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 situation isn’t slightly 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 was 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 obscure reassurance that the engine was positive, and a suspicious request to keep away from finishing the service survey.
This is what she wrote in full: “I want some recommendation please. I bought an oil change at a KIA dealership, drove off, and about an hour later heard a steel clunk below 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 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 bought the ‘I am actually sorry.’ I requested in regards to the engine blowing and steel 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 could anticipate 10/100,000 to go dangerous. This complete scenario shouldn’t be sitting properly 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 automobile. Folks additionally informed me to contact a lawyer as a result of this could trigger critical harm. What do you all assume?”
Purple 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 car. 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 alerts a pink flag.
Some group members wasted no time reducing to the core of the difficulty. Mandy Cobb didn’t mince phrases, saying, “I’d contact a lawyer.” That single sentence displays a rising sentiment amongst clients who really feel dealerships aren’t all the time trustworthy or forthcoming after they know they’ve tousled. Authorized illustration isn’t only a risk, however a obligatory line of protection typically.
Oliver G. Hardley took a extra proactive stance: “Demand a brand new motor on your automobile and report this to Kia company.” His remark underscores one thing many new Kia homeowners are beginning to really feel: in case your dealership gained’t defend you, escalate it to the producer. Doc every part, file a declare, and go to the highest for those who 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 current features 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 mistaken 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 check drive doesn’t all the time assure worry-free possession.
A Deeper Downside?
Steve Spicer added a dose of realism: “Too early for lemon regulation. It takes 3 repairs on the identical situation getting the producer concerned at every step. Insure it properly and drive it like a rental and see what occurs subsequent.” His recommendation is pragmatic but in addition irritating. It implies that the one approach 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 situation of how guarantee security nets are actually getting used as company shields. Kia service facilities could technically repair the difficulty below guarantee if the engine fails, however what if the harm isn’t speedy? 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 instances, the shopper is perhaps left holding the bag years later, particularly if the dealership didn’t doc the difficulty 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 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 all the time been a significant promoting level. It reassures patrons that even when one thing goes mistaken, they’re coated. However on this case, the guarantee grew to become a part of the deflection. As an alternative of specializing in fixing the speedy downside, the workers 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 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 homeowners praised the K4 for its clean experience, unbiased 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 harm from rodents, leading to 1000’s of {dollars} in harm. The dealership stated it wasn’t coated below guarantee, since most of these damages aren’t sometimes coated. That too felt like one other instance of shifting duty onto the shopper although.
So I believe tales like this do make one factor clear: irrespective of how good a automobile appears on paper, the actual possession expertise is outlined by what occurs with who you belief along with your car. Plus, if manufacturers are going to supply a class-leading guarantee like Kia, you then want a community that stands by it truthfully and never one which dances round accountability, hoping points get swept below the rug.
Key Takeaways
- If one thing goes mistaken proper after a service, doc every part. Images, tow data, dealership notes, and time of day data may prevent later.
- Don’t let obscure 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 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 habits raises flags. Strain from above can get outcomes you gained’t see on the service desk.
Time For Your Opinion
Have you ever ever skilled one thing going mistaken proper after a supplier service? Did they take duty or attempt to downplay it?
And what’s your tackle the K4 thus far? Do you assume it has the potential to really compete with long-standing favorites just like the Civic, or are there nonetheless too many considerations 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 day by day information protection about vehicles.
Picture Sources: Kia Gallery
