There are some things in automotive possession that make your abdomen drop. It could possibly be an engine gentle approaching, a sudden breakdown, or worse but, watching your brand-new automotive puff out smoke proper after a routine service. However what if the true subject isn’t slightly below the hood, however in the way in which the dealership responds? That’s what one Kia K4 proprietor is grappling with after a easy oil change became one thing much more regarding. This morning, I encountered Amy’s story by way of the “KIA K4 2025” group on Fb. She had simply gotten an oil change at a Kia dealership, however throughout the hour, her brand-new 2025 Kia K4 was leaking oil, smoking, and making loud metallic clanks. The dealership’s response? A imprecise reassurance that the engine was high quality, and a suspicious request to keep away from finishing the service survey.
This is what she wrote in full: “I want some recommendation please. I bought an oil change at a KIA dealership, drove off, and about an hour later heard a metallic clunk underneath the automotive. Then it began smoking. I pulled over and a bunch of oil was on the bottom. I Instantly known as KIA for a tow. They crammed the oil and inspected the engine and mentioned it was all good. Then the supervisor requested me to not fill out the survey I used to be going to get! Odd, proper? Then I bought the ‘I am actually sorry.’ I requested concerning the engine blowing and metallic fragments they usually informed me that I’ve a ten yr/100,000 mile guarantee so if the engine goes out, will probably be changed and if it was going to occur, it could look forward to 10/100,000 to go unhealthy. This complete state of affairs isn’t sitting properly with me and everybody I ask says I ought to request a brand new engine or a lifetime any KIA dealership guarantee. Oh, and free oil modifications for the lifetime of the automotive. Folks additionally informed me to contact a lawyer as a result of this could trigger severe harm. What do you all assume?”
Purple Flags and Rolling Smoke
What makes this example so disconcerting isn’t simply the mechanical failure itself, although that alone is alarming on a brand new automobile. It is actually how the dealership appeared extra involved with its service survey than transparency. When a dealership asks you to not full a survey after a botched service, that indicators a purple flag.
Some group members wasted no time chopping to the core of the problem. Mandy Cobb didn’t mince phrases, saying, “I’d contact a lawyer.” That single sentence displays a rising sentiment amongst clients who really feel dealerships aren’t at all times sincere or forthcoming once they know they’ve tousled. Authorized illustration isn’t only a risk, however a needed line of protection generally.
Oliver G. Hardley took a extra proactive stance: “Demand a brand new motor on your automotive and report this to Kia company.” His remark underscores one thing many new Kia homeowners are beginning to really feel: in case your dealership gained’t defend you, escalate it to the producer. Doc every thing, file a declare, and go to the highest when you should.
Danny Goncalves added one other layer: “I simply preserve listening to horror story after horror story with Kia. Man, I ought to have caught with Honda.” That comparability displays the rising pressure between Kia’s current good points in worth and efficiency versus lingering doubts about long-term reliability. Many house owners, together with some who initially traded of their Civics or Corollas, are starting to surprise in the event that they gambled on the improper guess.
To that time, it’s value noting how strongly the 2025 Kia K4 has been praised for its efficiency and worth. One reviewer even mentioned it rivaled the Honda Civic at its worth level. However as we’re seeing right here, a stellar check drive doesn’t at all times assure worry-free possession.
A Deeper Drawback?
Steve Spicer added a dose of realism: “Too early for lemon regulation. It takes 3 repairs on the identical subject getting the producer concerned at every step. Insure it properly and drive it like a rental and see what occurs subsequent.” His recommendation is pragmatic but in addition irritating. It implies that the one approach to see in case your brand-new automotive is a dud is to attend and hope it breaks once more. That’s a bitter capsule for anybody who simply made their first or second automotive buy.
There’s additionally the bigger subject of how guarantee security nets are actually getting used as company shields. Kia service facilities could technically repair the problem underneath guarantee if the engine fails, however what if the harm isn’t rapid? What if a scarcity of oil induced untimely inner put on that doesn’t present up till after the powertrain protection ends? In these circumstances, the client may be left holding the bag years later, particularly if the dealership didn’t doc the problem actually within the service information.
That precise nervousness is what many house owners are starting to precise on-line. Whereas the 2025 Kia K4 has been described because the type of automotive automakers as soon as constructed their reputations on, these reputations can crumble shortly when belief is violated. If a primary oil change can result in potential engine failure, and the service workers tries to maintain it quiet, allegedly after all, then it taints every thing that automotive might need represented.
When the Guarantee Isn’t Sufficient
Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile guarantee has at all times been a significant promoting level. It reassures patrons that even when one thing goes improper, they’re coated. However on this case, the guarantee grew to become a part of the deflection. As a substitute of specializing in fixing the rapid downside, the workers allegedly leaned on the guarantee as a security blanket as an alternative.
That doesn’t sit proper for most individuals as most engines don’t smoke and leak oil as a result of they’re wholesome, however that does appear to be the extent of what one would anticipate till the automotive breaks down as soon as extra.
It’s much more upsetting contemplating that many patrons selected the K4 for its refinement and upgraded options. Some homeowners praised the K4 for its clean trip, unbiased rear suspension, and premium really feel for the worth. However once more, none of that issues if the dealership doesn’t take possession significantly when one thing breaks.
This additionally isn’t the primary Kia K4 proprietor to come across an unsettling post-service shock. We lately coated one other case the place a 2025 Kia K4 suffered wiring harm from rodents, leading to hundreds of {dollars} in harm. The dealership mentioned it wasn’t coated underneath guarantee, since most of these damages aren’t sometimes coated. That too felt like one other instance of shifting duty onto the client although.
So I believe tales like this do make one factor clear: irrespective of how good a automotive appears on paper, the true possession expertise is outlined by what occurs with who you belief together with your automobile. Plus, if manufacturers are going to supply a class-leading guarantee like Kia, then you definitely want a community that stands by it actually and never one which dances round accountability, hoping points get swept underneath the rug.
Key Takeaways
- If one thing goes improper proper after a service, doc every thing. Images, tow information, dealership notes, and time of day information might prevent later.
- Don’t let imprecise reassurances substitute for actual solutions. In case your engine clanked and smoked, demand a full write-up of what occurred and why.
- Use your guarantee strategically, however don’t let it develop into a crutch that permits poor service to slip.
- Push for written affirmation that your engine was correctly inspected and isn’t broken, or higher but, get a second opinion.
- Attain out to company when dealership habits raises flags. Stress from above can get outcomes you gained’t see on the service desk.
Time For Your Opinion
Have you ever ever skilled one thing going improper proper after a seller service? Did they take duty or attempt to downplay it?
And what’s your tackle the K4 thus far? Do you assume it has the potential to really compete with long-standing favorites just like the Civic, or are there nonetheless too many issues to miss?
Let me know what you assume within the feedback under.
Aram Krajekian is a younger automotive journalist bringing a recent perspective to his protection of the evolving automotive panorama. Observe Aram on X and LinkedIn for each day information protection about vehicles.
Picture Sources: Kia Gallery
