My 2016 Kia Sorento Was In The Store for Weeks Getting a New Engine, However Now the A/C Failed and the Seller Is Telling Me Nothing Is Mistaken

There’s a sure kind of tension that comes once you get a automotive again from restore and marvel if it’s really been fastened, or if one thing new is about to go incorrect. That worst case state of affairs turned true for an proprietor that I got here throughout within the “Hyundai Homeowners Issues and Service Points” Fb group by Anthony Sparno Jr. He had simply picked up his 2016 Kia Sorento after ready weeks for an engine alternative, solely to find the air conditioner was not working. Whereas the dealership now insists the A/C is “freezing,” Anthony says it was nonetheless blowing heat air the evening earlier than, leaving him uncertain who to belief or what to anticipate. Right here’s how Anthony described the scenario in his personal phrases:

“Whats up, so I simply had my engine changed at Kia. I’ve a 2016 Sorento. I went to choose it up after 4 weeks and the air conditioner wasn’t working. Has anybody skilled this? Ought to I be involved? I will choose it up tonight since now they’re saying that they let it run a couple of minutes and it is “freezing”. I bought in it final evening, let it run for 5 minutes, and solely heat air was blowing out, in order that’s why I am skeptical.”

For those who’ve ever waited anxiously in your automobile to be returned after a serious restore, solely to be greeted by a brand-new situation, you’re not alone. For a lot of Kia Sorento homeowners, engine alternative isn’t an unusual expertise. That is true notably for fashions just like the 2016 which have seen their share of engine complaints. However when one thing just like the A/C goes out proper after a serious job, it raises eyebrows. Was it only a coincidence, or did one thing go incorrect throughout the course of?

Different Homeowners Communicate Up

Anthony isn’t the one one elevating an eyebrow. Cj Hughes shared a virtually an identical expertise. He commented:

“I had the identical situation. They tried to inform me ‘I’ wanted to pay to recharge the system. It was tremendous earlier than. I refused and known as company, so that they ended up doing it free of charge. They stated they only let the system cling there whereas they substitute the engine. Effectively from what I researched something might have occurred whereas hanging. It might have leaked or some O rings could not have been changed. Anyway, they charged it.”

Cj’s story echoes a typical theme of dealerships distancing themselves from points which will have stemmed straight from their very own service practices. If refrigerant traces or parts have been left hanging or not correctly sealed throughout engine elimination and reinstallation, it is completely believable {that a} leak or disconnection might’ve developed. And when refrigerant escapes the system, the A/C gained’t cool correctly or in any respect.

Simon Younger added one other essential perspective:

“Eradicating all engine parts is a part of an engine alternative they usually screwed up. They’ve low high quality technicians for a excessive worth. Make sure that a leak check is finished.”

Simon’s remark highlights a broader concern about technician expertise and thoroughness, which is one thing many homeowners worry when entrusting their automobiles to dealership service departments. His suggestion to demand a correct leak check isn’t simply affordable, it’s important. With out it, homeowners danger getting caught in a loop of imprecise explanations and inadequate fixes.

The Greater Image Behind A/C Failures After Repairs

This story isn’t remoted. Many house owners have come ahead with varied points post-engine alternative, not simply associated to A/C, but additionally sensors, electrical glitches, and even transmission conduct. It is price noting that main engine jobs require vital disassembly, and if any part is even barely out of alignment or not torqued to spec, issues can floor shortly.

This ties in with bigger considerations about post-repair reliability and belief in service departments, particularly after pricey and warranty-covered repairs. And it’s one thing we’ve seen earlier than, comparable to in instances the place Kia Sorento homeowners reported extreme oil consumption, elevating considerations that Kia might deny engine replacements if upkeep information weren’t good.

For these driving newer fashions, these issues could seem distant, however they’re nonetheless very actual. Even with the 2024 Kia Sorento SX Status getting excessive marks for tech and luxury, long-term reliability relies upon closely on how repairs and upkeep are dealt with.

There’s additionally a lesson to be taken from Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid homeowners, like those that’ve shared how they will recover from 1,000 miles on a tank, whereas nonetheless needing to make sure dealership service would not compromise their complicated programs. No matter powertrain, consideration to element throughout service is all the pieces.

Expectations vs Actuality in Submit-Restore Service

In Anthony’s case, there’s one easy expectation: get the automobile again in the identical, or higher, situation that it was in, and never with new issues connected. His skepticism may be very rational. Belief is fragile, and as soon as it’s misplaced in a service expertise, it’s tough to regain.

I feel this sort of scenario speaks volumes about what it is like being a contemporary automotive proprietor. particularly when coping with main dealership repairs. Reporting tales like I do, it repeatedly surprises me by how usually a automotive will get “fastened,” just for the proprietor to stroll away with a brand new situation. Whether or not it is a Kia or every other model, the frequent sample is usually the identical these days. It contains lengthy wait instances, incomplete communication, and questionable high quality checks. And let’s be sincere, when the A/C would not work after an engine job, one thing was most likely missed. It’s not paranoia as a result of it’s sample recognition. The frustration homeowners really feel is not nearly the issue itself because it’s about not feeling heard after they attempt to level it out.

Key Takeaways and Classes

• Submit-repair inspections matter. All the time completely check all programs, particularly HVAC, when selecting up your automotive from a serious service. Don’t wait till you get dwelling.
• Push for documentation. For those who suspect one thing went incorrect throughout the restore, ask the supplier for a written clarification and what diagnostics have been executed.
• Don’t be afraid to escalate. If the dealership refuses to repair one thing you imagine they brought about, attain out to the producer’s company assist or file a case.
• Discuss to the neighborhood. Different homeowners, like these in Fb teams, usually have invaluable recommendation and experiences that may show you how to navigate unsure restore outcomes.
• Belief your instincts. If one thing feels off, even when the dealership says it’s “tremendous,” don’t ignore it. Your real-world observations might matter greater than their five-minute checks.

Your Time To Share

Have you ever ever had a serious restore executed solely to note one thing else cease working? Did the dealership take it significantly or brush it off?

Let me know within the feedback beneath. I’d love to listen to your story.

Aram Krajekian is a younger automotive journalist bringing a recent perspective to his protection of the evolving automotive panorama. Comply with Aram on X and LinkedIn for every day information protection about automobiles.

Picture Sources: Grok