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 Incorrect

There’s a sure sort of tension that comes while you get a automobile again from restore and surprise if it’s really been mounted, or if one thing new is about to go flawed. That worst case situation 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 substitute, solely to find the air conditioner was now 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 state of affairs in his personal phrases:

“Hiya, 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’ll 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.”

In case you’ve ever waited anxiously to your automobile to be returned after a significant restore, solely to be greeted by a brand-new problem, you’re not alone. For a lot of Kia Sorento house owners, engine substitute isn’t an unusual expertise. That is true significantly 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 significant job, it raises eyebrows. Was it only a coincidence, or did one thing go flawed throughout the course of?

Different Homeowners Converse Up

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

“I had the identical problem. They tried to inform me ‘I’ wanted to pay to recharge the system. It was tremendous earlier than. I refused and known as company, in order that they ended up doing it without cost. They stated they simply let the system cling there whereas they substitute the engine. Effectively from what I researched something may have occurred whereas hanging. It may have leaked or some O rings might not have been changed. Anyway, they charged it.”

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

Simon Younger added one other crucial perspective:

“Eradicating all engine parts is a part of an engine substitute they usually screwed up. They’ve low high quality technicians for a excessive worth. Ensure a leak take a look at is completed.”

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

The Larger Image Behind A/C Failures After Repairs

This story isn’t remoted. Many homeowners have come ahead with varied points post-engine substitute, not simply associated to A/C, but additionally sensors, electrical glitches, and even transmission conduct. It is value 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 issues 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, resembling in instances the place Kia Sorento house owners reported extreme oil consumption, elevating issues that Kia may deny engine replacements if upkeep data 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 house owners, like those that’ve shared how they’ll recover from 1,000 miles on a tank, whereas nonetheless needing to make sure dealership service would not compromise their advanced methods. No matter powertrain, consideration to element throughout service is every part.

Expectations vs Actuality in Put up-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 hooked up. His skepticism may be very rational. Belief is fragile, and as soon as it’s misplaced in a service expertise, it’s troublesome to regain.

I feel this sort of state of affairs speaks volumes about what it is like being a contemporary automobile proprietor. particularly when coping with main dealership repairs. Reporting tales like I do, it constantly surprises me by how typically a automobile will get “mounted,” just for the proprietor to stroll away with a brand new problem. Whether or not it is a Kia or every other model, the widespread 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 in all probability missed. It’s not paranoia as a result of it’s sample recognition. The frustration house owners 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

• Put up-repair inspections matter. At all times completely take a look at all methods, particularly HVAC, when selecting up your automobile from a significant service. Don’t wait till you get dwelling.
• Push for documentation. In case you suspect one thing went flawed throughout the restore, ask the supplier for a written rationalization and what diagnostics had been accomplished.
• Don’t be afraid to escalate. If the dealership refuses to repair one thing you imagine they precipitated, attain out to the producer’s company assist or file a case.
• Speak to the group. Different house owners, like these in Fb teams, typically have invaluable recommendation and experiences that may enable you 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 may matter greater than their five-minute assessments.

Your Time To Share

Have you ever ever had a significant restore accomplished solely to note one thing else cease working? Did the dealership take it critically or brush it off?

Let me know within the feedback under. 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 vehicles.

Picture Sources: Grok