abuse. So, even though they say the Sportage can tow 2,000lbs, it's not warrantied to tow at all. Kia ripped me off, and I had to put an engine in it myself, after it sat for 2 years.
Kia should be ashamed of themselves for their behavior.
