There are some things in automobile possession that make your abdomen drop. It could possibly be an engine gentle approaching, a sudden breakdown, or worse but, watching your brand-new automobile puff out smoke proper after a routine service. However what if the actual challenge 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 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 tremendous, and a suspicious request to keep away from finishing the service survey.
Here is what she wrote in full: “I want some recommendation please. I obtained an oil change at a KIA dealership, drove off, and about an hour later heard a metallic clunk underneath the automobile. 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 stuffed the oil and inspected the engine and stated 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 obtained the ‘I am actually sorry.’ I requested concerning the engine blowing and metallic fragments they usually instructed me that I’ve a ten yr/100,000 mile guarantee so if the engine goes out, it will likely be changed and if it was going to occur, it will await 10/100,000 to go dangerous. This complete state of affairs isn’t sitting nicely 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 automobile. Folks additionally instructed me to contact a lawyer as a result of this will trigger severe harm. What do you all assume?”
Pink 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 might contact a lawyer.” That single sentence displays a rising sentiment amongst prospects who really feel dealerships aren’t at all times trustworthy or forthcoming once they know they’ve tousled. Authorized illustration isn’t only a risk, however a mandatory line of protection typically.
Oliver G. Hardley took a extra proactive stance: “Demand a brand new motor to your automobile and report this to Kia company.” His remark underscores one thing many new Kia house owners are beginning to really feel: in case your dealership received’t defend you, escalate it to the producer. Doc every part, file a declare, and go to the highest if you happen to should.
Danny Goncalves added one other layer: “I simply hold listening to horror story after horror story with Kia. Man, I ought to have caught with Honda.” That comparability displays the rising rigidity 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 marvel in the event that they gambled on the incorrect wager.
To that time, it’s price noting how strongly the 2025 Kia K4 has been praised for its efficiency and worth. One reviewer even stated 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 Downside?
Steve Spicer added a dose of realism: “Too early for lemon legislation. It takes 3 repairs on the identical challenge getting the producer concerned at every step. Insure it nicely and drive it like a rental and see what occurs subsequent.” His recommendation is pragmatic but additionally irritating. It implies that the one method to see in case your brand-new automobile is a dud is to attend and hope it breaks once more. That’s a bitter tablet for anybody who simply made their first or second automobile buy.
There’s additionally the bigger challenge of how guarantee security nets at the moment are getting used as company shields. Kia service facilities might technically repair the problem underneath guarantee if the engine fails, however what if the harm isn’t fast? 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 data.
That actual nervousness is what many house owners are starting to precise on-line. Whereas the 2025 Kia K4 has been described because the type of automobile automakers as soon as constructed their reputations on, these reputations can crumble shortly when belief is violated. If a fundamental oil change can result in potential engine failure, and the service workers tries to maintain it quiet, allegedly in fact, then it taints every part that automobile may 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 incorrect, they’re lined. However on this case, the guarantee grew to become a part of the deflection. As an alternative of specializing in fixing the fast 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 count on till the automobile 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 house owners praised the K4 for its easy journey, impartial rear suspension, and premium really feel for the worth. However once more, none of that issues if the dealership doesn’t take possession severely when one thing breaks.
This additionally isn’t the primary Kia K4 proprietor to come across an unsettling post-service shock. We lately lined one other case the place a 2025 Kia K4 suffered wiring harm from rodents, leading to 1000’s of {dollars} in harm. The dealership stated it wasn’t lined underneath guarantee, since most of these damages aren’t usually lined. That too felt like one other instance of shifting accountability onto the client although.
So I feel tales like this do make one factor clear: irrespective of how good a automobile seems to be on paper, the actual 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 incorrect proper after a service, doc every part. Pictures, tow data, dealership notes, and time of day data 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 grow to be 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 received’t see on the service desk.
Time For Your Opinion
Have you ever ever skilled one thing going incorrect proper after a seller service? Did they take accountability or attempt to downplay it?
And what’s your tackle the K4 up to now? 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 beneath.
Aram Krajekian is a younger automotive journalist bringing a contemporary perspective to his protection of the evolving automotive panorama. Observe Aram on X and LinkedIn for every day information protection about automobiles.
Picture Sources: Kia Gallery
