- #3929 of 4012
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Kia Sorrento/A/C and warranty
by melmouse
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Apr 22, 2008 (7:31 am)
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Here is my story.......
I purchased a 2004 Sorrento three months ago. It had 56000 miles on it. I am the second owner. I have the records of maintenance of the car. Service records are up to date. When I got the car, the a/c was working, but the heater took about 30 minutes to work. Took it in for service, now the heater is great, but the a/c is not cold. Took it back in, they discovered the radiator cap was not tight or sealed, so they put a new cap on. They did a pressure test on the a/c to be sure there wasn't any leaks or cracks in the coolant bottle. This was on 3-29-08. Now, I'm driving down the highway, the car is making noises, now, the gas peddle isn't responding, so I pull off the side of the road. It over heats and leaks all over the road. Call roadside service, they pick up the car and take it to the dealer. I need a new engine. Why, because there is a crack in the coolant bottle which caused this entire mess. OK.... 3-29-08 there was a pressure test done and it passed. So, this was two weeks ago my car died. Did I mention I also purchased an extended warranty for 3 years/80,000 miles? Extended warrany rep comes out and denies my claim because I didn't maintain the a/c!!?? What?? He doesn't seem to care about the test that was performed two weeks prior to this......
So, in a nut shell..... Kia, warranty and extened warranty company and the service company who serviced my car, ALL say sorry about your luck.......
So, it will be about $5000. to get a new engine and for the labor.
Anyone have any ideas or thoughts for me? Oh, yeah, I have 61000 miles on the car and I just bought it less than three months ago! I purchased a Kia expecting the warranty and the car to be worth what they have promoted their cars and warranty to be! Not feeling it right now from them. Anyone have a clue for me where to turn or what to do??
THX
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- #3930 of 4012
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re: Kia Sorrento/A/C and warranty
by boltguy
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Apr 22, 2008 (6:00 pm)
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You could attempt to prove to Kia that the problem existed before your 60K bumper to bumper expired. Since you have proof that heater/ac problems existed previously. Worth a shot. Have you dealt with the Kia regional rep yet? Or just the extended warranty people?
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- #3931 of 4012
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re: Kia Sorrento/A/C and warranty [boltguy]
by melmouse
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Apr 23, 2008 (2:41 pm)
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Replying to: boltguy (Apr 22, 2008 6:00 pm)
I have seen consumer reports showing many 2003 Sorentos had this very problem. Also, I have seen a handfull of complaints from 2004 owners. And all of these cars had the engine die and all needed new engines. I understand they posted a TSB (I think that's what it is) a bulletin to the Kia service depts that this is an issue and an upgrade on how to fix the problem when the cars are brought in. I understand that this TSB is one step below a "recall" so Kia is fully aware that this model has a major issue. Kia and the extended warranty company are giving me nothing but a big fat "NO", sorry about your luck. I am contacting everyone daily and getting moved up the ladder in Kia, Rep and warranty company. I am awaiting the Warranty Rep to call me. They declined it due to "long term leak".... well, the car has been serviced and maintained and I've personally taken the car in a total of three times because of leaks. I also have proof of a coolant pressure test that was performed on the car on March 29, 2008 and it shows the car ran for over an hour and did not over heat or leak.
I'm at a total loss.... nothing but the run around and no! Kia should step up to the plate here, they are fully aware of the problem.
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- #3932 of 4012
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re: Kia Sorrento/A/C and warranty [melmouse]
by taomerni
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Apr 23, 2008 (8:57 pm)
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Replying to: melmouse (Apr 23, 2008 2:41 pm)
We sold our Kia this week .. And I hope the new owners have the same luck we had with it .. One thing I would do is call KIA and set up the appointment then you are not messing around with the dealer ... My dealer was Rosemurgy Kia ( NOW Balwig Kia Wausau Wisconsin ) I hope they continue the GOOD service trend .... And they were always more then happy too take care of issues during warranty and even after ...But for the RECALL on the 2003 Sorento's for the crank bolt , I called KIA's 800 number ... A good dealer is worth more than saving 300 dollars .. And my dealer was over an hour away .. But well worth the drive.. And I do have a post about Kia replacing the coolant reservoir under a recall .. It seems they haven't listened yet .. But a $100 dollar bottle can save then 5 grand in a replacement motor .. That makes good sense long term to me ..Plus gaining US market share as a lot of people are thinking of Kia's as a good vehicle these days .. And yes I sold mine with the original non leaking coolant bottle .. I hope it doesn't break for the new owner's .. Cuz the girl that bought it LOVED it . Get rid of the little things that cost owners BIG bucks and they will sell MANY MANY more of these SUV's ..They are awesome and fun to drive ...
