There are some things in automotive possession that make your abdomen drop. It could possibly be an engine mild 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 problem isn’t just below the hood, however in the best way 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 via 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 advantageous, and a suspicious request to keep away from finishing the service survey.
This is what she wrote in full: “I would like some recommendation please. I received 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 crammed 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 received the ‘I am actually sorry.’ I requested concerning the engine blowing and metallic fragments they usually informed 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 might look ahead to 10/100,000 to go unhealthy. This complete scenario is just not 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 modifications for the lifetime of the automotive. Individuals additionally informed me to contact a lawyer as a result of this could trigger critical injury. What do you all suppose?”
Pink 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 pink flag.
Some group members wasted no time reducing 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 clients who really feel dealerships aren’t at all times sincere or forthcoming after they know they’ve tousled. Authorized illustration isn’t only a risk, however a crucial line of protection typically.
Oliver G. Hardley took a extra proactive stance: “Demand a brand new motor to 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 defend you, escalate it to the producer. Doc all the things, file a declare, and go to the highest in the event 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 positive aspects 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 surprise in the event that they gambled on the fallacious 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 value level. However as we’re seeing right here, a stellar take a look at drive doesn’t at all times assure worry-free possession.
A Deeper Drawback?
Steve Spicer added a dose of realism: “Too early for lemon legislation. It takes 3 repairs on the identical problem 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 in addition irritating. It implies that the one option 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 problem 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 injury isn’t instant? What if a scarcity of oil induced untimely inside put on that doesn’t present up till after the powertrain protection ends? In these instances, the shopper could 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 specific 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 in fact, then it taints all the things that automotive 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 consumers that even when one thing goes fallacious, they’re coated. However on this case, the guarantee turned a part of the deflection. As a substitute of specializing in fixing the instant 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 consumers selected the K4 for its refinement and upgraded options. Some homeowners praised the K4 for its clean experience, impartial rear suspension, and premium really feel for the worth. 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 lately coated one other case the place a 2025 Kia K4 suffered wiring injury from rodents, leading to hundreds of {dollars} in injury. The dealership stated it wasn’t coated underneath guarantee, since most of these damages aren’t sometimes coated. That too felt like one other instance of shifting accountability onto the shopper although.
So I feel tales like this do make one factor clear: irrespective of how good a automotive appears to be like 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 definitely 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 fallacious proper after a service, doc all the things. Photographs, tow data, dealership notes, and time of day data may 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 change into 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 conduct 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 fallacious proper after a supplier service? Did they take accountability or attempt to downplay it?
And what’s your tackle the K4 thus far? Do you suppose 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 suppose within the feedback beneath.
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 each day information protection about vehicles.
Picture Sources: Kia Gallery
