There are some things in automotive possession that make your abdomen drop. It might 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 actual concern isn’t just 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 way 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 inside 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.
Here is what she wrote in full: “I want some recommendation please. I acquired 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 referred to as KIA for a tow. They stuffed 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 acquired the ‘I am actually sorry.’ I requested concerning the engine blowing and metallic fragments and so they advised 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 will look forward to 10/100,000 to go unhealthy. This whole state of affairs isn’t sitting effectively 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 adjustments for the lifetime of the automotive. Folks additionally advised me to contact a lawyer as a result of this will trigger severe harm. What do you all assume?”
Crimson Flags and Rolling Smoke
What makes this case 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 crimson flag.
Some group members wasted no time slicing 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 all the time sincere or forthcoming once they know they’ve tousled. Authorized illustration isn’t only a risk, however a obligatory line of protection generally.
Oliver G. Hardley took a extra proactive stance: “Demand a brand new motor in 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 received’t shield you, escalate it to the producer. Doc every little thing, file a declare, and go to the highest in case you 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 stress between Kia’s latest good points in worth and efficiency versus lingering doubts about long-term reliability. Many homeowners, together with some who initially traded of their Civics or Corollas, are starting to surprise in the event that they gambled on the unsuitable wager.
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 value level. However as we’re seeing right here, a stellar check drive doesn’t all the time 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 concern getting the producer concerned at every step. Insure it effectively and drive it like a rental and see what occurs subsequent.” His recommendation is pragmatic but additionally 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 concern 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 quick? What if an absence of oil brought about untimely inside put on that doesn’t present up till after the powertrain protection ends? In these circumstances, the shopper is likely to be left holding the bag years later, particularly if the dealership didn’t doc the problem truthfully 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 automotive automakers as soon as constructed their reputations on, these reputations can crumble rapidly when belief is violated. If a fundamental oil change can result in potential engine failure, and the service employees tries to maintain it quiet, allegedly after all, then it taints every little thing that automotive might need represented.
When the Guarantee Isn’t Sufficient
Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile guarantee has all the time been a significant promoting level. It reassures patrons that even when one thing goes unsuitable, 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 quick drawback, the employees allegedly leaned on the guarantee as a security blanket as a substitute.
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 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 journey, impartial rear suspension, and premium really feel for the value. 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 just 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 usually coated. That too felt like one other instance of shifting duty onto the shopper although.
So I feel tales like this do make one factor clear: regardless of how good a automotive seems on paper, the actual possession expertise is outlined by what occurs with who you belief along with your automobile. Plus, if manufacturers are going to supply a class-leading guarantee like Kia, then you definately want a community that stands by it truthfully and never one which dances round accountability, hoping points get swept underneath the rug.
Key Takeaways
- If one thing goes unsuitable proper after a service, doc every little thing. Photographs, 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 turn out to be a crutch that enables 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. Strain 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 unsuitable proper after a supplier service? Did they take duty or attempt to downplay it?
And what’s your tackle the K4 to date? Do you assume it has the potential to actually 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 contemporary perspective to his protection of the evolving automotive panorama. Observe Aram on X and LinkedIn for each day information protection about automobiles.
Picture Sources: Kia Gallery
