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

There’s a sure sort of hysteria that comes while you get a automobile again from restore and marvel if it’s truly been mounted, or if one thing new is about to go flawed. That worst case situation grew to become 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 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:

“Hi there, so I simply had my engine changed at Kia. I’ve a 2016 Sorento. I went to select 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 obtained 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 in 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 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 significant job, it raises eyebrows. Was it only a coincidence, or did one thing go flawed through 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 problem. They tried to inform me ‘I’ wanted to pay to recharge the system. It was nice earlier than. I refused and referred to as company, so that they ended up doing it free of charge. They mentioned they only let the system hold there whereas they change the engine. Effectively from what I researched something might have occurred whereas hanging. It might 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 which will have stemmed immediately from their very own service practices. If refrigerant strains or elements have been left hanging or not correctly sealed throughout engine removing and reinstallation, it is fully 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 important perspective:

“Eradicating all engine elements is a part of an engine substitute they usually screwed up. They’ve low high quality technicians for a excessive value. Ensure that a leak check 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 check 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 in addition sensors, electrical glitches, and even transmission habits. It is value noting that main engine jobs require important 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, akin to in circumstances the place Kia Sorento house owners reported extreme oil consumption, elevating considerations that Kia might deny engine replacements if upkeep data weren’t excellent.

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 does not compromise their advanced programs. No matter powertrain, consideration to element throughout service is every part.

Expectations vs Actuality in Publish-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 believe this type 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 repeatedly 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 some other model, the widespread sample is usually the identical these days. It contains lengthy wait occasions, incomplete communication, and questionable high quality checks. And let’s be sincere, when the A/C does 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 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

• Publish-repair inspections matter. All the time completely check all programs, particularly HVAC, when choosing up your automobile from a significant service. Don’t wait till you get residence.
• Push for documentation. In case you suspect one thing went flawed through the restore, ask the seller for a written clarification and what diagnostics have been carried out.
• 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.
• Discuss to the group. Different house owners, like these in Fb teams, typically have invaluable recommendation and experiences that may allow you to navigate unsure restore outcomes.
• Belief your instincts. If one thing feels off, even when the dealership says it’s “nice,” don’t ignore it. Your real-world observations might matter greater than their five-minute exams.

Your Time To Share

Have you ever ever had a significant restore carried out 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 contemporary perspective to his protection of the evolving automotive panorama. Comply with Aram on X and LinkedIn for day by day information protection about automobiles.

Picture Sources: Grok