Drivers have been lining up at Kia dealerships to have a major component swapped out.
DALLAS — It helps to know a really good mechanic.
A relative of mine recently needed to have her vehicle seriously repaired and went to one such mechanic, who said he wasn’t going to perform the several thousand-dollar fix that it needed because she could get it done for free.
And you might be able to, as well, and not know it.
This specifically involves certain Kia vehicles. You’ve probably heard about a recent Kia recall because of potential engine compartment fires — this is not that.
This voluntary campaign initially involved far more vehicles. Originally, in 2018, Kia started the product improvement campaign (PI 1803) for 624,460 Sorento, Sportage, and Optima models for certain years that needed a software update to protect their engines.
Kia says consumers should look out for vibrations in these models, “(which can lead to engine knocking noises) can indicate the onset of excessive connecting rod bearing wear in the engine. The purpose of the campaign is for sensors to detect progressive conrod bearing wear before vibrations become noticeable to the driver."
The automaker adds that, “Kia also voluntarily provided lifetime warranty coverage to both new and used vehicle owners for engine long block assembly repairs needed due to excessive connecting rod bearing damage if they had the Product Improvement Campaign completed.”
So, this latest fix after the original fix addresses vehicles that had the prior service done, but my now need engine long block assembly repairs.
You may have known you needed the second fix if you or your mechanic detected a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 (Knock Signal Range/Performance).
If you have to take your vehicle back in for the second fix, you may be in for a wait.
Kia couldn’t provide wait times or estimates of how many vehicles are waiting to be assessed or repaired in this program, but acknowledged, “Challenges with employee staffing levels and parts supply is not unique to Kia or automotive dealerships in general as widely reported in the U.S. media.”
Anecdotally, many people have apparently been in search of the second fix.
Earlier this year, the person I know contacted a Dallas-area Kia dealer to see if they could assess her vehicle and repair it. She was advised that she would need to drop the vehicle off, possibly for several weeks before they could look at it because there were about 40 others in for the same thing in front of hers.
She was also told it is a similar situation at other Kia dealerships nearby.
She waited several weeks for Kia to determine whether her vehicle qualified to have a re-manufactured engine put in free of charge (Kia says the replacement engines are primarily re-manufactured).
Kia determined her vehicle was eligible, but there was a further wait for several more weeks as they ordered the engine and swapped it out.
During this stage, though, Kia does offer rental car reimbursem*nt. You may have to be crafty with the rental. Kia will cover up to $40 dollars per day, which may have been adequate in more normal times.
But rental car rates have skyrocketed in the pandemic.
If you had a mechanic who didn’t tell you that you might be eligible for a free replacement or repair and you already paid out of your own pocket to fix a vehicle that was having this issue, you may be due a reimbursem*nt from Kia.
“Consumers who have submitted valid claims for engine repair prior to August 9, 2021 have been reimbursed for their repair expenses," the company said. "For repairs after that date, Kia will review them on a case by case basis to determine whether reimbursem*nt will be made based upon their unique circ*mstances.”
FAQs
Replacing your Kia engine will cost you around $2900- to $3100, But I'll suggest you to contact your local junk parts and scrap dealer, as they may have an good engine for the same vehicle and It'll cost you less and save your pocket. You'll have to search for it, it'll cost you somewhere around $2200 to $2500.
Does Kia warranty cover engine replacement? ›
Since the engines are flawed both Kia and Hyundai offer a free lifetime engine replacement warranty on affected vehicles, but only if you've completed the KSDS (knock sensor detection system) upgrade.
What is the recall on the Kia engine control system? ›
Kia Recall Engine
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged.
How much are people getting for Kia settlement? ›
As it stands now, the law firm says compensation for total loss of vehicles could be up to $6,125. Compensation could reach up to $3,375 for damage to vehicles and personal property. Expenses such as car rentals, transportation costs, and towing costs could also be reimbursed.