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- #3933 of 4012
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Re: Kia Sorrento/A/C and warranty [melmouse]
by pao
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Apr 24, 2008 (5:27 am)
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Replying to: melmouse (Apr 22, 2008 7:31 am)
is your warranty thru a third party company? Did you purchase it thru the dealer or after you made your purchase....the coolant resevoir bottle it a know defect in the 03 and some 04s....it cracks on the bottom and leaks...however lost of the coolant from the reservior should cause major engine damage suddenly......you will know if the coolant resevoir leaks...as it leaves a large puddle under the vehicle....
a pressure test on the A/C system wouldnt show anything with the reservoir bottle IMHO, and I dont see how failure to maintain an A/C system has anything to do with an antifreeze coolant reservoir bottle failing.......a pressure test of the coolant system might have detected it.......but again....it doesnt let go suddenly......and you would have noticed a leak....
if the maintenance and service records are all IAW with KIA recommended services....I would ask the warranty rep to document his denial in writing with a formal explanation detailing the cause and effect of what outlines failure to maintain the A/C system etc....don simply accept a generalized answer....telling him you will include all service documentation and his written denial signed by the warranty company to the BBB to begin an arbitration process.....
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- #3934 of 4012
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re: Kia Sorrento/A/C and warranty [taomerni]
by melmouse
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Apr 24, 2008 (10:46 am)
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Replying to: taomerni (Apr 23, 2008 8:57 pm)
I purchased the extended warranty when I purchased the car. They refuse to give me anything in writing as to the reason why they denied the claim. They said they never do that in writing!
You have a post about Kia replacing the coolant reservoir under a recall???????
Can you PLEASE tell me where to find that.... That would be awesome if I could get a copy of that....... Thanks so much!!
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- #3935 of 4012
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re: Kia Sorrento/A/C and warranty [melmouse]
by steve_ HOST
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Apr 24, 2008 (11:02 am)
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Replying to: melmouse (Apr 24, 2008 10:46 am)
If they won't put it in writing, you can. You could send them a letter outlining what your understanding of the problem is - that you had the pressure tests done and the rep denied the claim because the AC wasn't maintained, etc., and if their understanding is different, then please let you know. Within ten days. Send it certified if you like.
Besides the BBB, other people to talk to would be your local consumer protection agency.
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- #3936 of 4012
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re: Kia Sorrento/A/C and warranty [melmouse]
by pao
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Apr 25, 2008 (4:27 am)
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Replying to: melmouse (Apr 24, 2008 10:46 am)
I see red flag right here if they will not do it in writing, who is they....the dealership service department?.....insist on it, you want written justification as to why they will not honor your warranty...no a verbal from the service writer!!!...again...is this a KIA America warranty or is this a aftermarket warranty sold by your dealership?.....if aftermarket....send you letter to the aftermarket insurance company, the general manager of the dealership, BBB, and KIA North America.....complaining about the dealership and their poor customer service....
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- #3937 of 4012
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re: Kia Sorrento/A/C and warranty [melmouse]
by taomerni
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Apr 25, 2008 (9:27 pm)
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Replying to: melmouse (Apr 24, 2008 10:46 am)
I have a message requesting that Kia SHOULD recall the 2003 coolant tanks .. It seems they would make a lot of people happier , rather than buying a new engine .. over a 100 dollar bottle ,, You can tell if you have the OLD style as the have RIBS on the bottom .. The new style is a flat bottom if I recall right ,, I haven't heard of any complaints with the new style ... If I kept my Kia , I would have bought a new bottle , And put it on myself .. I would be due for a coolant change anyways at 5 years old 
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- #3938 of 4012
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Re: Off-Roading and Brake Maintenance [phoenixrider]
by hadenough2
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May 17, 2008 (10:14 am)
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Replying to: phoenixrider (Jun 27, 2005 11:12 am)
I have a 2004 sorento with 185,000 kms on it. The crank shaft bolt broke, no problem, just drill and tap it. Threads are all worn from wobbling around in the crank. Told I need another engine. Did I mention this was my second Sorento. The first one died on me an hour after driving away from the lot. How much is a 2004 Sorento with a broken engine worth?
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