What is Kia doing about engine problems? ›
Hyundai and Kia are directing owners of several 2023 and 2024 models to park their vehicles outside and away from structures while a recall campaign is conducted to replace potentially faulty oil pumps that may cause an underhood fire.
What is the life expectancy of a Kia engine? ›
It is much easier to keep a Kia SUV on the road with the help of an expert. An estimated average lifespan of 200,000 miles equates to about 13 to 17 years on the road. Vehicles tend to drive 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year. A well-maintained Kia SUV could even last 250,000 miles.
Is it worth replacing a whole engine? ›
First, assess the overall condition of your vehicle. If the car is in good shape aside from the engine, rebuilding or replacing may be worthwhile. Next, consider the costs; rebuilding can often be cheaper, but if the engine has suffered significant damage, replacement might be more cost-effective.
Is it better to replace an engine or get a new car? ›
Needed Upgrades: If you are seeking an upgraded space or new features, a vehicle replacement might be the right option for you. Higher budget: While engine replacement is costly, it is often much cheaper than a new vehicle. If you have a larger budget to spend on your vehicle, you might consider opting for a new car.
How do I claim my Kia engine replacement warranty? ›
To file a new claim online, please visit Kia's website at https://customercare.kiausa.com/Request/NewRequestThetaClass. You will be asked to provide contact information, information about your Class Vehicle including the VIN and mileage.
Do I qualify for Kia class action lawsuit? ›
To qualify for benefits under the Settlement you must have bought or leased a Class Vehicle, which are certain vehicle models originally equipped with or replaced with the respective corresponding genuine multi-port fuel injection (“MPI”) or gasoline direct injection (“GDI”) engine within Original Equipment ...
If you bought or leased certain 2010–2020 model year Kia vehicles, you may be eligible for benefits. The only way to receive certain reimbursem*nt and compensation in this Settlement is to file a Claim. Claim Forms must be submitted online via this website, via email, or postmarked no later than July 8, 2024.
Which Kia models have engine problems? ›
Worst Issues
- engine failure in the 2011 Optima. ...
- catastrophic engine failure in the 2012 Sorento. ...
- engine blown in the 2013 Optima. ...
- engine stopped working while driving in the 2012 Sportage. ...
- engine stalls/shuts down while driving in the 2013 Sorento. ...
- blown motor in the 2013 Sorento. ...
- engine failure in the 2012 Optima.
Hyundai and Kia say that many of the engine problems have to do with a faulty connecting rod bearing. The connecting rod is a vital component between the engine's piston and crankshaft, and the bearing is between the connecting rod and the crankshaft.
Is the Kia engine recall extended warranty? ›
The Extended Warranty will cover damage to the short block assembly, consisting of the engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings, and pistons, and the long-block assembly, that is the causal result of connecting rod bearing failure in those Class Vehicles owned or leased by individual ...
What is the factory warranty on a Kia engine? ›
Coverage for your Kia.
Let our confidence be yours with our industry-leading Kia 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program. The Kia 10-year/100,000 mile warranty program* consists of: 10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty. 5-year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty.
Will warranty pay for new engine? ›
A powertrain warranty is a type of limited warranty that covers the cost of repair or replacement for parts of the powertrain, such as the engine and transmission. Because these are some of the most important parts of the vehicle, they can be the costliest to fix.
What years did Kia have bad engines? ›
Affected Kia models include the 2010 through 2019 Borrego, the 2014 to 2016 Cadenza, 2010 through 2013 Forte, Forte Koup and Sportage, the 2015 to 2018 K900, the 2011 to 2015 Optima, the 2011 to 2013 Optima Hybrid and Soul, the 2012 to 2017 Rio, the 2011 to 2014 Sorento, and the 2010 to 2011 Rondo.
How long should a Kia engine last? ›
According to CoPilotSearch.com, Kia vehicles are expected to last 200,000 miles. However, no vehicle will stand the test of time without proper routine maintenance.
